Stay Broken at the Foot of the Cross
A Pastoral Letter to My Students
What do seminary professors tell their students about shepherding? When we follow the Lord in our guidance and instruction it is not about technique, as in “Try this. . . “ Rather, we seek to keep them away from such things. If the future Christian shepherd is to pastor after the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus, then we must abide in Him.
This was on my mind as I wrote students tonight. I thought I would share this with you. You should know that shepherds are best trained by the Good Shepherd. A professor is a spiritual guide to help those called to be shepherds and not religious store CEOs. That latter seems to be the default setting. There is no better method of preparing shepherds-to-be than to lead them back to the cross, and charge them: “Remain there.” I sought to do that in tonight’s pastoral letter to my students. Perhaps, my little charge may be of encouragement to you or your loved ones.
My Beloved Students in the Gospel Ministry:
I cannot say how very proud I am of each of you. Continue in the good work of study, prayer, and staying broken before the cross. You will be strengthened by your humility before the event at Golgotha. Take up the cross in your life of prayer. Out of His strength, then, you will minister His life to others. The more you are led by the Holy Spirit of the living God, the better you can serve others. For the flock will recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd in your voice, sense His presence in yours, and be comforted with the same comfort you receive. The cross is the locus of cosmic sacrifice, where the ancient covenant is fulfilled: the righteous for the unrighteous, the penalty of death for the sinner. It is Moriah, the place where “the Lord will provide” ( יְהוָ֣ה יִרְאֶ֑ה), Jehovahjireh (KJV). Remain at the “old rugged cross” by prayer and meditation and the smoke of the incense of the Sacrifice will perfume your very soul. In this way, you will be the aroma of salvation to those who are perishing, as well as those whose precious souls need spiritual direction.
My prayer for you this day comes from my heart as I make this +Collect from the Book of Common Prayer my own:
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Dr. Milton
+ A collect (Ka’-lect) is a ”common” prayer, in some traditions of the Church, meant to gather the people and the focus of worship through a succinct supplication to the Lord.