THE MASTER’S MODEL FOR MINISTRY

 Jesus is our model for ministry. Of course we will not be perfect, but we should make progress in following His example, as we yield to His Spirit within us. From start to finish, let us fulfill God’s call and pursue all that is right!

AT THE FEET OF JESUS

It is our privilege and duty to bring the congregation to the feet of Jesus in worship. We can only lead people where we have been!  As a preacher, I need to know the way, consistently coming in consecration to Christ on a daily basis.  This will ignite a passion in me, as I worship Him, to bring the people to bow before Him on the Lord’s Day. No matter what else we may accomplish, should we fail to bring the church to bow at His feet, then our purpose for gathering has failed. However, as the old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”  Likewise, we may bring people before the Lord and the failure is theirs—they would not drink of the Living Water. But, let us model and bring a message that brings them to the feet of Jesus.  That we can do—and must do!

There are many lessons to learn from the visit of the Magi. It is a wise man indeed who falls at Jesus’ feet to worship Him. There are numerous occasions where this act of submission, devotion, and adoration is recorded in Scripture.

 

They bow at Christ’s INCARNATION.  “When they … saw the young Child … [they] fell down and worshiped Him.”  (Matt.2:11).  This stresses His humanity. We marvel that God would become man—the Infinite as an infant; the Creator becoming a creature!  To know He came in love to be one of us in order to save us fills us with awe.

They bow at Christ’s TRANSFIGURATION. “They fell on their faces” (Matt. 17:6).  This stresses His deity. Peter, James, and John got a glimpse of His glory. For one brief, shining moment, who Jesus was on the inside burst through to the outside. They were smitten by His splendor and fell at His feet.  Only a man could die for us, but only God could save us. How marvelous!

They bow at Christ’s RESURRECTION. “They came and  held Him by the feet” (Matt. 28:9).  This stresses His victory. He stands before them as Conqueror of death!  It is now nail-scarred feet before which they fall. Wonder and worship is their response, and ought to be ours as we bow before the One who holds the keys to death, hell, and the grave!

Later, John would record how he would bow at Christ’s GLORIFICATION.  “I fell at His feet as dead” (Rev. 1:17a).  This stresses His supremacy. Those who bow before Him now as the Lord and Savior, will bow before Him in glory as King of kings and Lord of lords. When we gather for worship, spiritually we may bow before the glorified Christ in anticipation of literally bowing before Him someday!

The Gospel song, written by Squire Parsons, Jr., puts it:

If I leave this world of sorrow sometime before you do,

Just look for me in heaven and we'll talk the ages thru;

But if, at first, you fail to see me, let me tell you where I'll be,

I'll be thanking Christ, my Savior, for saving a wretch like me.

Don't look 'neath the gates of pearl, don't look on the streets of gold,

Don't look by the walls of jasper, nor among the many sights untold;

For I've been longing and I've been waiting for the precious, holy One to meet,

There I'll be thru the countless ages, look for me at Jesus' feet.

LED THAT WE MIGHT LEAD

 

Joseph provides an example of how those in church leadership should be led by the Lord. We can only be effective if we are directed by Him. Unlike Joseph, we may not expect an angel to guide us, but we have God’s Word to speak to us and the Spirit of God to specifically apply the principles revealed in our current context. The issue in much of our leadership is not so much a failure of knowing what to do, but knowing it and failing to do it!  Certainly, we must ask God for clear direction, but my problem has often been knowing more than I have been doing!  

The three responses of Joseph, as underscored by Olford here are vital in being led that we might lead. Preacher, stand fast, shun fear, and show faith!  In these days of doctrinal and moral compromise, may God give us a backbone of steel—clarity and courage of conviction!

EXPOSITION AND ESCHATOLOGY

Eschatology is the doctrine of “last things.”  About 1/5 of the Scriptures are prophetic in nature. A preacher who avoids preaching about the second coming of Christ is not following Paul’s example who said, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD,” (Acts 20:27, emphasis added). Faithful exposition of the BIblical text demands an eschatological emphasis.  

As we come to the last chapter of the Bible, we find another Apostle—John—commanded to preach with urgency, as if Christ were returning soon. Three times, in Revelation 22, Jesus declares, “I am coming quickly.”  What if your next sermon would be your last one before Christ comes for His church?  It could be!

Eschatological exposition is a call for rejoicing. “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev.22:7). This is our happy hope!  It is the ultimate joy for the child of God—to be with Jesus forever in glory!  Read Revelation 22:1-6 concerning the wonder of heaven. This preaching stirs the soul to worship.

Eschatological exposition is a call to reward. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”  (Rev.‭22‬:‭12‬‬). We are reminded that even though our redemption is not by our works, our reward is determined by our works. The entrance to heaven is a matter of our faith in Christ, but the enjoyment of it is in measure of faithfulness to Christ (cf. 1 Cor.3:11-15).  This preaching summons the servants to work.

Eschatological exposition is a call to readiness. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev.22‬:‭20‬‬). An even stronger word is used to introduce consideration of Christ’s return: “surely,” and not just “behold.”  There is coming a day when the die is cast and those who are not prepared to meet God will have no further opportunity (Rev.22:8-16). But for now, the Gospel invitation is extended (Rev.22:17).  This preaching sets the saints to watch.

Adding to the prophetic Scriptures with sensationalism or subtracting from them by neglect are deadly serious. There are eternal consequences for the preacher and his people (Rev.22:18-19). May God strengthen us to stand and speak with urgency, so we may say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”  Preacher, may “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.” (Rev.22:21).