“What’s your position? pt.3

"And He gave some, Apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; For the perfecting (preparing) of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying(building up) of the Body of Christ; Till we all come in the unity of the Faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

Eph 4: 11-13

"YOUR position"

I am writing this in the wake of the news, of the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. As we see this atrocious attack on this free nation, we are once again given insight into spiritual warfare, knowing that we fight not against flesh and blood , but the powers and principalities, and the rulers of the darkness of this world. The spiritual wickedness in high places, that scriptures state, is evident in this attack, as we see a demonically influenced leader ordering this invasion, and threatening anyone who intervenes, with a response like never before seen. Evil ambition personified. On the other side, stories and pictures, emerging from the Ukraine, of the current President, and former President taking up arms, and engaging the Russians with gunfire. True leadership.

I am not sharing this as a political commentary, but hopefully as insight, as to what we, the collective Body of Born Again, Spirit filled believers, those who are called by His Name, Christians, The Church, are fighting against, and for. I John 3:8, tells us that, " For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil." Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The Gospel.

In the previous posts, we see that we are equipped for battle, to take His Armour and stand in the evil day. Today's scripture gives us the purpose of the Five-fold ministry offices, Anointed Positions. These are Gifts to His Church, He gave them. They are not just titles, but Mantles that Jesus left for the Church to operate in for the Purposes of advancing the Gospel by equipping the Saints. He positions some to operate in these offices,under the Anointing of the Holy Spirit, as He did. He is the Example for those chosen and Anointed to these Offices. Jesus the Apostle, the Sent One from God, with the Redemption Message. Jesus the Prophet, revealing insight into the hearts of men, and foretelling of the Plan of God. Jesus the Evangelist, preaching and inviting all to come and "Follow Me". Jesus the Pastor, the Shepherd, whose voice His flock follow. Jesus the Teacher, whose Word shows us the Way. His Way for preparing His Church, and positioning them for His Purpose.

As in battles of war, or on a field of contests, people are positioned according to the leadership's direction. Leadership recognizes talents and capabilities, and determines what position to place individuals, to achieve the collective goal. In the Kingdom of God, when we understand, who we are in Him, no, let me restate that, WHO HE IS IN US, we will understand our identity, as a follower, a disciple, a Saint of God. He gives us these Leadership offices, and places us under them , to be prepared to take "OUR positions" according to HIS WILL. Just because "I want" to be general, or "I want" to be quarterback, doesn' mean that I am the one leadership determined is right for that position. Just because "I want" to be apostle , or prophet, or pastor, doesn't mean It's the Lord's Will. It also doesn't mean that it's not. We always should be seeking the Lord's Will and direction, for our lives, not ours. The place of obedience. In His Perfect Will is the best place to be.

He will teach us, equip us and position us as He chooses. Some even to Five-fold Offices, but there is a training process, progressive sanctification, where we grow into our position. The Lord always prepares. David, the shepherd boy, slew the lion and the bear, in preparation to slay Goliath. He knew that the Lord could do exceeding abundantly above all that he could ask or think, according to the power that worked in him, and He did. We don't need titles, we need His Power. We already have the greatest title we could ask for....Christian! I know a Church that has a motto, Chosen, Anointed and Appointed. Understanding these dynamics,we can take our proper place, for a time such as this. We do all for His Glory and Honor. If our position, is on a great platform, or to an individual, our faithful service is what He sees. Will you be faithful to Him in your your call, whether great or small, because even a cup of water, given in His Name is great. Be bold, be strong, for He has equipped you, taught you, and given you, "YOUR position".