12.11

Given Ministry by the Grace of God "Of which I became a minister according to the gift of
the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. To me, who am less
than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the
Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. (Ephesians 3:7-8)"

As we have seen, "give" is the language of grace. "I thank my God always concerning you
for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 1:4). Our
heavenly Father wants to give us all the blessings of His kingdom as a gift of His grace.
"Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom"
(Luke 12:32). No wonder then that we are given ministry by the grace of God.

The Apostle Paul had a special stewardship entrusted to Him by God's grace. "If indeed you
have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you"
(Ephesians 3:2). This special calling given to him by God concerned the miracle of Jew and
Gentile being made one in Christ (as the body of Christ): "that the Gentiles should be
fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel"
(Ephesians 3:6). This wondrous "mystery of Christ" (Ephesians 3:4) was a distinctive
emphasis of his ministry: "Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace
of God given to me by the effective working of His power." Paul repeatedly stated that
this ministry calling was given to him by grace. "To me, who am less than the least of all
the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable
riches of Christ."

On other occasions, Paul spoke of his ministry without referring to this special emphasis
of Jews and Gentiles becoming one in Christ. Still, he described his ministry in the same
terms of grace given to him. "According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a
wise master builder I have laid the foundation" (1 Corinthians 3:10). Here, Paul views his
service as a spiritual builder laying a spiritual foundation for the construction of godly
lives. God's grace equipped him and sustained him in such service.

We are all called to serve our Master. In our hearts there is a desire to be used of our
King. How comforting to know that our ministry will develop by God's grace given to us.
Again, humble dependence is the path to such grace for ministry. "To me, who am less than
the least of all the saints, this grace was given."

"Lord Jesus, I long to serve You in ministry. I rejoice that ministry depends upon Your
grace, not my abilities. Lord, I humbly bow before You, seeking You for the necessary
grace to serve You in any way that You desire, in Your gracious name, Amen."