House Full of Servants

Most Christians gather together to worship the only true God. In the original languages of the Scriptures the most used word for worship means “to adore God”. This is also be the primary reason we meet together. However, there is another word for worship that is not used very often. The Greek is “latreuo” and it’s interesting because it is a combination of two meanings. This word unites both worship and service. Although the ideas are intertwined English speakers tend to think of only one or the other at a time. This shared meaning would be easier for us to understand if we had ever lived under a benevolent king. The fact is, he would own us as servants but we would love and serve the king because he had concern for us. When we gather together in our kings’ presence we gladly praise him. However, at the same time servants listen carefully to every word the king has to say. The noble king’s plans or even his wishes would be responded to quickly because everyone loves him so much. The church is like a house full of servants ready to respond and it must be a wonderful feeling for our King.

In order to fulfill the generous plan of God on earth, our King needs to have a ready supply of servants. These servants need to be his righteous representatives to this world. When we talk about being a group of servants it is important to keep in mind that no one is forced into service. Every Christian serves from inter-compulsion. At one time we did belong to the enemies of God, until we were freed to serve God. One great prophecy says; We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. Luke 1:74-75 (NLT) Simply put, we gladly serve God because he redeemed us from an evil life leading away from Him. We live our new life as part of a group. The fellowship of believers was prearranged by God to be the body of Christ. This large supply of servants will be called on time and again in the continuing plan of God. Some believers will not work in the church group for various reasons. They will never experience the complete joy of being in the body of Christ because they don’t want to learn how the Spirit joins us together. Giving to and working with God’s people is a privilege. Remember the old saying, “it is better to give than to receive”.

This word to serve/worship can be used as we serve others in the name of God. Paul mentions that he serves the same God as the great Old Testament men: Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 2 Tim 1:3 His prayers for Timothy included the fact that he was serving and worshiping the same God as the old time believers. He said this even though their service was bloody and complicated while he enjoyed the new spiritual way of serving. Our works may be different but our devotion to God must be the same. Paul went so far as to say: For we who worship (serve) by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, Phil 3:3 (NLT) Our worship includes service but Paul makes it clear that our efforts are not required by the Law. Our service in the church is motivated by the Spirit living in us.

Sometimes people want to serve in the church but their local assembly is focusing on social activities and has forgotten the Master’s purpose. We worship and serve to increase the size and quality of God’s family. Paul always kept this in mind as stated here: God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. Romans 1:9 (NLT) Spreading the Gospel of Christ is the work of the Church. There are many ways this is done but simply looking after our own interest is not one of them. The job of Israel was to spread the Good News of God’s promise as Paul mentions in this speech: Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors. In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship (serve) God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Acts 26:6-7 However, since the death and resurrection of Christ, the Church has the responsibility to spread the Gospel everywhere. It is a big job and the Church body must all work together.

Our Lord wants a house full of servants that will both worship and serve Him. This house is to operate completely in love. The sign of love always identifies the body of Christ. Our world does not realize how much they need the church. A local church should not rely on wealth but on the love of God. Jesus told a story about people who were too busy with worldly business to come to His banquet. The Church has the job of the servant: His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more. So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. Luke 14:21-23 (NLT) Today is the time to join a house of servants and do everything we can to fill up the house of the Lord. There is nothing more exciting than to see a group of God's servants working together in the will of our Master.