People in Ministry (4)
Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart… Exodus 35.21, 22
Can you see it?
Jesus intends His Church to be a people in ministry, equipped, ready, and diligent to do every good work they can to further His Kingdom and glory (Eph. 4.11-16; Tit. 2.11-14; Tit. 3.1, 8, 14; 1 Thess. 2.12). In this part of our study, we’re trying to discover what stirs the hearts of God’s redeemed so that they respond to ministry needs and opportunities with overwhelming energy and generosity.
This is what Moses experienced in the wilderness, when the multitudes of Israel responded with a super-abundant offering of treasure and talents for the purpose of building a dwelling-place for God in their midst. We have seen thus far that a deep and personal sense of the mercy of God, together with an awareness of His Presence in their midst, appeared to be contributing factors to such an outpouring of selfless giving for ministry.
Knowing that we are greatly loved, completely forgiven, and indwelled by God’s Spirit—to the extent that we truly know and experience these truths—can stir our hearts for ministry and move us to do good works.
If we keep in mind the larger context of the great offering and response which the people made in Moses’ day, a third motivator for ministry comes into view. Moses had given the people of Israel a clear and compelling vision of a work of grandeur, beauty, majesty, and mystery which would serve both to glorify God and benefit the people for whom it was intended.
God provided Moses with detailed instructions concerning the construction of the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments which the priests were to wear. As he related this vision to the people of Israel (cf. 35:4-19), they must have been overwhelmed by the greatness of this awe-inspiring undertaking. Never had they seen anything like this before, much less had the opportunity to participate in bringing it to pass.
Great and compelling visions can stir the hearts of God’s people and move them to ministry.
The power of vision
Jesus understood the power of vision in moving people to ministry. At times, He spoke to His disciples in ways designed to give them a vision relative to the work of God in their individual lives, as when He called the disciples to be “fishers of men.”
At other times, He spoke in grand, sweeping terms about the Kingdom of God—its majesty, scope, greatness, value, character, and power. Jesus seemed to know that such visionary teaching has a way of stirring the hearts of people to create in them new longings and desires, on the basis of which new commitments and priorities can be built.
Jesus commanded His followers to seek the Kingdom of God as their defining priority (Matt. 6:33), and, as He continued to regale them with parables and images of the nature of that Kingdom, seeking the Kingdom became increasingly the natural thing for them to do. This perhaps explains why, at the end of forty days of concentrated teaching on the Kingdom of God, we find the disciples fairly champing at the bit to get their hands on it (Acts 1.1-7).
Rooted in Scripture
Moses was careful to convey the vision of the tabernacle precisely as the Lord had given it to him on the mount. Indeed, God Himself, over and over, repeated to Moses that he must be sure to carry out the instructions exactly as He had given them to him. Only a vision firmly rooted in the Word of God will have the requisite ability to stir people to ministry, for they will know that such a vision has come from the Lord, and has the authority and promise of His Word to back it up.
If we think, as puny human beings, that we can improve on the Lord’s vision for His Church and Kingdom, then we are deceived. While we may move people to initial efforts, unless they can see that this vision is in line precisely with what God has commanded and promised, they will soon drift away.
And let me say, building a large church is not a vision. It’s a project. Compelling vision that stirs the hearts of God’s people for ministry must be anchored in the throne room of Jesus and spelled in terms of God’s design for His Kingdom.
And if we search the Scriptures carefully, comparing the Lord’s teaching from every section of His Word, to discover His vision for our lives and for His Church, we will be able to fashion a vision of what God intends to do, a vision which, as we communicate it to God’s people, will cause their hearts to stir with a desire to know, love, and serve the Lord with every aspect of their lives.
Connect the hearts of God’s people with a clear and compelling vision of His will and designs, and they will be moved to be a people in ministry throughout your community.
For reflection
1. How would you describe the vision that drives your daily life?
2. Where would you look in Scripture to begin assembling a vision of God’s design for His Kingdom?
3. What does it mean to pray for the Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven?
Next steps—Preparation: Pray that God will give you a vision of His Kingdom, coming on earth as it is in heaven.T. M. Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Haven’t been to The Ailbe Bookstore lately? There’s a surprise waiting for you.
This week: Our Read Moore podcast continues an extensive look at the Kingdom of God in our book, The Kingdom Turn. In our Crosfigell teaching letter, we are looking at the state of pastors and churches during the period of the Celtic Revival, using contemporary witnesses. And in our Scriptorium column we are studying the sermon on the mount. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
