Today’s Reading, Leviticus 24-25
Focal Scripture: Leviticus 24:4 “He must continually tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand in the Lord’s presence.”
Ministry can be arduous. Why do I say that? Because most of what is done in ministry is behind the scenes and not out in front of people. Most people think about preaching and teaching, as the main ministry model. However, most of ministry happens behind the scenes and requires the person to be involved in a variety of task through out the day and the week.
In today’s reading we see this truth explained. God tells Moses that Aaron has a job to accomplish. That job is to tend to the lamps of pure gold that are in the Lord’s presence. This means he was responsible for making sure the lamp was full of oil, had a good wick, and never went out on his watch. He had to be a person who was willing to pay attention to the details, not just the outward parts of the priesthood.
Why is this important for us to talk about today? Because ministry is not always glamorous and it doesn’t need to be filled by a person who needs constant affirmation. Now I am not saying that people in ministry never need to be thanked or told they are doing a good job. That is vital to long term health and sustainability. What I am saying is that being called into ministry has to be bigger than the desire to be seen and affirmed.
Serving in ministry for as long as I have had out me in some very peculiar situations. I have had to do some jobs that were not glamorous or fun. I had to go places that were not always the safest. I also had to do jobs that nobody was aware of or knew was going to happen during my time on staff. That could include folding bulletins when the secretary was out of town or cleaning up bathrooms after an accident. Other times it meant cutting the grass or taking attendance in a senior adult class.
My point is that ministry looks different every day. Preaching is important but it’s not what you get paid to do on a daily basis. You actually get paid to serve the people and show them Jesus in every action and attitude that you have.
I encourage you today to check your heart and attitude if you want to be in ministry. Being humble and eager to learn is the foundation of success. Learn from pastors who speak well of others. Learn from men who lift everyone up, especially those that disagree with them. Never have an attitude where serving is beneath you.
If you feel called into ministry know that most of your job is about serving others, not yourself. Always be ready to do what nobody else wants to do because it teaches you about yourself and your people. Tend the lamps even when nobody else wants to or desires to in your bubble. Serve always.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Leviticus 26-27
