THE GLORIFIED GUEST MINISTERS

"These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work"- 1 Chronicles 4:23 (KJV)

Many years ago a young man went to China as a missionary with an income of $2,500 annually. A company decided they wanted this young man to work for them and offered him a $5,000 salary. He declined the offer, and it was raised to $7,000 and then to $10,000, but he still declined. The company then asked him, is the salary not big enough to make you accept our offer? The man answered, “Oh, the salary is big enough, but the job is not.”  (The Speaker’s Quote Book, Roy B. Zuck)

God is still asking us the same question that the Chinese employer asked the missionary in the above story. God is saying; can big salary make you abandon your primary duties in the kingdom? Can an enticing offer make you renege on your promise to God? Is your personal ambition or career so strong or big enough to make you neglect your divine mandate on earth (Romans 8:35)?

"Can anything separate us from the love of Christ?...." Romans 8:35 (CEV)

The Children of Judah seem to understand the importance of the questions God is asking us today. No wonder, they decided to serve God wholeheartedly rather than serve men for pay cheques. According to 1 Chronicles 4:23, they valued their place in the kingdom more than anyone else could pay them. They believed that no earthly reward was good or big enough to make them abandon their divine assignment on earth. They refused to join those who used economic reasons as excuses for not working diligently for God. These people preferred to dwell in hedges and plantations for the kingdom business than live in luxurious apartments to satisfy their inordinate affection. They knew that serving God is a special privilege hence, would do everything possible to work for Him. It was obvious that they were not glorified guest ministers or commercial workers.

Unfortunately, there are many glorified guest ministers/ commercial workers in the church today. They have stylishly commercialized their skills and are now offering it to the highest bidders in the kingdom. Instead of waiting patiently to serve with their Elishas, they are busy running after Naaman to collect forbidden pay cheques like Gehazi (2 Kings 5:15-27). 

Friends, are you one of those "glorified guest ministers or commercial workers" in the kingdom today? Are you dwelling with the King of kings for His work or for the pay cheques you get from men? If you are working for the pay cheques, please repent today. Nothing in this world is good or big enough to make you renege on your promise to serve God. No matter how big the pay cheque is, it's not worth losing your place of divine assignment for. Yes, your place is much more important than the pay cheque that anyone can offer you. 

This powerful hymn below re-echoes the scripture in 1 Chronicle 4:23:

WE HAVE A GLORIOUS KING By A. B. Simpson, 1782. 

1. We have a most glorious King;

The heavens, He says, are His throne;

All worlds are His mighty domain,

All kingdoms His scepter shall own.

He dwells with His people below,

He loves in their trials to share;

We dwell with the King for His work,

His burden we willingly bear.

2. I’m dwelling with Jesus my King;

I’ve found where He dwells with His own;

I’ve opened the door of my heart;

He’s made it His temple and throne.

Like Mary I sit at His feet,

Like John I recline on His breast;

His presence is fulness of joy,

His bosom is infinite rest.

 

3. I dwell with the King for His work,

I’ve part in His glorious plan

To bring in His kingdom to earth

And tell His salvation to man.

The world has its work and rewards,

I count them but folly and loss;

My business is only His work,

My message is only His cross.

 

4. I dwell with the King for His work,

The work, it is His and not mine;

He plans and prepares it for me

And fills me with power divine.

So duty is changed to delight,

And prayer into praise as I sing;

I dwell with my King for His work

And work in the strength of my King.

 

5. We’ll dwell with the King for His work

And work thru each day of the year.

Perhaps ere it passes, the King

In glory Himself shall appear.

Oh, then in some closer embrace,

Oh, then in some nobler employ

We’ll dwell with the King for His work

In endless, ineffable joy!

May we continue to be relevant in God's glorious plan. May His business continually be our work and His cross our message till Christ returns in Jesus name, Amen.

On this 81st birthday of my esteemed father in the Lord, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, I want to invite you to the March 2023 Special Holy Ghost service on Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Redemption City, Nigeria. Theme: THE GOD OF BREAKTHROUGHS. Time: 6pm.

Happy new month and God bless you. 

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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