There are countless ministries in the earth today. Some are fruitful, and others may not be so fruitful. But what are our ministries to be patterned after? How do we know the scope and measure that our personal ministries are to possess? As always, we look to Jesus. He is our continual pattern.. The Bible says He was "A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man" (Heb 8:2). The fact that Jesus was a minister of the "TRUE tabernacle" is evidence enough to say He was in fact a "TRUE minister" also.
Why should He be considered such a TRUE minister? And how are we to appropriate it? The preceding first verse gives us a glimpse: "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens" (Heb 8:1). Simply said, Jesus is a TRUE minister because His ministry involved death and resurrection! He never could be placed at the right hand of God, set as the overcoming Son, had He not first died to Himself, and afterwards be resurrected.
Friend, Jesus had only ONE primary goal in mind during His earthly ministerial visitation: "Mine hour is not yet come" (Jn 2:4; 7:6, 30; 8:20; 12:23; 13:1; etc). This was His goal! To DIE! This was the only source and avenue by which TRUE and effective ministry could be assimilated (Heb 5:8-10). And why? Because death and resurrection will always be the avenue for power! Jesus said, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient [advantageous] for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment..." (Jn 16:7-8). This was true for Jesus, and it remains true for His people, who are following in His footsteps, trekking to Golgotha, taking up their own crosses. His death and resurrection were the foundation of His great efficacy. Your and my death will likewise bear fruit for the world to partake of (2 Cor 5:17-18; Jn 1:12; etc). So many minstries today seem powerless, fruitless and void of the glory of God.. why? Because they haven't "gone away"; they're still alive and well! Friends, if we "go not away", the Comforter will not come!
What are your goals in ministry? To build a big building? To tickle ears? To gain applause from men? I trust that we will model our ministries after Jesus'. May ALL of our services to men be birthed from our own death! Such a death is the only vehicle by which we can minister from a place of resurrection! And isn't this what defines a TRUE ministry (Heb 8:1-2)? Indeed.
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