New Covenant Pastoring

Here is an excellent post (no surprise) from Ray Ortlund:

“For I know how rebellious and stubborn you are. Behold, even today while I am yet alive with you, you have been rebellious against the Lord. How much more after my death!” Deuteronomy 31:27

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

Moses ministered the old covenant. Paul ministered the new covenant.

Moses looked at his people and said, “You sorry bunch of rebels, I’ve had to watch you like a hawk. And the moment I die, I know what’s going to happen. You’re going to run from God so fast . . . .” Paul looked at his people and said, “Sure, you have problems. But I’m not worried about you. God is at work in you, and you’re going to be just fine.”

As a pastor under the new covenant, it is not my job to manage anyone’s sanctification for them. They do not need negative scrutiny; they deserve gospel encouragement. Should problems be addressed along the way? Sure. But the main thing to communicate is confidence, because God is at work in them. That work is sacred. That work can be trusted. I am walking among living miracles of God.