Text: Psalm 65:1-4
Topic: When the Ministry is a blessing
The teaching will be done with the three headings:
Background
Those He chose Vs. 4
Dwelling in His Court Vs 4
The goodness of His house Vs.4
Background
This Psalm was written by King David, The Psalmist as customary speaks about Praise to God and in the first four lines speaks about why to an extent: He answers prayers and forgives Sin( the price for sin was paid on Calvary, consummation which began on a Friday like this which is remembered every year as good Friday, was it good for the man Jesus? Remember if it were possible let this cup be taken away Matt.26:39). The psalmist however mentioned Zion let us do a little exposition about Zion.
It originally referred to a specific hill in Jerusalem, Mount Zion, located to the south of Mount Moriah (the Temple Mount). According to the narrative of 2 Samuel 5, Mount Zion held the Jebusite fortress of the same name that was conquered by David and was renamed the City of David. The name Zion is often used to describe a place appointed by the Lord where his followers can live and serve God. Scripture refers to Zion as a “city of Holiness” and “a city of refuge” where the Lord protects his people from the evils in the world.
We would have spoken about Rom.11:26 and Revelation 21 on the future of Zion but for time, focus and space. The psalmist was referring to the House of Jacob and the fact that they give praise to God was both an incense and a vow for His mighty choice of them, His move and presence amongst them His people.
Having given the background to the text we will be applying the Davidic psalm to the higher/NT definition of ministry cum success in it by God’s plan, in His way and standard.
Those He chose Vs. 4
There are levels of God’s call hence there is the general call, the call unto Salvation this is a General call just as the OT the choice of Israel, then there is/are the higher and specific calls into service just like the Aaron’s call Lev.8:ff or Levitical calls etc. Numbers 18:21-23ff.
Are you saved? The term higher calling doesn’t reduce the importance of salvation coupled with continuous and consistent sanctification as a prerequisite a requirement to see the kingdom let alone serve in it John 3:3, did He really call you into the ministry?
Other choosers?
The economy
Lack of Job/profession
Your Pastor
Your Parent
A passion/Love for it
The Devil e.t.c
Dwelling in His Court Vs 4
This we would talk about those who are doing His bidding, staying under His canopy alone and doing so continuously without any backup plan/plan B, and those labouring with all their might/capacity while praying and learning to do more.
The currency spent in the realm of the spirit is Power, you can't do ministry without power just as you should not do it without training.
it doesn’t matter your location or congregation or knowledge of management and business without God’s power, a downfall is loading, such would be very soon and very loud, those who are lazy or in a hurry or generally a betrayer looks for power via other alternatives for example from the devil, you cant deceive the devil or outwit while using his paraphernalia, he deceived the first man(going outside His court is at your peril and will never end well).Ps 20:7.
A lot of misleading things are happening all around these days, one of them is success without stress/struggle, an easy way to make money, easy way to ministerial fulfilment, most if not all of these are traps of the devil you still remember MMM some people are still licking the wounds from it. what are you doing even in ministry, where is/are your labour and your plans to continuously improve even in your labour/dwelling in His court? Work and wages/honour/promotion always go hand in hand. Colossians 3:23-24, Dwelling and being productive. Work while it is still day John 9:4, the ministry is no longer for the lazy( ole ntele afa in Yoruba language).
The goodness of His house Vs.4
One of the most bastardised words amongst ministers is blessing, we are too focused and most times our cravings become uncontrollable when we want or need money/cars/clothes that we miss the real deal and what God actually promised us which is the goodness of His house.
When did Apostle Babalola die? Why has anyone who has done or is doing business in deep waters by God's means still referred to this name? How many cars did he have and houses? Goodness of His house. When did D.O Babajide die why hasn’t attention shifted away from life and times? How many houses and Cars did they have during their lives?
Goodness of His house: answers to prayers, forgiveness of sins, daily needs. Your skill and management and His plan can make you have loads of benefits too, Jesus didn’t wear a rag neither did He raise money with God’s move through Him, but he focussed on the focus. He served and God blessed him. Ex.23:25.
Conclusively if you are going to be successful in ministry or if you are going to enjoy the goodness of God in ministry: you must be called by God, you must trust in His power alone, you must have works/labours, you must be learning for ways in line with Gods word and being led by His spirit to improve your work then you will have His goodness and manifest what the world will see in his time and season.Ecss.3:11
Shalom
A message on a platform largely occupied by ministers.
