The Mission

The Joy of Working With Christ

Picture: The Joy of Working With Christ 4TC 186.1

God does not live for Himself. “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). By His example Jesus taught what it means to minister. He served all, ministered to all. 4TC 186.2

Again and again He tried to establish this principle among His disciples. “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28). 4TC 186.3

Since his ascension Christ has carried forward His work by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to people and ministers to their needs. In Christ’s place they are to plead with men and women to be reconciled to God. 4TC 187.1

Their work has been compared to that of watchmen. In ancient times sentinels were stationed on the walls of cities, where they could keep watch over important posts to be guarded and warn of approaching enemies. At prearranged times they called to one another, to make sure that all were awake and that no harm had come to any. Each one repeated the call of good cheer or of warning until it echoed through the city. 4TC 187.2

The words of the prophet Ezekiel declare the solemn responsibility of those who are appointed as guardians of the church: “So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, ... you have delivered your soul.” Ezekiel 33:7-9. 4TC 187.3

People are in danger of falling under temptation, and they will die eternally unless God’s ministers are faithful. If the ministers’ spiritual senses become so benumbed that they are unable to recognize danger, God will hold them responsible for the blood of those who are lost. 4TC 187.4