Pastoral Vision (11)

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11.16

How we envision the life of faith will in large part determine how we live it.

If we see faith as a kind of “Get Out of Jail Free” card which we play when the time comes, then we’re not likely to care about any other ramifications that might accompany believing in Jesus.

If believing in Jesus is the end of the road for us, and we’re just waiting at some station for the Glory Special to take us on board for our final journey to heaven, we might become impatient or even doubting. Why is it taking so long?

But if faith is a journey, then it calls for progress. There is an end, a destination, and we are moving toward it daily. We dare not linger along the way but press on in our journey of becoming more like Jesus Christ.

That, at any rate, is how Columbanus (ca 543-615) encouraged us to view our lives: “What then are you, human life? You are the roadway of mortals, not their life, beginning from sin, enduring up till death…So you are the way to life, not life; for you are a real way, but not an open one, long for some, short for others, broad for some, narrow for others, joyful for some, sad for others, for all alike hasting and irrevocable. A way is what you are, a way, but you are not manifest to all; for many see you, and few understand you to be a way…Thus you are to be questioned and not believed or warranted, traversed, but not occupied, wretched human life; for on a roadway none dwells but walks, that those who walk upon the way may dwell in their homeland” (Sermon V).

What kind of vision for the life of faith do we cast for the people of God? Do we consistently point them beyond the daily grind to the greater, unseen realities of that heavenly landscape? Do we urge the saints on to a clearer vision of those unseen things which are the North Star of our existence? Do we see our lives as continuous preparation for dwelling in the Presence of the Lord?

We must not allow the people in our care to mistake this present life as the end of faith, as if salvation consisted of worldly comforts. It is a way, that’s all. It can be a glorious way, whatever comes across our path, but only in the light of that King toward Whom we are journeying.

Resources for Shepherds
I am pleased to introduce you to Andre (A.D.) Labuschagne, our newest Brother in The Fellowship of Ailbe. A. D. and his wife, Kailie, live in Johannesburg, South Africa. Andre has been involved in ministry for more than 20 years and has served in a wide variety of roles, from teaching Sunday school, street evangelism, addiction counseling and leading worship, to planting ministries and pastoring churches. His heart has always been to serve. Kailie is a specialist wellness counselor who works to restore broken marriages and families. Together they want to see people healed. They want to see people delivered. They want to see people come to Christ. A. D. will be managing the “Insights” column on our Resources for Shepherds page. He would also like to hear about your insights and experiences, and to know how he might stand in the gap for you in prayer. He can be contacted via email using This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through his website, https://kingdomrevolution.co.za.

Our new Online Training Page offers a variety of learning resources of various kinds to help you and your congregation realize more of the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God. Click here to discover the videos, podcasts, conversations, short courses, and other resources—all free of charge—that can enhance your walk with and work for the Lord.

Men, join us for our May Kingdom Conversation on the topic, “Understanding the Times.” The mighty men of Issachar were an integral part of David’s team because they understood the times and knew what Israel must do (1 Chron. 12.32). If we are to fulfill our calling to the Kingdom and glory of God, we must understand our own times so that we can create initiatives and responses that will advance Kingdom of God in our world. Our discussion will be built on our book, Understanding the Times, but reading it is not required. Discussion questions will be sent out in advance. You can order a copy of Understanding the Times either in book form or in a free PDF. We will meet Thursday, May 23, at 8:30 pm Eastern.

From the Celtic Revival
Crosfigell is our twice-weekly teaching letter that focuses on the contribution of the Celtic Revival (ca. 430-800 AD) to our ongoing work today. This little-known period, when Irish Christians “saved civilization” (Thomas Cahill), has much to offer in the way of encouragement and example to the Christian movement in our day.

We have prepared several free resources to give you a look into this period and to challenge your faith and ministry with the example of our Christian forebears. Click the links below to check out the following:

The Celtic Revival: A Brief Introduction
Living to Rule: An Introduction to Celtic Christian Spirituality
Lives of Irish Saints: A Tribute
Columbanus: A Devotional History
Colum Cille: A Devotional History

In Crosfigell we have just begun a new series studying the high crosses of Ireland. These massive monuments have been described as Bibles in stone. They played an important role in the education of Christians during the period just following the Celtic Revival. You can follow this study, every Tuesday and Thursday, by subscribing to Crosfigell. Update your subscriptions or start a new one by clicking here.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.