"And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'This applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall come to do service of the tent of meeting. And from the age of fifty years they shall withdraw from the duty of the service and serve no more. They minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard'...." (Num. 8:23-26, ESV)
This quarter several things stood out in our text. First, one should not begin too early in "full time ministry," and I could add what Derek Prince once said that no one should be ordained an elder who had not suffered. Second, there comes a time when a person in ministry should make room for the, "twenty-five years old...to do duty."
But there is a third point in our text that really encouraged me, "They minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard...." There is a real sense that intercession is, "keeping guard." There is a real sense in which it is, "keeping guard," over congregations, communities, nations. Also, "keeping guard," can be in the form of counsel and advice--------------------- but only when you are asked for it.
Maybe you find yourself in such a "position." Maybe you are among the over fifty set, or just feel as though you are "sidelined." Take up the mantle of, "keeping guard." Now this is not going to the pastoral staff or church council and criticizing, etc. "Keeping guard," is only for those who have a "servant's heart." "Keeping guard," is only for those who realize that they are participants "in the service of the King," King Jesus, Jesus' Church, Jesus' Kingdom, which is, "The Kingdom of Heaven."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I embrace, "keeping guard." Show me ways to pass on what You have given me to the, "twenty-five year olds...to do duty." Amen.
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Please pray with us about the next mission. Thanks
Maybe you find yourself in such a "position." Maybe you are among the over fifty set, or just feel as though you are "sidelined." Take up the mantle of, "keeping guard." Now this is not going to the pastoral staff or church council and criticizing, etc. "Keeping guard," is only for those who have a "servant's heart." "Keeping guard," is only for those who realize that they are participants "in the service of the King," King Jesus, Jesus' Church, Jesus' Kingdom, which is, "The Kingdom of Heaven."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I embrace, "keeping guard." Show me ways to pass on what You have given me to the, "twenty-five year olds...to do duty." Amen.
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Please pray with us about the next mission. Thanks
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
