I made mention if this in one of my precious posts (About Denominations). But I reckon that it was lost among so many other thoughts being shared. I personally consider it too important to be lost in the middle of a discussion. That's why I have decided to magnify it here.
Matt 10:41-42 talks about receiving people in their rightful capacity so that we get a corresponding reward. This passage talks about three different cadres of those we ought to receive. Permit my use of the word cadre. As much we emphasize that "all are called," we cannot deny the reality that our callings have jurisdiction. Some are master builders like Paul; others are Apollos; others Cephas.
Receiving the Prophet
The title doesn't totally capture the thought. But it is good enough for a start. There are three distinct class. First is the 'prophet', next is the 'disciple' and finally the 'least of these ones.' I am convinced that the appellation prophet does not explicitly refer to prophets in the sense of it. I believe it puts into consideration all 5-fold ministers-master builders. You may call them Generals or pillars of faith. They are men who plant.
Receiving the Disciple
The next category is more explicit. Disciples are committed followers. Men who take the faith passes to them to the next finish-line. They are waterers, advocates, men who hold other's God given vision as though it was a first hand vision. They are the real fanatics. They even go beyond the boundaries intended by the planters. They are in no wise inferior. What good is planting if it will never be watered. What good is the foundation if nothing is laid on it? This is yet another indispensable cadre of ministry.
The Least of these Ones
Finally, 'the least of these ones.' Here is where everyone actually belongs. Sometimes the hand needs to wash the head, so it stretches out, rises over it and yet it is still part of the body. "Whatever you so to the least of these ones, that you have done to me." Jesus primarily referred to this category (us) as His body. The first two categories also belong here. However, because the Spirit wills and endured then with special ministries and gifts to edify the entire body does not alienate them. This is the actual division of labour we ought to have and not the "mixed multitude, religious and influential class."
Receiving is first, Reward comes next
Receiving the Prophet proceeds obtaining the prophets reward. Same guess for disciples and the individual members of the body of Christ. What does it mean to recieve someone. I'd sum it up in one word-love. 1 John 5:2-3: our love for one another is proven by our love for God and obedience to Him. Many times we judge by personality and hearsay. Jesus' admonition says recieve a prophet simply because He is a prophet. We honestly know the impact some men have made to christianity in our community and the world at large. But as soon as the waves of accusation and judgement hits we soon flow with the tide. We condemn rather than receieve.
1 Cor 13:4-7
Love is never tired of waiting;
Love is kind;
Love has no envy;
Love has no high opinion of itself,
Love has no pride;
Love's ways are ever fair,
It takes no thought for itself;
It is not quickly made angry,
It takes no account of evil;
It takes no pleasure in wrongdoing, But has joy in what is true;
Love has the power of undergoing all things, having faith in all things, hoping all things.
We see that we owe our 'prophets', 'disciples' and the 'least of these ones' so much. We have to be patient with them. They are humans and also have needs. We ought to be kind in words, deeds and prayers. We are unique in our calling and don't have to be envious. Envy deprives us of the prophet's reward.
Love is void of pride. It esteems others more important than itself. Pride is an attitude that will not help us learn from others. Pride believes no one can be more helpful than myself. The ways of love are fair. In judgement it does not even give itself preferential treatment.
How easily are we angered by other's mistakes? Scripture admonishes us to be quick to listen, sow to speak and slow to anger. When we hear news about our leaders, colleagues or some random member of the household of faith, we must not be infuriated. The only words that must boil in our souls are prayers not criticism.
How many records of wrong do we have? Some of us are more detailed in taking note of religious scandals than attempts at revival. It basically shows how much we 'recieve' this men. Scriptures say we should recieve prophets in the name of a prophet and not because of their perfect, spotless and infallible character. This is not to say that we condone wrong doing. However ewer must not pull down or disregard what they have genuinely built in the Lord's name. Remember it is our reception that make us entitled to their reward not our criticism.
Love is Receiving
Love makes us available both for use and for reward. When we recieve a prophet or a minister for the sake of his ministry, we have a part in his reward. Also, ministers are only able to maximize the potentials of their ministry with a compasionate heart. As we continue in or walk of faith, let's refrain from criticism to intercession; from denominationalism to love for God's family and purpose;from dishonour of heroes of faith despite imperfections to honour and respect. Only then can we benefit from their ministry; only then can we be blessed and be partakers of their reward.
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