Parable of an Eagle

I gave a 14 minute farewell speech after a 30 min sermon. Everything went according to plan. At the end of speech I gave a parable of an eagle. I told the church the Lord showed to me an eagle with one of its wings bound - this image came to me often in my prayers and every time I thought of my ministry in church and for the future. My speech was composed and calm.

Only once my voice broke a little when I shared how hurt I felt last April. I wanted to give up then, but for the sake of 50 children and I told their parents I held on for a little while longer to teach them so that they could teach their children to be strong in the Lord. 

I started my speech by relating how I met a child of 8 years old on my way up the church. This 8 year old girl must be well taught - whenever she sees me in church, no matter where she is, she will come up to me to shake my hands. I told the church this girl respects her pastor (more than most adults) and I promised her and her mother that if I were invited to her baptism (we baptise kids when they turn 12 yo) I would come. It’s only 4 years from now. 

Then I told their church in plain language (it was full like last Sunday - 138 adults in one shop unit) why I was going. For a whole year, I felt restricted. Although my letter appointment is well and good and no restrictions were put on my pastoral role, many sought to undermine my authority. They chose to believe in lies and slander from various quarters. 

It was election year, the devil is hard at work to malign God’s servants. I was banned from standing in all church positions, but nothing black and white - they dare not confront me face to face but at my back they conspire to keep me in check like an eagle’s wings bound up. I felt no loss for it is not my fault,. It is the church’s loss if I could not serve to my full potential. 

Some people have big egos and positions to protect. So I told the church that I had never been disciplined by anyone or any church authority. If I have done wrong or sin, call me and tell it to my face and give me an opportunity to defend myself. Even in church we have a discipline board and no one is going to be condemned without a proper hearing with proofs and evidence of wrong doing. I told the church my ministry is undergirded by two main principles. First, my integrity and second, spiritual authority and if anyone does not believe in that I want no part with him or the church. 

I ended on a high note. I told them now I am free, my two wings are untied and if any church accepts my ministry I will bring them to fly with me like an eagle with the power of the Holy Spirit.