Pastor as Physicians' Assistant

There is a wonderful Facebook page by a group known as Radio Free Babylon.  I'm not sure who they are or where in the world they got their name, but they do an almost-daily cartoon - always just four panels long - entitled "Coffee with Jesus."  It's a dialogue that different individuals have with Jesus.  I thought today's was particular insightful, especially for those of us who are pastors... but feel free to see yourself in this as well!

Pastor:  "Back to back appointments today, Jesus.  There are so many hurt and lonely people out there."

Jesus:  "Sure are, so let's go be a friend to the lonely and heal some hurts."

Pastor:  "This is serious business, Jesus!  It weighs on me!  I feel so... responsible."

Jesus:  "Just think of yourself as the one taking their vital signs before the physician steps into the room."


Being a pastor is serious work, and it sometimes feels heavy... very heavy.  But it's important for me to keep perspective of who I am and of Who is doing the real work in people's lives.

It reminds me of an interview I read years ago about the now-late Brazilian Archbishop Dom Helder Camara.  He had become fairly well known as a strong advocate for helping the poor and seeing the Church as Christ's instrument to bring relief to the suffering and good news to those in need.  He had been invited to travel to London to receive some prestigious award.  The interviewer asked him how he felt about this honor.  He replied that he always viewed himself as having a simple calling:  being a donkey for Jesus.  The interviewer was confused and surprised by this response - understandably so!  Dom Helder continued:  "On Palm Sunday, the donkey was the one who brought Jesus to the people.  I just want to be Jesus' donkey."

Again... an important and helpful perspective on who I am and what it is I'm truly called to do and be.

God's response to our greatest needs?

This was shared with me by a person who attends the weekly Bible Study I lead at our local, high-rise retirement home.  I thought it was worth passing along...

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
So God sent us a Savior.


This rings true for me.  How about you?