Chapter One
“Apostle John has bitten more than he can chew! What audacity!” Elder Carnalius spoke first.
Our church, the church of Laodicea received a letter from Apostle John. Our Lead Shepherd, Bishop Apporia found it offensive, hence he invited myself, Elder Carnalius, Elder Homologia and Elder Ephemera to a meeting.
”I not only feel insulted but I also feel a damage to my personality.” Bishop Apporia laments angrily.
”Sir, I think we are favoured to have received an instruction from the Apostle. I am sure he was led of God to write it.” I responded trying my best to reduce the tension and to avoid bitterness from growing amidst the brethren.
“What are you saying, Elder Fortunatus? Tell me, on what premise does Apostle John have the authority to instruct our Bishop?" Elder Carnalius directed his question at me. “This is our church. Our Bishop remains the overseer. The Apostle has no right to write to us.”
“But the church is not our church in reality. The church belongs to Jesus and if He chooses to instruct us via the Apostle, who are we to reject His warning.” I said.
“You may be a nobody, Elder Fortunatus, but me, I am a somebody. I am the Lead Shepherd of this church. I am responsible for this church. Even Jesus knows He will need my permission to speak in this church. When we get to heaven He is Lord, but here on earth, I am in charge. So mind your tone Fortunatus and respect my office.” Bishop Apporia response to me.
“I am sorry sir. I didn’t mean to sound offensive, I was only drawing our attention to the truth that the church belongs to Jesus, our Lord.”
“But some of us are also leaders here and we deserve our due. That was the same thing John did. Imagine he wrote a letter to me and he called a whole me a messenger of the church of Laodicea? Can you imagine that?”
“What? What audacity! How could he call you a messenger. You, a whole bishop of our church. That is gross dishonor. No wonder he was banished. He doesn’t know how to give honor to who it is due.” Elder Ephemera included for the first time.
I was shocked. Was the beloved Apostle wrong to have referred to our Lead Shepherd as a messenger? I thought Christian leaders are first servants of Jesus? God, what is your church becoming?...
And to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the trusty and faithful and true Witness, the Origin and Beginning and Author of God’s creation: Revelation 3:14, AMP.
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:1-3, ESV.
_Continue reading in Chapter Two._
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