We have gone a good distance in this beautiful journey with the Lord; losing weight to gain weight; sowing to the Spirit to reap life everlasting. (Gal.6:7-8).
Today, we are considering another important message that every Watchman should add to his treasury
Topic: THE ATTITUDE OF THE AMBASSADOR Texts: Matt.10:5-15; Acts 20:35
The Master sent the 12 apostles on their first assignment stating who to go to and what to do. In midst of His instructions, He unveiled the mindset that they must carry- dispense the spiritual resources freely (v.8). The same mindset was testified of by the apostle, Paul when addressing the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:35).
We shall define the terms used, and then see the details of the attitude.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
“Attitude” is a settled way of thinking or feeling about something
“Ambassador” is an accredited diplomat sent by a state as its permanent representative.
The Greek word Presbeuo (pronounced pres-byoo) translated ‘Ambassador’ (2Cor.5:20; Eph.6:30) means ‘To be a senior’, i.e. act as a representative: such are matured; elders
DETAILS
Jesus instructed on the free discharge of duty in the spirit of selflessness (Matt.10:8-10), Putting faith in God Who shall give the wages (v.10). He pointed to the need to put value on the content of delivery – giving it to the worthy only (v.11,14; 7:6). He also hinted on their new spiritual status of harmony with God when He spoke of going with their peace (GK eirene meaning the sense of rest and contentment from the harmony with God).
Unfortunately, today ministers want to enrich themselves with the spiritual tools given for divine service. ‘Believers’ want to make their wealth from the church giving exorbitant charges for services that could be rendered free: bringing wares to church to make merchandise of brethren (cp. Jn.2:13-16; Lk.19:45-48).
At this time, the Lord desires a paradigm shift: a manifestation of the giving-spirit (Acts 20:35). It is true that there will always be a harvest when viable seeds are sown (Gen.8:22; Gal.6:7).
Let the end-time church reconceive the giving-spirit and invest into viable grounds – ministers in the church first and other citizens of the kingdom. (Matt.10:41; Gal.6:10).
Investing into the kingdom is the most cardinal principle of divine prosperity (cons. Jn.3:3; Lk.5:38; 2Cor.9:6-9).
However, the investor should not only be motivated by the promised harvest but rather thrive in the spirit of selflessness and godly service (Acts 20:35; 2 Cor.8:12-15).