Festival of Jesus Christ as Chief Elder
Jesus Our Treasure
Mistakes at times, can lead to great discovery. The task of Chief Elder of the Moravian Church in 1741 proved to be overwhelming for Leonard Dober, and so a special synod of young minds was convened to elect his replacement. After many failed attempt by lots, it was finally decided that the only Person fit to carry out this huge responsibility is the One who has given his life for the church. Two months later, on November 13, it was officially announced to all its constituents, that Jesus Christ was the Chief Elder of the Moravian Church. This is a defining moment in the Moravian Church, as it leads us to a great discovery of a truth, the discovery of our treasure, Jesus Christ and Him alone.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed a wide range of issues. In Matthew 6, he shifted his focus to teach about the things we hold dear that are of great value and importance to us. When Jesus made the statement in Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” he was advocating a radical shifting away from temporal things and being tied to those things that are eternal.
With Jesus as Chief Elder, we are demonstrating our motive, our passion, and our love of God and the ministries God has entrusted to us. We are also acknowledging that no human intervention, even with our varied gifts and skill sets, can adequately do the work of Chief Elder.
Enlightenment has come. It is admittance that Jesus has been and will always be the Chief Elder of our life and his church. He is in charge. He died for the church!
As we celebrate Jesus the Chief Elder, let us give way to his leading, directing, and managing the affair of our lives.
When we become tired in our service, it is the opportune time to step aside and allow the Chief Elder to take firm and full control. We are co-partners of this glorious work, for our heart and treasure are tied to him.
Rowan Simmons, pastor
New Dawn Moravian Church, Toronto, Ontario
