At the age of 30 (Luke 3:23), Jesus began turning his attention towards his ministry to the people His Father had sent him to. Jesus’ preparation for ministry included his baptism in water (Luke 3:21-23), his relationship with his Father, the empowerment of the Spirit (Luke 4:1-2), and his defeat of the devil and his temptations (Luke 4:3-13).
Jesus prepared for 30 years for 3½ years of significant ministry. It has been said, that people today go to Bible College for 3½ years to prepare for 30 years of ministry.
Proper preparation is essential.
Anything significant is preceded by intensive and thorough preparation (often behind the scenes). Things just don't happen. In fact, the quality of the preparation determines the quality and success of events.
- A delicious meal requires hours in the kitchen when no one else is around.
- An enjoyable musical performance requires hours of practice and preparation.
- A superb sports performance demands hours of training and preparation.
- A doctor spends years studying before he or she ever take the tools and begins to operate (aren’t you glad!).
- A significant ministry of high impact also requires the same intensity of preparation. God often takes his time.
The better the preparation, the more significant and lasting the impact. So in the spiritual. God prepares by His Spirit and we also must prepare.
God sent John the Baptist to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Luke 1:11-17, 76-80; 3:1-6) He was God's prophetic messenger sent before the coming of Messiah “to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:27).”
Every significant event in the purposes of God is preceded by a time of intense preparation.
Common Misunderstandings about Ministry:
1. “Ministry is only for people who work on staff at the church”.
This viewpoint misses the fact that every believer is in “full time ministry” wherever they may be – in church, in the marketplace, at school, in the neighbourhood or at home.
2. “Significant ministry just happens.”
This perspective misses the process that God uses to develop us over time and through many life experiences.
3. “You can’t minister until you’re perfect.”
This attitude causes you to keep putting things off until “one day” and this can lead to you missing the opportunities for God to use you today. God doesn’t want you in “school” forever. Yes, we keep learning and growing, but we have to get out there and begin “doing” what we’ve been taught.
What has God been preparing you for?