Appointed To Service

Good Morning,

1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NIV)
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

This short section of Scripture is headed, "The Lord's Grace to Paul" where I read it this morning at BibleGateway.com. Seems that I read almost all the Scripture I do online now. I probably should get back to a regular paper and ink Bible, but it's just so convenient to have the Bible at hand online. But then, that's a different point altogether this morning.

"The Lord's Grace to Paul" could, in my humble opinion, just as easily have been "The Lord's Grace to All Christians." I say this because as I read these words it seemed that God was speaking directly to me through them.

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service." I read this and realized that, yes, I have been appointed to the Lord's service and I'm so very blessed to have had that happen in my life. I realized that fact many years ago and that's the reason for my e-mail address...InHisServiceNow...that I chose so very long ago. I realized this even though, much like Paul, but thankfully not so much, I was a blasphemer and so much more, and, again like Paul, was shown God's mercy because I was so very ignorant and somewhat unbelieving. The Grace of Jesus Christ was "Poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Again, like Paul, the Lord showed His patience as an example in me so that He would use me for His purposes and for His reasons as He has and, hopefully, always will.

Okay. I guess that sounds like I'm complimenting myself and patting myself on the back. The reason I'm even saying this is that it isn't just me that this applies to, of course, but for EVERY ONE OF US!

You, too, no matter what you've done or where you've been or how many sins you've committed, you have been chosen to be in the Lord's service in your life. We have ALL been chosen to serve the Lord and to help in the work of Jesus Christ in saving sinners, loving one another, and living the Christian life.

I must tell you that although I might not be the worst of all sinners, as Paul said of himself, I know that I have been...(continue to be?)...a sinner. However, I also know that Jesus continues to be patient with me and that He will continue to use me as He will in whatever way he chooses. I have to also admit that I love the phrase we read here, "Appointing me to his service," that Paul wrote. It sounds so, well, official, you know? It makes me feel that by being a Christian that I have also been officially appointed as a servant of God in doing His will. Another verse of Scripture that gives me joy...but also reminds me of some of my responsibility...is, "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." (2 Cor. 5:19-21) Both of these thoughts, being appointed in service and being ambassadors, seem to go hand in hand.

The best news of all in this? SO HAVE YOU BEEN APPOINTED IN SERVICE AND AS AN AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST!!! Have no doubt about that.

I am humbled at the thought of these things this morning. I am also joyful in knowing that God loves me enough to use me.

I pray that you are, as well.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David