31/07/2014 - THAT MAY LACK NOTHING

• 
• 
• 
• 

Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. Titus 3.13

As leader of the ministry to the gentiles, Paul was forming a people to truly serve to the Lord and, for two reasons, asked Titus to follow carefully two persons sent to ministry in his church so that they may lack nothing. The other reason was for the Christians to learn to apply the good works to essential things. Would this also be necessary nowadays?

Without a doubt, the same must be done today. The apostle asked Titus to give full attention to Zenas, doctor of the law, and to Apollo. It is always necessary to honor those who serve in the work of God. Because they were sent to ministry the gifts of God, the church should provide them the material part. By doing this, the believers whom Paul refers to would learn an important lesson.

The Word says we should honor the person who is authority. As any commandment, this one is to be fulfilled as well. Besides, everything we do to who, in fact, serves the Lord, we will have done to God, even if we have given just a glass of water. Closing your hand and not helping the servants of the Most High is the same as saying ‘we don’t care if the work will be done or not’. On the other hand, if we help them, we will be rewarded.

It is not sensible sending someone to preach the Word without divine direction, but it is not right letting the preacher on his own either. The apostle’s request to Titus is to everyone who receives a minister in the divine harvest, since it is essential to check in which conditions he will live in. We need to avoid the devil´s temptation on God’s servant, trying to show he is not accepted and, so, he won’t fulfill his duty.

Looking at the earthly ministry of our Master, we see that is some occasions He forbid the disciples to take provisions with them. This happened when they were sent to the cities where He should go further (Lu 10.2.1-4). However, that was a single case, since the Master wanted to give them a lesson that the important thing is to trust in the divine care. They went without carrying anything, but found houses that hosted them and, afterwards, confirmed that they lacked nothing.

If the Lord leads us the same way in a special situation, of course we will lack nothing. However, He taught us not to do the things carelessly, but to plan before beginning the construction of anything in order to make sure we will have, or not, the resources to finish the work. Then, in another occasion, Jesus commanded they take the bag – supply (Lk 22.36).

The good thing is to always follow the direction He gives us in all occasions. The command from Paul to Titus was clear: he should follow carefully those sent to ministry in his church. When giving the necessary assistance, the brethren would only have to worry about what they were going to preach, and this way, Titus’ church would receive the essential supply.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares