Richard The Seventh.

We at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene are excited and happy for Richard Griffiths!

This morning, Pastor Richard will be ordained as an Elder in our denomination. And, while on the surface this may appear to be the culmination of years of study and practical ministry, it is actually the launch-pad for God to do even greater things through this man of faith.

Our pastor holds a particular distinction. He will be the seventh ordained elder Bronx Bethany has had on full-time staff (after Pastor Cole, Pastor Sam, Pastor Benjie, Pastor Joy, Pastor Martha, and Pastor Althea), and Pastor Richard is being ordained in the fiftieth year of Bronx Bethany's existence. The numbers 7 and 50 are significant in Scripture-- both numbers are indicative of God's mandate for us to honor Him not just by the work we do, but also in the disciplines of resting from our labors (7/The Sabbath) and releasing others from their bondage (50/The Jubilee).

So, on this day when we celebrate this milestone for Pastor Richard, we also take inventory of ourselves. Are our lives reflecting this God-ordained cycle of work and rest? Are we happy to partner with God in releasing people from the situations and issues that have bound them for years? Are we ourselves living lives that are free from bondage to sin?

God, our Father, we understand that Your ways are perfect. Help us to understand the depth of meaning that underscores Pastor Richard's ordination today. Give us grace to obey Your call. Yes, we embrace rest for our bodies and souls. Yes, we exact release for our brothers and sisters.