Text: Matthew 21:18-19
Memory verse:
…“Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We had two big avocado pear trees in our compound. They kept growing robust and producing green leaves but no fruit. About five years ago, I decided to cut down one of them after about fifteen years of unfruitfulness. I had planted the fruit tree not for its leaves but for its fruits. I had a goal in mind when I planted it. So, I understand well why Jesus cursed the fig tree. He expected fruits but only found it full of leaves.
Likewise, God invested so much on the believer to save him or her and with a goal in mind. He saved us with the price of His life (1 Cor. 6:20). Who will want to invest a huge sum of money in a business without expecting a return? He saved us that we may serve Him: that we may be useful to Him and to His body. ”Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” (Exo‬ ‭4‬:‭22‬-‭23‬). The Almighty God redeemed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt that they might serve Him and not just to be free.
While the children of Israel were redeemed with the blood of animals, the church was redeemed with the blood of Jesus but with the same purpose, that is, service. ”how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?“ ‭‭(Heb‬ ‭9‬:‭14‬). Did you see that? God cleansed your conscience from sinful deeds, so you may serve Him.
Even our Lord Jesus came to serve and not to be served (Mat‬ ‭20‬:‭28‬).
As Lord and Master, He served His disciples, leaving an example of servitude for them and His church. He taught that greatness is not about ruling but about serving. A man’s greatness is not defined by the number of people serving him but how many he is serving.
Friends, service is an obligation that comes from our new status in Christ. God didn’t save you to just enjoy His salvation. Each believer has a ministry or service he or she is expected to fulfill. Discover your place for service in His body, that is, the church today.

Prayer points
1. Father, please, I am available. Take me over and use me for Your service, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, please help me to discover my ministry in Your church and to fulfill it in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I am fulfilling God’s purpose for saving me as I serve Christ and His church.
2. God expects me to discover my ministry in the body and to fulfill it.