In his book, His House, His Presence, my dear friend Michael Miller invites us into a profound exploration of what it means to create a space within ourselves where God can dwell. He challenges us to consider how we can become vessels through which God’s love and power can flow into the world. This concept, of ministering to Jesus, is not merely a spiritual exercise; it is the foundation upon which our missional lives are built.
A Personal Anecdote
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of ministering to Jesus. Michael was a longtime roommate of mine, and I watched as he soaked in God’s presence in our apartment living room long before he started UPPERROON church. His deep connection with Jesus overflowed into his life, empowering him to minister to the hearts of millions.
The Source of Mission
The question of how we minister to Jesus is a pivotal one. It is a call to examine our relationship with God beyond the surface level of prayer and worship. It is an invitation to delve into the depths of our hearts and to align our desires with God’s desires. As we minister to Jesus, we are, in essence, ministering to the heart of God Himself. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who ministered to the Lord and were subsequently empowered to share His message. In 1 Chronicles 15:2, we read that the Levites were chosen to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever. Their service was a tangible expression of their devotion and their understanding of the sacredness of God’s presence. This deep connection to God empowered them to faithfully carry out their mission of preserving and protecting the holy artifacts, which were symbols of God’s presence among His people. Similarly, in Acts 13:2-5, Barnabas and Saul were sent forth by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the word of God. Their mission was rooted in their relationship with Jesus and their commitment to serving Him. Before embarking on their journey, they fasted and prayed, seeking God’s guidance and strength. This time spent ministering to Jesus filled them with an overflowing love for God and a passion to share His message with the world.
The Overflow of Love: Sharing Jesus in Daily Life
The pursuit of intimacy with Jesus is not merely a personal endeavor; it is a vital component of our missional lives. As we draw closer to God, we are equipped with the love, wisdom, and power necessary to fulfill His purposes. In Luke 2:36-38, we encounter Anna, a prophetess who devoted her life to serving God in the temple. Her unwavering commitment to prayer and fasting was a testament to her deep love for Jesus and her desire to be used by Him. This intimate connection with God filled her heart with a love that overflowed into her daily life, as she shared her faith with others among her spheres of influence. Moreover, in Mark 15:41 and Matthew 27:55-56, we see that many women followed Jesus and ministered to Him, even after His crucifixion. Their faithfulness and devotion were a powerful example of how ministering to Jesus can sustain us through the most challenging of times. Their unwavering loyalty to Jesus inspired them to share His message and become early witnesses to His resurrection, demonstrating the power of a heart overflowing with love.
The Power of Intimacy: Sharing Jesus with Confidence
Ministering to Jesus empowers and mobilizes our missional lives in profound ways. As we cultivate a deep relationship with Him, we are filled with His love, wisdom, and power. This enables us to engage in our mission with greater purpose,compassion, and effectiveness. When we minister to Jesus, we are not merely fulfilling a religious duty; we are participating in the eternal work of God.Our lives become channels through which His love and grace can flow into the world.
The Impact of Ministering to Jesus
One of the most powerful aspects of ministering to Jesus is the transformative impact it can have on our lives and the lives of others. As we draw closer to God, we are filled with His love and grace, which can heal our wounds, break chains of addiction, and liberate us from darkness. Countless individuals have been delivered from addictions and dark lifestyles because of the vision displayed in Michael’s book to throw themselves into the calling on every Christian’s life to throw ourselves into a lifestyle of ministering to Jesus. When we minister to Jesus, we are not only receiving His love and grace for ourselves but also becoming conduits for His healing power to flow into the lives of others. Conclusion Ministering to Jesus is the heartbeat of our missional lives. It is a call to cultivate a deep relationship with God, to align our desires with His desires, and to allow Him to use us as instruments of His love and grace. As we embrace this calling,we will discover a new level of purpose, joy, and fulfillment in our lives, and we will be equipped to share the gospel with power and conviction. I encourage you to read Michael Miller’s book, Hosting God’s Presence, for a deeper exploration of this topic. It is a powerful resource that will help you cultivate a deeper intimacy with Jesus and discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from sharing His love with the world.
If you are inspired to join us in spreading the gospel and making a difference in the lives of others, consider becoming a giver to Mobilize Ministries. Your tax-deductible donation will help us support missionaries around the world and equip them with the resources they need to share the love of Jesus.
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