Malachi 2:1-9
The Greek language has a word from which we derive the word “ministry.” It is diakonia, which normally means “to serve.”
Jesus declared: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Matthew 20:26-27).
In simple terms, ministry equals servanthood. As a minister I become quite literally a “servant of others.” Ours can be referred to as “specialized ministry” or “representative ministry” in our service among the laos or “people of God.”
As a Pastor I have the responsibility of preaching, teaching, administrating the sacraments of baptism and eucharist. Another function is the administration of church life for the sake of order in the local congregation. I also take on the task of enabler by helping and assisting laypersons discover their respective ministries in the body.
Malachi spoke to the ministers of his day, and laid down some “Commandments for Ministers.”
I. Ministers give glory to God (Matthew 20:1-2)
They do not take the glory for themselves. They glorify God.
The word “glory” and its derivatives take on various meanings. Kabed (Hebrew: to be glorified) means weighty, heavy honor; Paar (Hebrew) to beautify; Hadar (Hebrew) adorn; Gaah (Hebrew: gloriously) to rise, triumph; Hod (Hebrew) majesty; Tohar (Hebrew) cleanness, purity; Kleos (Greek) celebrity; Shabach (Hebrew) to praise; and Kauchaoma (Greek) to boast.
It is my “job” to beautify God … to honor Him … to adorn His name … to celebrate Him … to praise Him for who He is … to announce His triumph … to boast of His purity.
Just how do I do that? I do it by the sincerity of my heart and the cleanness of my life.
II. Ministers Covenant with God (Matthew 20:3-5)
The Hebrew word berith means primarily “a cutting.” It refers to the custom of cutting or dividing the animals in two and passing to another party the parts in ratifying an agreement. The New Covenant gives us a word, diathea, which is translated “testament.” It means an agreement or compact between two parties.
Usually a covenant or contract is made between two equals. But the covenant in the spiritual realm is not! It’s God – Supreme Being, Creator of the universe, Maker of mankind — and man — finite, created — coming to an agreement, an understanding. In love! He literally signs that covenant with Jesus’ blood. Now He waits for our signature.
As a minister I have made that covenant with God and I have the responsibility and privilege to present this contract before my people.
III. Ministers speak the truth (Matthew 20:6-7)
There seems to be a drought going on in this world — a drought of truth.
God spoke to Malachi, the prophet, and said to tell the preachers to offer their sacrifices with the voice and heart of truth or have their sacrifices thrown back into their faces.
As a minister I must express to people that without faith their good works mean nothing. Without good works our talk is void. Actions without faith or faith without action — either is an unacceptable sacrifice.
Injustices must not dwell on the lips of the minister. Our lips condemn iniquity, things that destroy the quality of spiritual life, things immoral and unethical.
Incorruptible knowledge of Jesus — a faith and trust that lasts — communicates to the lost.
As we rub shoulders with hungry, thirsty humanity and sense the inner ache for hope and help, we discover our call to the ministry as genuine. We desire to follow God’s Commandments for Ministers.