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RECEIVING THE MINISTRY
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Isaiah 49:8
 
“… that ye receive not the
grace of God in vain.”
 
RECEIVING THE MINISTRY
 
One common difficulty Christians face is handling the disappointments that may come in the ministry. The reality is that a faithful servant of the Lord can at the same time be loved and hated by those in his congregation. Those who love the Lord will appreciate his labours among them. However, those who walk in sin and reject God’s Word may often regard him as a thorn and a major irritation (2 Cor 6:3). Such are the seeming paradoxes in the service for the Lord.
 
Paul taught in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that Christians are “ambassadors for Christ” to bring the message of reconciliation to others. It is indeed a high and noble calling to be working together with God to bear witness of the gospel to the world (2 Cor 6:1a). Thus, despite the difficulties we face in serving the Lord, we must press on.
 
It is in this context that the Apostle Paul exhorted that one ought not to receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor 6:1b). Christians have received the saving grace of God for a purpose: that we may be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt 5:13-16). Thus, after declaring that we have been saved by grace, Paul added in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Moreover, every Christian is graciously given at least one spiritual gift that they may use it to build up the body of Christ (1 Cor 12; Eph 4:7-12). Therefore, every man must strive to do the best for his Master, that the grace received from God may not be in vain.
 
Paul then quoted Isaiah 49:8 to emphasize the urgency of the task at hand. The emphasis is on the words “now” and “accepted time.” Christ has come and proclaimed salvation. Now that He has ascended into heaven, the task has now been passed to us who are His ambassadors. Since He has commissioned us for this task, He will also grant us the grace to perform it. We must therefore not take this grace for granted, but persevere in the midst of the hardships of service.
 
THOUGHT: Have I taken the grace of God for granted?
PRAYER: Father, as Thou has called me, so help me to serve Thee.

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