God Uses People
God uses people to refresh each other through one-on-one edification, and this ministry is pleasing to Him.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that God uses people to refresh and edify one another, drawing from the prophet Malachi's message about the importance of mutual encouragement during challenging times. In a period of widespread ungodliness, God's people began to minister to each other, fostering a spirit of one-on-one support and comfort. Wilkerson parallels this with the present day, urging believers to engage in acts of kindness and encouragement, as these deeds are recorded by God and hold great value. He encourages individuals to reach out to those who are downcast, reminding them of the power they possess to bring healing and hope. The call to action is clear: be a source of refreshment to others, just as God intends.
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God uses people to refresh other people. He so loves this kind of ministry that he moved the prophet Malachi to speak of it as a most-needed work in the last days. Malachi described how, in his day, God's people built each other up through one-on-one edification: "They that feared the Lord spoke often one to another" (Malachi 3:16).
When did this happen, exactly? Malachi's words came during a time of rampant ungodliness, when the "devourer" had destroyed much fruit in the land. God's people had grown weary and started to doubt that walking with the Lord was worth it. They thought, "We're told it pays to serve the Lord, obey his Word and carry his burdens. But as we look around at the proud and the compromisers, they're the ones who seem happy. They're pursuing prosperity, living carelessly, enjoying life to the fullest."
The Holy Spirit began to move in Israel, and soon the fear of the Lord came upon a God-hungry people. Suddenly everyone in Israel, young and old, became one-on-one missionaries. By the Spirit's prompting, people opened up to one another, edifying each other and building up and comforting those around them.
I'm convinced Malachi's word about this ministry is a mirror image of the present day. He has given us a picture of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days, as God's people stop gossiping and complaining and instead minister refreshing. It's happening by phone, by letter, by e-mail, and face to face. And God is so pleased with this ministry, we're told he writes everything down. Every kind word spoken, every call made, every letter written, every effort to comfort the downcast is recorded in a "book of remembrance." And the Bible says each of us whose deeds are written down will be precious to him: "They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels" (Malachi 3:17).
Be a Titus to someone who's downcast in spirit. Pray to have the spirit of Onesiphorus, who sought out the hurting to bring them to healing. Think of it: You've been given all the power of heaven to refresh a hurting believer, someone who needs the consolation that God has given uniquely to you. Yes, there are people who need you and the Lord intends your past consolations to bring refreshing to them. Call that someone today and say, "Brother, sister, I want to pray for and encourage you. I've got a good word for you."
Sermon Outline
- God's Ministry of Refreshment
- The Holy Spirit's Movement in Israel
- The Present Day Application
- Ministering refreshing through various means
- God is pleased with this ministry and records it
- Each of us will be precious to Him
Key Quotes
“They that feared the Lord spoke often one to another” — David Wilkerson
“They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels” — David Wilkerson
“You've been given all the power of heaven to refresh a hurting believer” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Be a Titus to someone who is downcast in spirit and offer them words of encouragement and comfort.
- Pray to have the spirit of Onesiphorus, who sought out the hurting to bring them to healing.
- Use your past consolations to bring refreshing to others who need it.