Receive the Greatest Gift
(weekly I write a five minute “doctrine talk” based on the doctrine in the passage of scripture we are studying in “People of the Promised Land 1 – Bible Study Fellowship”)
The Lord chose David to be king and made David victorious.
Evidence of his work for the Lord is found in 2 Samuel 8 when he placed the army officers (garrisons) in Damascus and dedicated these gifts to the Lord. And in 2 Samuel 9 when he honored Saul’s family with protection and provision for Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth.
We can see from the beginning of our introduction to David, the work God had for him. His call is clear and evident to us because we are looking in hindsight. And you know what they say, “hindsight is 20/20”. Meaning it is easy to see clearly backwards. It’s a no-brainer to us what God was doing in David’s life…molding and shaping him to be King and from him the true King and kingdom would rein. But for me, I wonder at times how much David knew, believed and followed out of obedience and faith or just as “working onto the Lord”. And is there a difference?
First, let’s remember that “work” is a gift from God. He created us to work from the beginning. Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And still today…we know our work as the “great commission”. Matthew 28:19-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Are you tired yet? Work is exhausting however the greatest work has been done. Salvation is by faith alone, not by works or even by some combination of works and faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Do you believe that God created and empowers your work? Do you view it as a privilege to serve Him in whatever capacity and title you have today? That our work for Him is out of love for what He has done for us? A want to, not a have to. Or do you find yourself working in drudgery and resentment?
I’m the first to yell, PTL that I can sleep in on Saturday mornings because leaders meeting is Friday nights. Grateful that I don’t have to get up 6 days a week in the dark. However, do I rejoice that I get to serve Him intentionally Friday and Monday nights?
Sometimes I have to be careful that I am only accepting tasks that I think I am capable to do. When Sannie asked me to pray about STL, my first thought was, “no way, I am in full-time ministry 5 days a week how can I do more?” The problem with that question was the “I”. Do you struggle with the same? Wondering how you are going to do it all?
This is the season when Amy will be asking you to pray about your commitment to leadership for next year. Consider this (as I had to). Do you believe that the Spirit empowers your work? If you focus on the work alone, it can seem overwhelming but if you focus on the unending power of the Spirit, He will take you beyond your capacity and capabilities.