The Message of a Pulpit to the Preacher
Pulpits are interesting things. They come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, configurations, etc. In my experience, the basic function of a pulpit is to provide a convenient place for a preacher to lay his Bible and whatever notes he may have. Some pulpits may have additional things that seemed to be designed to help. There may be a light placed in such a way so as to help the preacher read the material he has placed on the pulpit. There could be a microphone to help amplify his voice. In recent years, some churches have installed screens in pulpits so that the preacher can look down and see the PowerPoint slides that those who are listening to him are seeing on another larger screen or screens.
Not long ago, I stepped behind a pulpit that had two unusual features. As I looked down, I saw a small plaque that contained this message: Show us the Father. As I was contemplating the enormous challenge those four words presented, I noticed another feature on the pulpit: a small, but very noticeable clock.
Since I had my mind on what I was about to say, I didn’t give a great deal of thought about the juxtaposition of those two things at the time. Given my weird sense of humor, I just found it slightly amusing.
Since that time, though, I have given a little more thought to the plaque and the clock. There may or may not have been an intended message, but, if there was, I wonder if it was something along the lines of:
- Describe to us the indescribable and explain to us the unexplainable, but don’t take too long in doing so.
- Tell us of the majesty and power of God, but make sure we get out in time for lunch.
- Help us to understand, appreciate, and love an eternal Being in twenty minutes or less.
While it is (at least for me) a little tempting to think that one of these may be the intended message, that may not be the case. I’ve thought of at least one other option. That option is far more serious than the ones I’ve already mentioned.
Maybe all who preach would do well to keep in mind the mental image of that plaque and clock. Maybe it will serve as a reminder of both the majesty and power of God and His Word along with the frailty and uncertainty of life.
Richard Baxter was a Puritan preacher who lived and died in the seventeenth century. He may have said best what I’m thinking:
I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.
It could very easily be the case that no message was intended by what I saw on one particular pulpit. Whether or not that is the case, it sure gave me something to think about as a preacher (even though I don’t do that as much as I used to).
Maybe it will give those who will never preach something to think about as well. All of us – preachers and non-preachers alike – would do well to remember that the man behind the pulpit is a mere mortal with finite ability who is doing his best to help those who listen to him try to understand, appreciate, love, and obey the One who is immortal and infinite.
There may not be either a plaque or a clock on the pulpit, but I can say from experience that both are “in his head.” In fact, there’s something else in his head as well. In some respect, he’s “walking a mental and emotional tightrope.” He loves God and His Word. He also loves the people of God and those he’s trying to lead to Him.
Instead of critiquing and timing these men, maybe we should think more about supporting and encouraging them.
AUTHOR: Jim Faughn