Fervent In Spirit; Serving The Lord.

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Rom. 12:11.

Sadhu Sundar Singh (1889–1929), was an Indian convert to Christianity whose radical devotion changed the landscape of evangelism in Asia. Born into a wealthy Sikh family, Singh was initially a violent opponent of Christianity, even burning a Bible. However, after a dramatic conversion experience where he believed he saw Jesus, his hatred turned into an all-consuming, "boiling point" passion for the Gospel. Singh disregarded his own safety. He traveled throughout India, Tibet, and surrounding regions, often braving torturous, freezing temperatures. He wore a simple saffron robe, walking barefoot across treacherous Himalayan mountains to take the Gospel to areas where missionaries were forbidden to enter. His zeal was not dampened by persecution; he was thrown into a filthy, infested well in Tibet, surrounded by the bones of previous victims, but was somehow rescued—a moment he described as being surrounded by the love of Jesus.

A zealous man is a man of one thing. It is not enough to say that he is earnest, hearty, uncompromising, whole-hearted, fervent in spirit. He only sees one thing, he cares for one thing, he lives for one thing, he is swallowed up in one thing; and that one thing is to please God. Whether he lives, or whether he dies, whether he has health, or whether he has sickness, whether he is rich, or whether he is poor—whether he pleases man, or whether he gives offence—whether he is thought wise, or whether he is thought foolish—whether he gets blame, or whether he gets praise—whether he get honour, or whether he gets shame—for all this the zealous man cares nothing at all. He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please God, and to advance God’s glory. If he is consumed in the very burning, he cares not for it-he is content. He feels that, like a lamp, he is made to burn; and if consumed in burning, he has but done the work for which God appointed him. 

Such a one will always find a sphere for his zeal. If he cannot preach, work, and give money, he will cry, sigh, and pray. If he cannot fight in the valley with Joshua, he will do the work of Moses, Aaron, and Hur, on the hill (Exodus 17:9-13). If he is cut off from working himself, he will give the Lord no rest till help is raised up from another quarter, and the work is done. Unfortunately, the rapid increase of immorality, selfishness, and lawlessness in the world has seeped into the church, dulling spiritual senses and zeal for God. Many believers have lost their passion because of personal hurts or scandals within the church community. Unresolved hurts, criticism, unaddressed disagreement with leadership, or a sense of being judged creates anger and shame, leading to a silent, cold withdrawal from zealous walk with God. Irrespective of what could have gone wrong, God's standard still remains that we be fervent in the Spirit, serving the Lord. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

“because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.” Psa. 69:9.

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Tim. 1:6.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, I ask that You would ignite within me a consuming, passionate, and burning zeal for Your Kingdom and the gospel. I reject every spirit of lukewarmness, apathy, and spiritual laziness in my life. I ask for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. Rekindle the fire and passion I once had, and let it burn brighter than ever before. Let Your Word be like fire shut up in my bones, making me a shining and burning light. Deliver me from the desire for human applause and make me wholly focused on Your will, not my own in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Chron. 19:1-11.

2 Chron. 20:1-37.

2 Chron. 21:1-20.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“It Cost Much To Be On Fire For Jesus. But It Cost More To Be  Fireless.”