....ministry

Ahithophel was a highly regarded advisor to King David; "Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God" 2 Samuel 16:23. But when David's son, Absalom, rebelled and sought to become the new king, Ahithophel joined with Absalom. Ahithophel had reason to be angry with David; he was the grandfather of Bathsheba and had watched as David violated his granddaughter and then had her husband killed 2 Samuel 11.

In his anger, Ahithophel advised Absalom how to defeat David, but God had other plans; "The Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom" 2 Samuel 17:14. When Absalom refused to follow his advice, Ahithophel took the rejection very personally.

2 Samuel 17:23

"When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself."

Ahithophel had once been close to God and was used for many years to give Godly direction. But at some point Ahithophel began to take too much ownership of his ministry. He determined his self-worth based on the results of his ministry and began to use his gifts for his own selfish purpose. When his message was no longer trusted, and his ministry was not going in the direction he desired, his self-worth fell and he found he had no reason to continue.

God has called each of us to be His messengers and has given us a ministry of sharing the Gospel; "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us" 2 Corinthians 5:20. Some are called to preach a message of hope to a large congregation. Others have been called to instruct a small group, or to encourage just one...but we have all been called!

We are never responsible for the outcome of a ministry, only for the obedience of faithfully delivering His message. God remains in complete control of any and all results: "My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it" Isaiah 55:11. As we walk in obedience, His purpose (not ours!) will be accomplished.

We must never lose sight of the One who called us to serve. Our worth is in being a Child of God, not in the praises we receive or in what we can accomplish. We must continue to be obedient messengers who proclaim the Good News, teach the truth, and encourage at every opportunity. And when we become discouraged, we must check our focus and always remember...this is His message and His ministry.

-steve troxel