Job Descriptions

God doesn't make up a job description for all His disciples and bring down fire from heaven if we veer away from it.

Ezra 5:1-17

Reference:  v.2 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem.  And the prophets of God were with them, helping them. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Last weekend I had the privilege of officiating at the wedding of my life long friend.  While I didn't know many of the guests it was great to be a part of the ceremony.  Some of my friend's work colleagues came up and spoke to me during the reception.  They were very impressed with the ceremony and that I would conduct services over the weekend too.  "And so I guess most of your work is just on Sundays then?" one of them asked.  I did my best to explain that while Sundays were busy I also ran activities in schools, facilitated small groups and did visitations during the week.  This concept of a minister working during the week didn't quite seem to compute and so the conversation moved on to other things.  With the limited knowledge of what a minister did, it was hard for someone to understand that there were other tasks that I would be a part of, other than what I did on the public platform.  If that is the case, maybe I need to work out why I'm so busy during the week!

Application:  So often people are placed into a box due to a title placed upon them.  If you're an accountant you must be boring, if you're an artist you must be flighty, and if you're a minister you must only work one day a week.  It's important not to be confined by the definition that someone else places on you but live in the fullness of what God has placed before you. 
The prophets mentioned in the book of Ezra would have lived a life more like a priest rather than a laborer.  They were to hear from God, to warn His people and lead them in His way.  However, when God desired for his temple in Jerusalem to be rebuilt, the prophets didn't just stand there and spout wisdom but they rolled up their sleeves and helped build.  When you follow God's call it doesn't always lead you down one simple, specific road.  God doesn't make up a job description for all His disciples and bring down fire from heaven if we veer away from it.  God knows that we have great potential, way beyond the limitations that others put upon us.  It brings Him great joy when we step up to serve Him, even when it's not listed in our job description.

Prayer:  Lord, You have created us with many gifts and abilities.  May we not be confined by what other's think of us but live in the fullness of who You are.  Amen.

What are the limitations that other people have put upon you?  

Ezra