Prepare.
To be used by God for His holy service, we must prepare ourselves through diligent study, prayer, and waiting upon Him.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of preparation in serving God, using the example of King Josiah's meticulously organized Passover celebration. He highlights that just as the priests and Levites underwent careful preparations, believers should also prepare their hearts and lives for God's service. Meyer encourages reliance on the Holy Spirit while also advocating for intentional planning and readiness for the tasks God may call us to. He reminds us that being clean and filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for being used by God. Ultimately, diligent study of the Word and earnest prayer are key to being prepared for every good work.
Text
Prepare. 2 Chron. xxxv. 4, 6, 10, 14, 15, 16.
NO great court function can be carried through successfully, without careful preparation. And Josiah's passover was so vast and rare a success because of the large amount of previous preparation, as is described in this chapter. The priests and Levites were prepared by careful washings and ceremonial rites. The course of the sacrifices was ordered according to the law of Moses. The routine of sacred song and praise was also provided for. Nothing was left to haphazard or chance.
We are taught to rely on the promptings and inspirations of the Holy Spirit; and it is certain that He would use us more on special errands, if we were to trust and obey Him better. But these extraordinary ministries should not lead us to a life of haphazard. We should prepare ourselves for service so far as we may, laying our plans, anticipating the calls and exigencies of coming days, and preparing for the demand which almost certainly will be made on us. We may have to give our special words and addresses and arrangements to the winds; but we shall always need that preparedness of heart which is necessary for those who are to be used of God.
Remember what is said of the vessels that were purged from uncleanness, sanctified, meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Be always in your own place, clean so far as you can be, filled with the Holy Ghost, with the handle of your life turned towards the Master's hand, that at any moment He may take hold of you, and use you for his holy service. By the diligent study of his Word, as well as by earnest prayer and waiting upon God, on will be prepared to do his will.
Sermon Outline
- Importance of Preparation
- Preparation is necessary for successful service
- Examples of preparation in Josiah's passover
Key Quotes
“We should prepare ourselves for service so far as we may, laying our plans, anticipating the calls and exigencies of coming days, and preparing for the demand which almost certainly will be made on us.” — F.B. Meyer
“Be always in your own place, clean so far as you can be, filled with the Holy Ghost, with the handle of your life turned towards the Master's hand, that at any moment He may take hold of you, and use you for his holy service.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We should prepare ourselves for service through diligent study and prayer.
- We should be clean and filled with the Holy Ghost to be used by God.
- We should have our lives turned towards God's hand, ready to be used for His service at any moment.