A Servant of the Gospel

Thursday - February 17th

Scripture to Read Today: Ephesians 3:1-13

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I became a servant of this Gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.

Ephesians 3:7

During my Bible college and seminary days, I heard a lot of different references to pastors. Using descriptors such as "preacher of the Gospel," "servant of the Lord," or "shepherd of God's people" was common. Some guys preparing for vocational ministry called themselves "preacher boys," "under-shepherds," and other terms. These descriptions convey one aspect of being a pastor or another. Unfortunately, few ever give the complete picture of what a modern pastor is and does. Few convey a spirit of humility and compassion.

The Apostle Paul gives one of my favorite ways to describe a pastor as he writes to the first-century church at Ephesus. After explaining how unique the Gospel of Christ is and how it makes us all one in our Savior, Paul says that he is "a servant of this Gospel" (Ephesians 3:7). I love that.

Paul doesn't emphasize that he is "a preacher of this Gospel." He wouldn't be wrong if he did. Pastors are preachers of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we are all ambassadors of this incredible message. But, Paul chooses to use the term "servant" to describe his role in carrying the message of Christ to others.

Paul suggests a submission to the Gospel. It is higher than he is. He serves it. The Gospel does not serve the apostle. What a sweet spirit toward the message of love brought to us through the sacrifice of our Savior!

As I mentioned already, in 2 Corinthians chapter five, Paul describes all believers as ambassadors of this good news message. All of us are responsible for spreading the Gospel so others can come to Jesus too. We could all learn from Paul's description of being a servant of the Gospel. If we had such a disposition, humility and compassion would mark our communication of the good news. Paul's heart clearly conveyed such humility and compassion. Our hearts should too!

When the good news of Jesus has gripped us, we see ourselves as servants of that Gospel as we share it with others!