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SERVICE (1 CHRONICLES 25:1-8)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is Service. Service means working for someone or dedicating one’s time, energy, and resources to work for another in a subservient position. Service in the context of Christianity means a privileged call as part of one’s salvation in Christ to dedicate one’s time, life, body, talents, spiritual gift and resources to please God and for the edification of the church. In other words, service is a special privilege to live a life worthy of our salvation and praise to God.

Dear friend, during worship services, God speaks to us through two main ministrations. These are the ministration of the spoken Word and Music. God has called some people to preach or to be His prophetic voice through the preaching of the Word. Similarly, He has also called others to sing the Word accompanied with instruments. Some are gifted with both abilities. One of such few or rare gifted persons was David himself. David thought it prudent to make provision for those who would serve in both the prophetic (messages from God) and music departments or ministries during worship in the new Temple. “David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals…Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. 7 Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD—they numbered 288. 8 Young and old alike, teacher as well as student, cast lots for their duties.” (1 Chronicles 25:1, 6-8) Dear friend, service in the house of God is a calling and a serious business. It is a vocation that requires our maximum attention, time, discipline and dedication.

Service in the house of God, apart from being a call and a privilege, is also an act of stewardship, therefore Jesus cautioned us when He said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.” (Luke 12:42-43) Again, Paul’s admonishment is worthy of consideration when he wrote, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favouritism.” (Colossians 3:23-25). It is unfortunate to see the poor attitude some preachers, church musicians or those put in charge of the ministry of the Word and Music put up when duty calls. Some of the people who are on duty come to church late meanwhile they attend to their private businesses and other engagement with punctuality and seriousness. Some choristers and praise singers fail to attend rehearsals with avoidable excuses. In some congregations, the liturgist, the preacher and those who are in charge of song ministration come unprepared. How do we hope to experience the glory of God in our midst when we are not ready to prove our worthiness or preparedness to be used by the Holy Spirit. Let us be careful we do not incur the wrath of God or take His grace and patience for granted. No matter how skilled or gifted we are, the fact is that we are replaceable! It is for this reason, “When he(Jesus) came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:37-40). Beloved in the Lord, let us serve God with all our mind, might, heart, soul and body as long as we are alive.

In summary, we have discovered that it is a call and a privilege to serve the Lord, therefore we must be good stewards of our calling. Again, It is important to note that we are replaceable if we fail to serve God dutifully and faithfully. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, I surrender myself completely to Your service. May the Holy Spirit strengthen me to glorify and serve you with my time, body, talent, spiritual gift and resources so that I will be found worthy of my calling and salvation at the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen