Christian Living
Moses led Israel out of captivity. John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Messiah. Mary was specially chosen to birth the Christ. Jesus lived and walked on earth like any other man, He accomplished great works by the power of the Holy Spirit and fulfilled His ministry. Apostle Paul finished his race. You and I have a purpose to accomplish in this world, we have a ministry to fulfil. How are you doing with the ministry entrusted into your care? I bring you good news; you can fulfil your ministry. The 4 important witnesses or validations for your ministry discussed in this article will help you find your place.
Whether you are called into the 5-fold ministry or yours is of the supportive/helps ministry, as a member of the Body of Christ, you have a critical role to play for the Body to function optimally (Ephesians 4:11-14, Romans 12:4-8, Acts 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-30).
In Colossians 4:17, Paul sent a message to Archippus;
“Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it“.
It’s imperative that we all commit to fulfilling whatever duty we’ve been assigned in the Body.
Truth is, many Christians would readily submit to fulfilling their ministry if only they knew exactly what it is. While some have by faith stepped into their calling but would love some clarity as to how to accomplish it, others believe they are sure of their calling and are daily working towards actualizing it. Then there are those who are doing what they believe is their calling, but who are not exactly sure that they are headed in the right direction. For this last group a validation, attestation or witness by someone they hold in high spiritual regard may help confirm to them that they’re actually on the right track.
If you are in this last group, then this article might be of help to you.
What witnesses or validations do you need to fulfil your ministry?
A witness in this study refers to someone who provides evidence, proof, testimony or validation for an event.
In John chapter 5, Jesus names 5 possible witnesses to His ministry-
“If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
John 5:31-39 NKJV
- Himself
- Man
- His Works
- The Father,
- The Word
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus dismissed the first 2 witnesses- Himself and Man?
According to Him, if He bears witness of HIMSELF, His witness is not true, and He couldn’t seek or depend on man’s validation either.
So what Witnesses did Jesus align Himself with?
1. His Works
Question: What were Jesus’s works?-Teaching, preaching and healing. Every other miracle Jesus performed was as a Sign to His ministry- in order that the people might believe.
We can all learn something from what happened between Jesus and John the Baptist in Matthew 11:2-6…
“And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” Matthew 11:2-6
What was Jesus really saying to John here? ‘John, your question is kind of dumb…, take a look at my works and answer your question yourself.‘ My works testify of Me.
Our works will identify and witness for us, if we stay committed to doing them.
2. The Father
The third witness Jesus aligned Himself with is the Father.
Jesus had the witness of the rest of the Godhead at His baptism. The Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove and the Father spoke from Heaven above (Matthew 3:16-17). At Lazarus’ grave, Jesus prayed to the Father to witness of Him, in order that the people would believe that the Father sent Him (John 11:41-42).
Also see 1 John 5:9-11…
“Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.”
1 John 5:9-12 NLT
3. The Word
Your works will confirm the Word written about you.
There is a word written about you, your call and ministry in the Word. Are you a Teacher, Pastor, Evangelist, Apostle, Prophet or in the Supportive ministry? You will find your answer in the Word and by the witness of the Holy Spirit. The fundamental things you need to know to fulfil your ministry are in the Word.
According to Jesus, the people did not have the Word of God ABIDING in them and so, although they could see Him and His works, they were unable to relate the two.
You can make sense of your works by knowing and relating your works to the Word.
Another witness we see Jesus mention in scriptures is the Holy Spirit.
4. The Holy Spirit
How does the Holy Spirit bear witness of someone’s ministry? He witnesses directly to the individual as well as through other people.
Simeon recognized baby Jesus as the expected Messiah with the help of the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:25-28). John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Messiah with the help of the Holy Spirit (John 1:32-34). For Paul, Jesus Himself appeared to Ananias in a vision affirming that Saul was a chosen vessel (Acts 9:10-18).
Now, whether someone sees a vision for you or professes to hear from the Holy Spirit on your behalf or not, your inner witness supersedes theirs. So your sensitivity to the inner witness is important.
Friend, if you are a point in your life, ministry, career where you need a validation, look to the above mentioned 4 witnesses. Keep doing the works God leads you to do and keep His Word in your heart. You will surely enter into your own.
Even though we see Jesus quickly dismissing man’s affirmation and validation, God will always send men to support the work He has entrusted into your care. Jesus Himself had 12 core disciples and many followers, so God will surely send your own men. The minimum kingdom team number I see through scriptures is two (2).
Watch out for your God-sent ministry helpers and support system.
Shalom!
