(Luke 22:25-27 NIV)
Having a servant’s heart as if you are serving Jesus is another important attitude for you to develop as an armorbearer. Jesus told the disciples that in the Kingdom of God, the greatest are those who serve. He even described Himself as one who serves.
Look at the life of Elisha, who began his ministry by serving Elijah for a number of years. When King Jehosophat asked if there was a prophet to go to for advice from the Lord, Elisha was named. It is interesting to note that neither the miracles Elisha had done nor his powerful anointing were even mentioned. Instead, a servant described Elisha as “the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.”(2 Kings 3:10,11.) In other words, it was his role as servant to a great man that was his recommendation. Elisha was Elijah’s armorbearer.
That phrase “who poured water over Elijah’s hands” became real to me when I visited Mike Croslow, one of our missionaries in Uganda. He took me out in the bush to preach in a village where there was no running water or electricity. It was not the end of the world, but you felt it was visible from that place!
We preached under a mango tree to hundreds of people and had a wonderful time. When it was time for lunch, we went into a small mud church and sat down at a table. I did not see any utensils, so I asked Mike if there were any.
He said, “No, brother, you get the honor of eating with your hands.”
Then a young boy of about fourteen carried in a pitcher of water and a bar of soap. Since I was the guest, he came to me first, handed me the soap, and began to pour water over my hands. Then he continued around the room to all of the other ministers who were there. After that, food was brought in and we prayed and ate. When we finished, the young man came back and poured water again to wash our hands.
After that experience, I understood better the culture of the Middle East in the days of Elijah and Elisha. Elisha kept the prophet’s house, did the cooking and all of the other menial tasks. Elisha truly had a servant’s heart.
As you learn to serve, the anointing of God will increase on your life to help others. David became king and had a great anointing, but first, he was willing to give his life to protect his father’s sheep. He didn’t complain about having to take care of some stinking sheep. Because he passed the test by having the right attitude, he was able to pass the test of Goliath when it came. You, too, if you will lay down your life to serve, will increase in anointing and be ready to pass the tests that inevitably will come.
Some things you can do to stay strong in the Lord include:
- What is your flock, or area of responsibility? Watching a group of toddlers every Sunday? Directing a choir, youth group, or children’s church? Housekeeping, door greeting, or ushering? Your area of responsibility is your proving ground. If you function well as a servant, you will be promoted.
- God’s Word on the matter: “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Ps. 100:2).
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being a servant to my leader and others. Like Jesus, David, and Paul, I will serve you and my leaders. I determine in my heart to pour water on the hands of my leader, knowing that as Elisha served, he eventually received a double portion of Elijah’s anointing. I fully serve expecting you to bless me with a fresh anointing. I will serve You with gladnessduring the good times and during the challenging ones. Help me to develop the servant’s heart to the fullest. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.