Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: Luke 9:1-6
“and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, no bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.” (Luke 9:2-3)
Serving Christ and trusting in Him to provide for our needs go hand in hand. Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Firstly, we are called to serve Christ. He is the one who sends us to proclaim the kingdom of God where He leads. This encompasses the ministry we do at church, the people we meet at school, friends and family around us, and the future where God leads. To serve Christ is our duty and purpose while we still live in this world. Why don’t Christians just believe and then get taken straight to heaven? Isn’t it better there because we will see Christ in His full glory and be able to enjoy His presence continually? God still has a mission for us on this earth. He has a calling for our lives. We live to fulfil that calling.
Paul said to the Philippian church, “I am hard pressed between to two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:23-25). Paul desired to be with Christ in heaven. Yet, he had a calling to serve God by serving His church here on earth. What is your calling? Where has Christ called you to serve?
Only when we live in obedience to Christ’s call, do we have ample cause to trust God and His good providence. When we seek God’s kingdom, that is, live to serve Him alone, all our needs will be given to us by God. Jesus commanded His disciples not to take bags or food, or money. He told them not to take extra staff or tunics. He told them to go and serve just as they were, trusting that God would provide. This does not mean that Christ’s servants get to exploit the goodness of others and strangers. On the other hand, Paul laboured as a tentmaker to make end’s meet and so not burden the churches. There is wisdom in these things.
The point here is that when we serve God, we get to put our trust wholly in Him. He who calls, He will also provide. He will provide the work to be done, He will provide the strength to accomplish it, and He will bring all ministry to His glory. He glorious is it to follow Christ and serve Him!
On another note, if one does not give their lives to Christ, they can’t claim to trust God’s providence in their lives. God’s providence is so that our life’s calling can be accomplished and God can be glorified. It is not for selfish gain or our own comfort. So many pray to God for healing, protection, monetary blessings, a good family — for what? They pray these things for themselves, their own comfort, to further their selfish ambitions.
May we learn to serve Him with all our lives and trust in His good providence for His servants.
Lord, teach us to serve You with our whole heart and life. Make us Your servants and send us where You call us. As we grow through our teen years, show us Your calling and lead us in the path You have for us. Teach us also to trust in You and Your providence for all Your servants. Teach us not to trust in ourselves but to trust in You and Your infinite wisdom in all things. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.