A Faithful Ministry Begins at Home!

Sunday, October 03, 2021

A Faithful Ministry Begins at Home!

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

(1 Samuel 16: 10 - 12)

The life of King David continues to encourage and inspire many of us. David, who was a little shepherd boy, and David, the King of Israel, are the two examples of the before and after of this great spiritual giant. I have always been excited to learn the nuances in David's life and the mighty way in which God took this ordinary boy and made him an extraordinary servant and leader. David ruled Israel as God's anointed king, and as he ruled, He served God. David's service as King of Israel was his ministry!

One intriguing fact that always fascinates me about David is his humble beginning. And, indeed, David's beginning inspires many of us to rise and serve God from whichever background we may be coming from. God takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary to serve Him, and indeed, David becomes one of such great examples that we find in the Bible.

David's faithful ministry of shepherding the nation of Israel began at his home, probably in the name of "family responsibility." He was the youngest of the sons of Jesse, and just like how many of the youngest would be treated in our homes, David would have been the "neighbour messenger", "home delivery boy", "dispatch rider", "urgent shopping officer", and with all these, the one who ends up shepherding the family's flocks when the elder ones were given much greater and formal responsibilities; some of them even served in the army. Going through 1 Samuel 16, we also find that David was even ignored at the line-up for Prophet Samuel's inspection, he was not even on the list! His father Jesse and his brothers did not even consider him eligible to stand in that line. 'The forgotten shepherd brother,' may be. And, look how amazing it is that God wanted this little shepherd who was doing his duty with a joyous heart and a responsible mind.

David's beginning just reminds me of the importance of teaching children that their ministry of faithful work and responsibility begins not at the church, not in the society, not on the evangelism ground, but at home. It matters to God! God is in search of people who are already careful and responsible about the work that has been given to them at home, and He loves it when we do it with a heart of content and duty with utmost sincerity. We must encourage and teach our children to first begin their ministry at home, and David reminds us that it matters. Remember what Jesse answered when he was asked by Samuel whether he had any other sons? Jesse said, “There is still the youngest. “He is tending the sheep.” And Samuel says, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives” (1 Samuel 16: 10-12). See, it matters. That's the honour and importance given to a worker of integrity by the prophet of the nation. And, God says to Samuel when David arrives, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one” (1 Samuel 16: 12). Wow!

I have just returned after sharing the word of God with children via zoom who were celebrating the Children's and Elders' Day on this Sunday. One thing that I have encouraged them is to begin their ministry now, at their homes, in the name of 'family prayer coordinator.' This is a simple but great platform for children in Christian homes to learn the basics of ministry in the greater church, community, nation and world. I have encouraged them to faithfully take up the challenge of organising and conducting the daily family prayer at their homes. Let their ministry begin at home, and we know that the Lord will expand it, day by day, year by year, decade by decade, to be an international ministry that will reach the world with the love and grace of Christ Jesus. You could encourage the same too.

Today, this Sunday, as we celebrate children and thank God for giving them as blessings to us worldwide, let us remember to teach them to start their ministries for Christ Jesus at home, first among the family members, so that they will grow up to be great ambassadors of God's Kingdom who will faithfully serve till the end. May the power and blessings of God the Father, the love and grace of Christ Jesus the Son, and the fellowship and guidance of the Holy Spirit, be with us, as help the younger generation to be faithful ministers of God.

May God bless you.

Yours in Christ,