SOUL AS AN OFFERING (5)
Main Text: Isaiah 66:20 “And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD.”
Brethren, welcome to the fifth edition of our series, “Soul as an Offering.” In the last edition, we learned that the command, “None shall appear before Me empty,” extends beyond material gifts. In this edition, we will uncover how God provides resources for those who are committed to bringing souls into His Kingdom.
Now, according to Isaiah’s prophecy as captured in our main text, God’s people were to bring their brethren from every nation as an offering unto the Lord. I want you to notice the means by which they came, horses, chariots, litters, mules, and swift beasts. These were the principal means of transportation in that generation. This detail is significant because it reveals that God is concerned not only about the destination but also about providing what is necessary to accomplish His mission. Simply put, wherever God gives an assignment, He also makes provision for its fulfilment. More so, it should be noted that the resources were not an end in themselves; they served the greater purpose of bringing people into God’s presence.
Friends, permit me to tell you that many believers begin the work of evangelism at great personal sacrifice. Some walk long distances to visit souls. Some spend their own money to invite others to church. Others give their time, energy, and comfort so that someone else may hear the Gospel. None of these sacrifices escape Heaven’s attention. As a matter of fact, God never ignores a life invested in what matters most to Him. Most significantly, you should know that the One who sends labourers into His harvest is faithful to supply what they need for the work. In fact, this principle is evident throughout the Bible. For example, Peter surrendered his boat to Jesus before he experienced the miraculous catch of fish. His vessel first became an instrument for ministry before it became the channel of extraordinary provision. The widow of Zarephath shared her last meal with God’s prophet before her flour and oil failed no more. The little boy placed his lunch into the Master’s hands, and it became food for thousands. In every case, Kingdom commitment preceded divine multiplication. In all, it shows that God delights in entrusting resources to those whose hearts are committed to His purpose.
Unfortunately, in this generation, many prayers are centered on personal increase, “Lord, bless me”, “Lord, enlarge my territory”, “Lord, prosper me.” These are legitimate prayers, but there is a higher pursuit and I urge you to begin to ask instead, “Lord, make me useful in advancing Your Kingdom.” Evidentially, when your life becomes available for God’s purpose, His provision begins to serve your assignment. You must understand that God does not bless you merely to increase your comfort; He blesses you to increase your usefulness. To this end, always remember that the greatest investment you can make is to invest your life in what Heaven values most. Commit yourself to winning souls. Bring people into God’s presence. Become a faithful labourer in His harvest. And, as you seek first His Kingdom and labour for eternal purposes, trust Him to provide every resource required for the assignment He has entrusted to you because the God who calls is also the God who supplies.
Prayer Points
- My Father and my God, give me a heart that is wholly devoted to Your Kingdom.
- Make me a faithful labourer in the harvest, bringing souls into Your presence.
- Deliver me from pursuing resources without pursuing Your purpose.
- Entrust me with every provision necessary to fulfil the assignment You have given me.
- Let my life become a channel through which many will come to know Christ and glorify Your name.
Daily Reflection
If God increased your resources today, would they primarily improve your lifestyle or expand your effectiveness in bringing souls into His Kingdom?