The dark side of the moon is something that no man is more acquainted with than astronauts like Mike Collins. These astronauts called the Command Module Pilot acted like a specialized “bus driver” and orbital scientist. While the other two astronauts descended to the surface in the Lunar Module (LM), the CMP stayed behind in the Command Module (CM) to keep their only ride home running. While they are considered to have been on the dark side of the moon, they weren’t in darkness at all. Because the “dark side” of the Moon isn’t actually dark; it’s simply the far side that faces away from Earth. When Collins orbited behind the Moon, he was often looking at a landscape bathed in bright sunlight. He was deemed “The Loneliest Man in History” as he was totally separated from all humanity on the back side of the moon. Seemingly forgotten by everyone.
Well what does this have to do with ministry? Why the dark side of ministry? While those that minister sometimes act as “spiritual bus drivers” helping people reach our heavenly home, they often get forgotten. How you may ask? You may see their ministry in part, but not in whole. You see they have lives too. They have pain too. They get offended too. But when they need someone to minister to them, they are pouring into others. When they are sitting there getting the doctor’s report, they are getting texts to pray for others. When they just want to stop and take a break they encourage others to run the race. Have you ever prayed for them in the middle of the night? They have for you. Have you ever greeted them and checked on them, or do you immediately pour out your problems on them?
You see those in ministry are people too. They need uplifting too. Now just as the CMP they are never truly in darkness because God is a light about them. It doesn’t hurt to reach out though and check on them, after all they are your brethren.
To the ministry: 1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
To us all: Galatians 6:2 KJV Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
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