The last thing Paul said to Timothy was “fulfill your ministry.” A transition was about to take place, Paul would soon pass off the scene and a younger man in the Lord would continue the gospel work.
Here now upon us is another transition, 2008 is about to become a memory and 2009 will become the new reality. In this shift the ever-living word of God still speaks clearly, “fulfill your ministry.”
1. Ministry is a privilege. Each of us have been given a trust from the Lord. We have a unique ministry opportunity. In their days, Noah, Nehemiah, and John the Baptist had their unique roles to play in God’s kingdom. Now we too, each and everyone of us, have a special ministry assignment. What an incredible honor that the God of the universe would entrust His concerns to people like us!
2. Ministry is a responsibililty. Each of has been given a stewardship. We are expected to carry out what has been entrusted to us. We must “fulfill” our ministry. We cannot shirk it or ignore it, for it is ours to accomlish. Certainly, we rely upon God for His strengthening, but we must take the intitiave. We must endeavor to live up to our high calling realizing that we are accountable and will one day answer for what we have done.
Indeed, ministry is both a privilege and responsibility. I know it is your desire, as it is mine, to live up to your God-called assignment. So my prayer for you in 2009 is that you will ”fulfill your ministry.”
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