Ministers to the Lord

“There is none righteous no not one.” “We all fall short of the glory of God.” These truth are vital to recognize for those who serve the Lord. When the Lord set apart Aaron and his sons to be His priests, He mandated that they go through consecration procedures that included blood sacrifices of animals, offerings made by fire, washing with water, consumption of bread and wine, and anointing with oil. [1]

The Lord said, “Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet in water… when they go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the Lord, they shall wash with water, lest they die.” [2]

They needed cleansing and anointing by the Lord. The “baby” first steps of ministry involved listening and obeying the Lord’s instructions. Their first priority was ministry to the Lord.

“You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me as priests.” [3]

It helps to know this background when reading the words of Jesus to Jerusalem’s priests. He told them a parable of a vineyard owner whose managers took over the operation. When the owner sent his representatives to require from them the portion that was due him, they beat some and killed others. Finally, the owner sent his one and only son to them to collect the dues. They killed the owner’s son thinking that this act would win them the vineyard. Jesus said that the owner would destroy them. Then, Jesus proceeded to indicate to them that He was the Owner’s (God’s) Son. The priests wanted to kill Jesus. [4] They were not ministers to the Lord.

Later, Jesus said to His followers, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” [5]

Those who serve themselves at the expense of others are imposters not ministers.

King David wrote, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” [6]

It is precious when the Lord brings a person to the place where he dies to self and yields self to the Lord. This is what it means to be a disciple of the Lord.

“He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” [7] To represent the Lord well, we must be with Him and learn from Him.

The Lord says that wisdom cries out, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live and go in the way of understanding.” Wisdom is to sup with the Lord, and to listen to what He has to say. [8]

Let us pray for one another that the Lord would grant us grace and empower us by His Spirit to die to self and to live for Him. Sin separates people from God. Everybody needs to know who Jesus is. He is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is the One who baptizes His ministers with the Holy Spirit so that we can represent Him well. [9]

“Praise the Lord, all you nations! Laud Him all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” [10]

[1] Romans 3:10, 22; Exodus 29-30
[2] Exodus 30:19-20
[3] Exodus 30:30
[4] Mark 12:1-12
[5] Mark 12:38-40
[6] Psalm 116:15
[7] Mark 3:14
[8] Proverbs 9:4-5
[9] Isaiah 59:2; John 1:29; Mark 1:8
[10] Psalm 117