- "And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him.
- THEN HE APPOINTED TWELVE, THAT THEY MIGHT BE WITH HIM AND THAT HE MIGHT SEND THEM OUT TO PREACH,
- and to have power [authority] to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons."
Mark 3:13-15 (NKJV)
• Jesus went into a mountain and call those whom He wanted
AND they came to him
HE ordained twelve that they might be with Him
THAT He might send them out to preach
AND to have power to heal sicknesses and
to cast out demons.
• YOU will discover in the above passage of the Bible that Jesus called those He wanted, not everybody.
AND They Came to Him.
WHEN He called them, they came to Him, they did not resist the calling.
• The purpose of calling them:
- He ordained the twelve to be with Him.
THE primary purpose of the call is that they might be with Him. - When God calls you or gives you a vision, you do not rush at it.
YOU would have to stay with Him.
BEFORE doors would be opened to you in the ministry work, you have to undergo trainings—He would need to teach and train you.
• It is when the disciples were with Jesus that they learnt a number of things which were needful for their success in the work.
THEY were with Him for three and half years.
YOUR primary assignment that will qualify you to work for God or fulfill your vision is, having a strong fellowship with Him.
• The duration of time to be with Him is determined by the kind of the assignment He has for you.
YOU will be with Him in fellowship, prayer, studying and learning of Him.
- While you are with Him: He will expose you to challenges in order to build you up: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience [endurance or perseverance]" (James 1:2,3).
HE would have to scold and chastise you when you go astray (Hebrews 12:7). - Every error or disobedience attracts sanction or punishment.
- What others who are not with Him did and go scot-free, if you did such, it will attract chastisement (Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 3:11).
HE may be strict with you. - He may be interested in every aspect of your life, even the minutest details of your career, marriage, business, prayer life, study life, finances, or whatever.
YOU may not have peace in all you do without surrendering all to Him. - Remember, He will not leave any stone unturned in disciplining you.
HOW you respond to His discipline determines how soon He opens the doors of ministry to you—open the doors for your vision to be announced.
• Informal or Practical trainings (Luke 16:10-12).
- He may allow you to be taught and trained under a leader.
"And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?
Luke 16:12 (NKJV)
- Your vision may be found under a corporate vision, another person's vision which has become big.
THIS is about those who will not be at the first level of leadership.
SOME would not be at the first level of leadership, they are to find their vision
under a corporate vision—in another person’s vision. - While some would pioneer a new work.
THESE are those who are called to the first level of leadership
• Levels of Leadership
- Whether you are to work at the first or second level of LEADERSHIP, God will allow you to work with another man’s vision before He gives your vision to you, that is, before He sends you.
Why? Because He would want to test your faithfulness.
IF you are not faithful in small matters, you will not be faithful in the big ones (Luke 16:10)
• Faithfulness
Are you faithful in the assignment given you presently, either in your local church, place of work, or wherever?
GOD is watching your faithfulness (Ephesians 6:8).
YOUR faithfulness determines whether He will send you, give you more responsibilities, or not (Matthew 25:20-21).
YOU have to be proved through the dreams of others before you could be approved for whatever He has purposed you to do.
BE diligent in serving and be faithful under another person’s Vision, that your own vision may be given to you: "And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own? (Luke 16:12).Remember: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
• Put service before rewards.
DO not be conscious of rewards or gains, serve first.
- God knows your heart, the motive with which you do the work; if you do it well, your faithfulness would be rewarded.
- "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, NOT FOR DISHONEST GAIN BUT EAGERLY;
- nor as being lords [masters] over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
- and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."
1 Peter 5:2-4 (NKJV)
- Know that God rewards faithfulness (Hebrews 10:35,36).
GOD will look at the motive with which you do the work before He rewards you (1 Chronicles 28:9).
• How is Your Service?
IS your service an eye service or heart service?
ARE you serving with grudges in your heart?
WHAT is the motive behind your service?
IS it for gain, recognition, or to be praised?
CHECK your heart, WHY are you serving?
• First Level of Leadership
- If you are already at the first level of leadership, ARE you serving because of gain?
- Why are you ministering to the people?
ARE you ministering to those whom you are ministering to, because of what you will get from them?
"FOR THE LORD IS THE GOD OF KNOWLEDGE; AND BY HIM ACTIONS ARE WEIGHED ”
1 Samuel 2:3 (NKJV)
- He is weighing your actions?
PUT service before profit!
• You will not fail in Jesus' name.
Peace!
TO BE CONTINUED