His Majesty's Service
There are times when we suddenly see God's plans for our lives more clearly; when it seems to unfold before our very eyes. It is as if the blinds have been rolled up, and now through the windows of purpose we gather a new glimpse of God's perfect plan for us. It is at these moments that we discover more fully the depths of our destiny.
In an earthly sense, this is what happened with the discovery of the "New World." Old mind-sets suddenly disappeared and everyone's thoughts were filled with new potentials and possibilities. Of course, the new world wasn't really new, just being discovered (or perhaps more accurately, rediscovered) by a new group of people.
Such is the season of time in which we stand today as believers. As a body of believers we know that there are certain callings God has given us for this day-to spread the ministry of reconciliation for those who have been wounded by racial and gender separation, to help bring unity to the city-wide Church, to bring the Good News of the Father's love so many would be encouraged and refreshed, and to proclaim the forerunner message to prepare for the Lord's return-to name a few. Yet, the Lord has been speaking to us of our calling-not to change it, but to clarify and enlarge our understanding of it.
The Explorer's call:
In the last few years the Lord has also been calling many of us to come out and be explorers to expand His Kingdom. He is bidding us to scout out the next place where others will settle. While this will involve reconciliation, city-wide unity, and the forerunner ministry, much of the new thing God is calling us to is a territory of the heart. Although it cannot truly be put into words, it can be summed up as abandonly seeking His Kingdom and not our own. The Kingdom of God is not about lounging around longing for our "castle in the sky," but serving the King and granting Him the unchartered territory of our unyielded hearts. Jesus showed us the way when the King of kings came as a servant to man. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
In the age of discovery, the explorers did not go out unless they had a mandate from the king. He not only gave them the resources needed for the journey, but his blessing upon the endeavor was also essential. This blessing from the king gave their exploration authorization and validation. The explorers would carry the parchment with the king's seal upon it wherever they went. Our King has called our name and commissioned us in His service. He has sent us out to discover (recover) that which has been lost or forgotten. Let us, therefore, not quickly choose our own pathways, but wait upon the Lord to see where He would desire to send us.
As explores discovered new territory, they would survey the land: note the way-the hardships and dangers yet, but the resources and provisions also- so that others might more easily follow them as settlers. Although they would explore the land and discover its, treasures, they were called to taste of the land-not to take the land. Those who would explore the land are not of the same mold as those who will settle it, for the make-up and calling within them beckons them ever farther. Their call is to explore… not to exploit for personal gain. While others are reaping the rewards of their discoveries, they have moved on to find new areas still uncharted.
The documents the explorers carried, as will as the very ships, which took them to their discoveries, were stamped and engraved with the letters H. M. S. -His Majesty's Service. Let us remember that we live to serve the risen King! It is His Kingdom we seek to further, and all that we do must have His seal upon it. When the explorers found new, uncharted land, they would place the flag of their king upon it and claim it for God and the king. As we reclaim territory for our King this is one in the same; for our God is our King.
The territory the earthly kings desired the most was that rich with treasures, and so it is with our King. More than any other territory, He desires those with vast riches… the territory of our hearts.
God wants us to rejoice in what He has called us to, to have joy on our journey and to have a good time exploring with Him. Yet, let us not think that what He has called us to makes us a cut above the rest. We need to examine our hearts and guard against pride, for we are no better than any others and have done nothing to deserve the calling God has given us.
The poem The Explorer by Rudyard Kipling ends with this line, "Anybody might have found it, but His whisper came to me!" Thank you Lord, that you have come to us and chosen to use us in this manner. We delight to obey the very whispers of our King. May Your Kingdom be furthered, and Your Name glorified as we give our all in His Majesty's Service.
By: Randall D. Kittle