There is a higher ministry for you
And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office. (Exodus 30:30, KJV)
Ministry, in essence, is serving others or working to meet the needs of others. While this definition holds true, things become fascinating when we look further to see what Scripture says about those we serve. Interestingly, we can minister directly to people or God. But does God have needs? This devotional will explore and show you that there is a higher ministry He has called you into.
When God was establishing the worship practices in the Tabernacle, He instructed Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons to “minister unto me in the priest’s office”. So, the priests were to minister to Him. And if we remember that we are His priests in Christ today, we begin to connect the dots to see that beyond our usual ministries of serving people, God has called us to also minister to Him.
How did the priests minister to God Himself? Essentially, they offered gifts and sacrifices in worship to God in the Tabernacle. But does God have needs? Certainly not! One of His distinctive characteristics that sets Him apart from humanity is that He has no needs: He is self-sufficient. However, Jesus reveals a remarkable truth to us about God in John 4:23:
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” (John 4:23, KJV)
The Father seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. Worship is something He desires, something that touches His own heart. If you understand this, then you have grasped the basics of catering to God’s presence in your heart. Hebrews goes further and says,
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15, KJV)
Imagine you are dressed in priestly garments in the courts of heaven, bringing your sacrifices to the throne of God, sacrifices of praise, worship, and thanksgiving to offer to your Father. That is a picture of you ministering to God directly. Of course, when we minister or serve people, we are ministering to God by ministering to people. But the higher ministry of worship is ministering to God directly. So embrace all of the ministries God has called you into: ministry to men and ministry to God continually.
Meditate
How does God call those in Christ who bring the real spiritual sacrifices He desires? Reflect on John 4:23.
Apply the Word
Solid ministry to men is founded on a well-grounded higher ministry to God. Cultivate a culture of worship, praise, and thanksgiving at all times. Could you take a minute and just offer unto God thanksgiving right now for the blessings you have in Christ?
Pray
Thank the Lord for making you a royal priesthood, a true worshiper.
Recommended
- What is Throne-Room Worship?
- Coming into God’s Presence
- Two Lessons from Messianic Jewish Worship
- What is Throne-Room Worship?
- View All Deshen Daily Devotionals
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