I received a call from him that day. He asked; “Pastor, what’s the total cost of the project you announced in Church the other day?” I told him the amount. The next day, I received a credit alert of the exact amount from him. I knew it must have been a sacrifice for him. He went the extra mile. He is a son of consolation.
Friend, God is looking for “sons and daughters of consolation” today. These are people who would go the extra mile for the Kingdom. They serve as source of help and encouragement to Kingdom leaders. People like these occupy a special place in the heart of God and in the Kingdom. Like Timothy and Epaphroditus, they are responsible for pushing God’s work where and when it matters most (Philippians 2:20-30).
“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:36-37). Several people gave and laboured to push the early Church forward, but there was someone who was singled out for recognition.
I believe it was not just what Joses did that day that gave him the recognition, since other people also sold lands and gave. It was because that was his way of life; Beyond the giving, he has been a son of consolation to the apostles. They had to give him that name. It was a testimony of his life of service and sacrifice. Let me ask you; “What does your pastor call you, either in his heart or verbally; a son of consolation or discouragement?”
Ministry is already demanding, don’t add to your pastor’s pain. Your pastor can either pastor you in joy or in pain. This is the burden of spiritual leadership; we go all the way for people no matter who they are or what they do. But you have got to make up your mind that you would be pastored in joy and not in pain. Like Hebrews 13:17 says, “…let them do it with joy and not with pain, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
As you go into this season, I want you to check your posture towards the work that God has given your Church and pastor to do. Make your contributions; go the extra mile. It is not enough to expect big from your pastor, Surprise him with your big commitment too. Like the men of David, one way to reward your pastor’s labour is to go the extra mile in your giving and commitment (2 Samuel 23:15-16). Give your pastor joy. Be a son (or daughter) of consolation. Be blessed!
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria