Ephesians 4:11-13 - So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
This has been our anchor scripture the last 2 times we gathered and it continues to guide us today. We have discussed the need to step into our positions as administrators of God's kingdom here on earth. We now know that doing enables each member of the Body of Christ to help their individuals and the entire group of believers to grow in spiritual maturity. As everyone in the Body grows, God also provides blessings to those who accept the responsibility of their Kingdom Position.
Keep in mind that those who step into their role become servants of the Lord whom He uses to fulfill His purpose on the earth. The Bible is full of additional benefits and promises for such individuals. According to Psalm 35:27, God is concerned and takes delight in the prosperity and well-being of His servants. This is why the Lord ensured that Isaac reaped a hundredfold of what he planted after he obeyed the instruction to not leave for the greener pastures of Egypt when a famine struck the land in which he lived (Genesis 26:12). Unfortunately, all around him, others suffered because they did not His God. He, on the other hand, enjoyed wealth and power.
God's commitment in 1 Samuel 2:9 is that He will guard the feet of His faithful servants. They will not experience the sudden disaster that comes upon the wicked (Proverbs 3:25). This was the case for Prophet Jeremiah, who having served God even in the face of ridicule, was not carried off to Babylon as a prisoner when Nebuchadnezzar's army conquered his people. Instead, he was given the privilege and respect of a dignitary who could choose whatever he wanted to do and wherever he wanted to go (Jeremiah 40). Even Jeremiah's scribe, Baruch, received a heavenly promise that his life would be protected (Jeremiah 45:5).
Paul repeatedly experienced the blessings that stemmed from serving God. On multiple occasions, his opponents tried to kill him but couldn't succeed before the time the Lord had appointed for him to pass on. Some conspired to kill him in Damascus, but he was lowered through the city's wall in a basket before they could find him (Acts 9). A plot in Jerusalem was foiled when his nephew learned of it (Acts 23). A poisonous snake bit him on the island of Malta, but instead of dying, he was miraculously healed. The people came to believe in God and Paul healed several sick people. It is no wonder that Paul could write, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (2 Timothy 4:18). He could speak that way because he'd experienced the power and protection of the Almighty.
This is not to say that God's servants will not face trials and tribulations. However, the Lord will inform His servants before they experience the obstacles that typically come upon those who have committed to serve Him. Amos 3:7 - Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. This is why Jesus knew what His end would be. Even Paul was told by the Lord how and when he would die. Such advance information is not shared with those who are not God's servants and in fact, the receipt of such knowledge changes an individual's standing. Jesus acknowledged that because He'd shared what He knew with his disciples, He could no longer call them servants. Instead, He had to call them friends (John 15:15). Another person who was called "a friend of God" was Abraham (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). He too received advanced notice of things that were to come as was the case when the Lord revealed the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah to him (Genesis 18).
Being a faithful and genuine servant, though not always comfortable, comes with several perks. They are worth the price because God is faithful and will always get His servants through every challenge that they face. I pray you will take seriously the need to discover your calling and live it for God's glory. This way both the Body of Christ, other believers, and yourself are edified and strengthened to achieve the Lord's purposes here on earth. God bless you.
To learn more, please read the following related posts:
Exploring the Role of the Five-Fold Ministry in the Christian Faith: How Do You Fit In? (The Five-fold Ministry 1)
Unveiling the Crucial Role of the Five-Fold Ministry: How Do You Contribute to the Body of Christ (The Five-fold Ministry 2)
Embracing the Five-Fold Ministry: Unlocking Personal Benefits of Serving God (The Five-fold Ministry 3)
