"Gleaners"

There's one downside to writing a post titled "Crumbs". I had food on my mind for a good portion of the day. It didn't help any, that I was on the phone with my best friend yesterday afternoon, as we were both returning to "home-base" if you will, having been on the road all day and our conversation turned to food and cooking.

Somehow, though, as I reflected on the concept of crumbs, my brain made the connection to gleaners. Which immediately brought to remembrance the story of Ruth... which is an incredible story on so many levels. What's awesome about this story, is that while the harvesters let her glean from what was left over in the fields, Boaz grants incredible favor to Ruth.

In chapter 2, verses 15 & 16, we see Boaz offer this blessing.

"Let her glean from among the sheeves... and pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it..."

He didn't want her gathering whatever she could; but he made sure that she was getting more than enough; and not just the scraps that remained. He instructed the harvesters to leave some of the best, that they had already gathered and pull it back off cart to leave for her!

Similarly for Associates in ministry should it be; that they have opportunity to glean and engage in real and meaningful ways in the works and activities of the church. Their experience in ministry should be abundant and full; rich in knowledge and conversation, creating opportunities whereby they might witness the incredible, as God works in their midst.

Yes, the opportunity to "follow behind" are appreciated; but to be shown favor and receive more than we asked or imagined to meet and fulfill the need in our lives is a life-altering experience.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, that leadership and Associates would work well together. May their be a grace and an understanding as they proceed to fulfill the calling and vision God has placed upon them. May Associates have an experience as they participate and learn from senior Pastor that would equip them and prepare them for whatever is "next" that God has in store for their lives and ministry. May their work bring glory to God as they faithful work the spiritual fields.

Favor; as they glean
Working the harvest;
For the spiritual fields are ripe.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC