How Can Believers Minister Unto The Lord?

Q: How should Christians understand what it means to “minister unto the Lord” in daily life, in light of God’s instructions to the priests in Exodus 28?

A: Great question. The idea of ministering unto the Lord as found in Exodus 28 is transferred over into the New Testament in a wonderful account. Acts 13:2 – As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

What does it mean for believers today to minister unto the Lord? Primarily, although not exclusively, it means honoring God through prayer and worship. The New Testament says that this is the priestly service of believers right now. We believe that in Jesus Christ, we are kings and priests. One of the priestly functions we have is to honor God, although that is no longer accomplished through animal sacrifices. Blood sacrifices are no longer necessary, because Jesus fulfilled all of that with His perfect work. Now, we bring to God the sacrifice of praise.

When you give your attention, your worship, your praise, and your time to God, and you simply wait before Him, this is a sacrifice of praise, and this is ministering unto the Lord. You’re not giving something to Him that He doesn’t already have, but you’re honoring Him in the way that a creature should honor the Creator, and the redeemed should honor their Redeemer. Ministering unto the Lord is a glorious and beautiful thing to do.