THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE

In psalm 89:20, god says concerning David, “I have found David my servant; with
my holy oil have I anointed him”. He was thrice anointed to be king over
Israel (1 Sam. 16:12, 13; 2 Sam.2:4; 5:3), and yet god calls him his servant, a
man after his own heart, who will perform all his will (Psa.89:20; Acts 13:22).
Even when young David was a shepherd over his father’s flocks, god had known
his heart and his spirit of yielding to god’s plan and seeking god’s help in every
aspect of his life. We find god anointing such a David in the midst of his brethren
(1 Sam. 16:13). Just as a servant is subject to his master and does all things at
his bidding, David grew up to fit into god’s plan.

We find a beautiful example of a servant in Joshua, Moses’ minister. It is

recorded of him that he departed not out of the tabernacle (Exo. 33:11) but
remained as a faithful servant waiting patiently for 40 days and 40 nights at the
foot of mount Sinai when Moses had gone up the mount to receive the
commandments. He was set apart to be a leader who could lead the people of
god triumphantly into their land of inheritance (Num. 27:18, 19). Joshua being set
before the priest and before the congregation shows his being set apart, or
anointed. This anointing helped him to remain faithful till the end.

We also read of another remarkable servant who waited upon his master in all
faithfulness. This is Elisha who began his ministry by pouring water on the hands
of Elijah (2 Kings. 3:11). Refusing to leave his master’s side, he accompanied
him until Elijah was caught up by a whirlwind to heaven (2 Kings. 2:1-11).
Following his masters faithfully till the end, he was able to receive a double
portion of the spirit that was upon his master Elijah (2 Kings. 2:9-12). This unction
helped him to minister perfectly in his time, according to the mind of god.

Outshining all other examples is our lord Jesus who came into the world “not to
be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many”
(matt.20:28). God the father himself testified about Jesus “behold my servant,
whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon
him…” (Isaiah. 42:1). As Jesus had the spirit of a servant in him, we find that the
father had not given “the spirit by measure unto him” (John.3:34). The father
loved him and gave all things into his hands (John.3:35).

Every spirit- baptized child of god is, in a sense, a servant of the lord. Therefore,
everyone must take heed to maintain the spirit of service and be faithful and
willing in ministering to the lord, according to the anointing received. Then the
lord will send fresh unction’s of his spirit that our service may be more effective,
and the same anointing will also exalt us to the very throne of God.

By Sibin Mathew Johny