You must teach what is in accord with
sound doctrine. Titus 2:1.
As Ministers of
the Gospel we are not under the constraints of the Old Covenant. Being a
Gentile or non Levite would have precluded us from the glorious privilege of
ministry. Nevertheless some excellent principles can be garnered from Yahweh’s
call to the priests. From Malachi some great insights come to nourish our hearts
and minds.
Malachi 2:5 is
such a challenge. ‘My covenant was with him (Levi)…and he revered me and stood
in awe of my name.’ It’s easy to be familiar with the divine revelation of God
in Christ and lose the sense of awe. Once we trembled at His word but have we
now taken it for granted? Has the awe faded and reverence (or fear) been lost?
May the Holy Spirit constantly arrest our hearts with the glory of our Lord and
Saviour. Then what Malachi wrote will also apply to us.
Malachi 2:6 makes three
comments about the life of Levi because of his appreciation of Yahweh. ‘True
instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked
with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.’ These three
expressions of a relationship with the Eternal can also be found in our
ministries.
One deals with
having true instruction in his mouth because the Truth was stored in his heart!
Are we convinced that Jesus has the words of eternal life and is the Holy One
of God (John 6:68–69)? How is our desire
to remain loyal to Him regardless of the cost? Do we still have a passion which
motivates us to let others hear about Him? Remember the heart feeds the mouth.
Many passages can be found dealing with the importance of the lips.
The second comment
declared that Levi walked with the Lord. Can two walk together unless they
agree? (Amos 3:3) The apostle John placed that principle in more graphic terms.
We can only have fellowship with our Lord and each other when we walk in the
Light. This unity requires constant maintenance and cleansing by His poured out
life. There is no way we can maintain our walk with Jesus Christ if we insist
on teaching our prejudices or wisdom. Yes He does give us room to move in a
number of areas of daily life and experiences. That doesn’t apply to His
unchanging commands and doctrines. Over and over again in ministry the hardest
thing to say is, ‘Not my will but yours be done!’ Without it there isn’t any hope
of being in step with the Lord Jesus Christ.
The third comment
made is that Levi turned many from sin. To be God’s instrument in reclaiming a
person from sin’s grip is an incomparable joy. To have the privilege of seeing
them transformed into trophies of His grace is wonderful. How is it possible
for this to take place? 1Timothy 4:16: ‘Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your
hearers.’ It isn’t emotionalism: it isn’t ‘Christian entertainment’: it isn’t
soft pedalling God’s Word. It is however living the Truth: teaching the Truth:
feeding on the Truth and allowing the Spirit of Truth to strike another’s heart
through speaking the Truth.
Malachi 2:7
explains the reason. A man or woman of God is His messenger! They are not
delivery boys or girls of the latest religious theory or fashion. Messengers of
The Most High have knowledge of Him to publish abroad. They have personalised God’s
instruction through experience and devotion so as to show its relevance. Where
does he or she receive all this? From the Holy Spirit making His Word alive and
active to the Messenger! Then with burning heart and quivering lips the
minister makes it known to all with ears to hear.
Reflection: Am I more awe struck about Jesus today than
a year ago? How do I display my
reverence for Him?
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