(1) They first ministered unto the Lord before the Lord involved them in His work. In other words, they had a relationship with God. They were devoted to Him and were His worshipers. IT'S A FRAUD TO BE A MINISTER WITHOUT BEING A WORSHIPER. Worship first, then service. Relationship first before ministry. Worship before work!
(2) Prayer & fasting are enjoined. In other words, we need to seek God first. This too is akin to relationship with Him. Fasting is not a show, it is a deep reverence we do quietly between us and God. It is done in order that we may seek God more. We don't change Him with our fasting but we change when we fast. We loose the bands of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free and we break every yoke.! (Isaiah 58:6). Such fasting coupled with prayer never misses God's will. It is done in order that we may arrive at God's will not our own. It is. Holy Ghost fast and it is acceptable to God. There is a ministry of fasting which the church today has lost. It is a ministey unto the Lord. It breaks yokes off of the lives of God's people and opens greater doors of ministry.
(3) Next, the Holy Ghost said...the Holy Spirit spoke, and her is very important. Ministry was neither the church leaders' idea nor was it the idea of those called. The Holy Spirit is the Supeme Owner of the work of God. Ministry is at the behest of the Holy Spirit. He is the One who speaks to the heart of the matter concerning God's choice for ministry. When the ministers waited on God for His will to be done, the Holy Ghost showed up and spoke up! This is the true definition of ministey. No ministry even happened led in the Old Testament without the voice of God. If the work is Hod's work then we must wait for His voice to speak before we act! Ministey is the product of God's voice. It is a divine pronouncement!
(4) Next, the voice of God came specialfically for Barnabas and Paul. "Separate Me Barnabas and Paul for the work which I have do them." Ministry is separation unto God of the call and the call of God. It calls for commitment to the work. Absolutely nothing ought to occupy the called but God and the calling. "Separate unto Me..."
(5) The work belongs to God.We often say things like "my ministry," or "my church." Truth is, we own nothing; WE ARE SERVANTS! God is our Master. The Holy Spirit is our caller. He calls us to serve God! This defines ministey exclusively! The question in ministry is "Lord what will you have me to do?" And how do you want me to do it?" This also calls for divine leading through and through. (Romans 8:14).
According to Matthew Henry's Commentary in this verse:
"... The Lord raises up instruments for his work, from various places and stations in life; and zeal for his glory induces men to give up flattering connexions and prospects to promote his cause. It is by the Spirit of Christ that his ministers are made both able and willing for his service, and taken from other cares that would hinder in it. Christ's ministers are to be employed in Christ's work, and, under the Spirit's guidance, to act for the glory of God the Father. They are separated to take pains, and not to take state. A blessing upon Barnabas and Saul in their present undertaking was sought for, and that they might be filled with the Holy Ghost in their work. Whatever means are used, or rules observed, the Holy Ghost alone can fit ministers for their important work, and call them to it."
Very sound word, brother! May God help His Church to learn and walk in these truths in Jesus' name, Amen.
ReplyDeleteUdeme Anosike