I racked my brain for what to write this week but finally gave up and asked God. I knew that I’d have to include Bible verses regardless, so I thought “why not do some Bible study now?” So I did. I’ve been reading 1st Samuel for a while now and I was in chapter 15 this day; where Saul disobeyed God’s instruction to destroy everything of the opposing camp and was about to be replaced by David as king…disappointing. And I know somewhere ahead, David also did something disappointing. Then a thought dropped in my mind- “only God is the worthy King”.
Since the fall of mankind, our race had been so deep in the dark; always desiring things that looked good but only caused harm. Many of us are guilty of this… there’s really nothing new on earth. The Israelites had God on their side and He was merciful despite the number of times they strayed from Him. He was with them through tough battles, guaranteeing their victory. He provided and protected them in the most impossible situations. Yet they weren’t satisfied. Instead of being content with what they had, they looked into other kingdoms, saw they had kings and desired one like them; forgetting theirs is the King of kings. So they went to Samuel, God’s ordained priest, to ask for a king. To be fair, I’m kind of glad they did, because if not, the story would’ve gone differently. I wonder what the reality of choosing their king would’ve been- we know now in where I’m from…or not? I’m not sure haha.
It was never God’s plan for man to rule man; He made man to care for the earth and for fellowship with Him. I’ve known this for a while and was only reminded of it by this story in 1st Samuel. Yet it got me thinking, what about the priests of old and the pastors, evangelists and teachers of new? Aren’t they a form of rulership? Then I remembered God chose those priests. He chose Saul too but He did that based on His people’s demand- so it’s two different types of choosing. If they were chosen by God without any of man’s influence, surely they’re the more righteous leadership.
Secondly, the relationship between man and God had been broken by Adam, what was God supposed to do? Sit and watch His most prized be doomed? Or provide a way of escape? Again God made man for fellowship, and while the permanent solution to sin was on its way, there needed to be a temporary means of fellowship and communication. This was where the priests came in.
Lastly, God needed to build the faith of mankind; to get our hearts ready for the Messiah. He had to show them the work of a priest and the power of sacrifice in order that they appreciate and understand Christ when He came and finished His work on earth.
Now that we’re past that- now that Christ has come and gone and is yet to return, we have been gifted the fivefold ministry.
“He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 CEB
Similarly to the priests of old these ministries were also given to us by God because we needed them. They’re to teach us to be effective servants of God on earth. One thing I’ve learned from this is that if mankind needs it, God will provide. The truth is the Israelites didn’t need a king because they already had an effective One. This truth hasn’t changed, however the nature of the relationship with our King has. Because of Christ, we’re blessed to have a close relationship with our King; where He’s able to be with us all day and night and He hears our deep thoughts. Oh, what a privilege! Recognizing Him as King, Lord and Father is how we remain powerful and resourceful citizens of the kingdom of heaven.
The Penthouse 