26th May 2021
MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
David Abankwah
(SERIES: Day 1)
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION,
-2 Corinthians 5:18 | NKJV
Reconciliation or peace-making is the act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement. This is usually done by a person who helps to prevent or stop the argument, fight or war between these two parties. Before man sinned, there was peace between him and God. God wasn’t hostile towards man in the Garden of Eden, but when sin and iniquity which bring hiding of divine face and separation of our souls from God (Isaiah 59:1) set in, God ceases to be friends with men. As men continued sinning, the enmity between God and man became greater as time passed by. For 4000 years, men was in enmity with God.
Because of sin, God repented for creating humans and it grieved His heart too (Genesis 6:6). To deal with sin, He thought of bringing wrath or fury upon men (Romans 2:9) through flood. Anytime you sin or commit iniquity, don’t think you will go scot-free. God is preparing your punishment, but usually, because of grace, it lengthens the time of punishment and by the time it comes, you would have forgotten and you will be rather blaming evil spirits. Always remember that, whatever you sow, you will reap (Job 4:8). Look at how Paul was persecuted in his ministry. He reaped the seeds he sowed when he was persecuting other people’s ministries and belief as an unbeliever.
Even though there was no mortal to be used as a Minister of reconciliation or Mediator, God had to be the first Evangelist in the Garden of Eden. He tried reconciling man to Himself in the Garden of Eden after the fall, but man didn’t accept his fault of sin and be reconciled. He finally had to be cursed and banished from His presence. God then chose Noah as the first human Mediator or preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5). Before God can choose someone for the ministry of reconciliation, there must first be something called GRACE. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8) because he was a righteous person (Genesis 6:9). Grace has works of righteousness (Romans 5:21) .
Grace is not a visa or permit for a believer to live in sin (Romans 6:15). Also, anytime there is a ministry of reconciliation, there is also a hidden judgement for those who reject it. If only the people knew rejection of the Gospel would bring a flood, I don’t think they would have been rebellious or stubborn. If people know what the lake of fire is which lies in wait for those who reject the Gospel we preach, they will repent. Noah became the first man who was chosen for the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19). God never bypass mortal vessels for the ministry of reconciliation. Even for Jesus Christ to be the Ultimate Mediator, He first had to become a MAN (Son of man).
•| Prayer Diary |•
¹Lift up prayers for insight into events so you can know whether certain happenings around you are from God or the influence of evil spirits. ²Lift up prayers for faithfulness in carrying out the ministry of reconciliation God has called all believers into. ³Lift up prayers for the desire, zeal or passion for soul-winning in the name of Jesus Christ.
Quote
“The five-fold ministry is all about reconciliation of sinners back to God”
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Esther Chapters 6-10
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© 2021 David Abankwah
David Abankwah 