Here is an overview of what Jentzen Franklin just spoke at C3.
Lev. 21:20
He that has a call on his life…don’t tear your holy garments.
Scripture says not to tear your garments however…
Job, tore his clothes when suffering came.
David, tore his clothes when Abner was killed
Joshua and Caleb, tore their clothes when missed opportunity to attack.
In scripture, when people did not know how to express themselves during times of deep sorrow, they tore there clothes. When they felt there was no hope, no solution, no way out, they tore their garments.
God seemed to be fine with Job, David, Joshua and Caleb, tearing their clothes, feeling hopeless in the situations they found themselves in. However, in Leviticus 21:20 he told the Priest this was not acceptable.
Why?
“Tearing our garments” as Pastors is to say that my problem is to BIG for God.
As Priest and Ministers we are to NEVER feel hopeless. We are to never feel like its over. We are to never feel that there is “no use to go on”. Because (tearing your garments) giving up, is to say that my issue, my problem, is way to hard for God.
In Ministry, you will experience grief. You will experience pain. You will experience failure. You will experience frustration. You will experience betrayal. But don’t ever give up. Never, let go. Never, quit. Don’t tear your clothes.
In ministry, there will be days where you are the big dog and there will be other days where you are the fire-hidrant.
Here is a word of advice...If you are looking for life without pain, if you are looking for a life without pressure, DON’T GET IN MINISTRY.
There will be things that come into you life that (if you allow them that will allow them) will cause you to tear your ministry to pieces.
Elijah experienced amazing things from the Lord. However, after a season of amazing miracles Elijah saw that he was a wanted man. When he realized the Queen wanted to kill him, Elijah went out under a Juniper Tree and tore his clothes.
It was right after the tearing of his Clothes, that God told Elijah to appoint your successor. His ministry was over because he “tore his clothes”. He gave up.
Joel 2:13Tear your hearts, but not your garments.
The bottom line is this. Tough times are going to come. Tough people are going to hurt you. Tough situations will try and tear you to pieces. However, when those things come…open your heart before the Lord, but refuse to give up.