Service and Provision in the Kingdom

by Pastor Moses Musinguzi

I was recently having an afternoon walk in the relatively rich part of the city of Oakland. Being part of the northern California bay area, this place is often cold; so any opportunity to enjoy the warmth of the sun is a God-moment.

This stroll got me to appreciate how materially blessed people here are. The housing is not anywhere close to what I know in Uganda. All the streets in that residential area are lined by cars worth the name. The roads are as first class as the country. And most of the people exude the aura of financial wellbeing.

It's during this time that the Lord began to tell me how provision for His children happens. He showed me how this affluent American society even in its imperfections can be used as a picture of His Kingdom. A lot of the prosperity in this land is a result of people waking up every morning to do something that will benefit another. For that service, they then get financially rewarded by whoever gets to enjoy the fruit of their labor. If they simply did something just for themselves, no one would be blessed by their work. So they would not be paid for what they were the producers and consumers at the same time.

Most of what is here on earth is a shadow of the true reality that the Kingdom of heaven is; this natural world was designed after a spiritual pattern, Romans 1:20. The Lord told me, "If my children would always get up in the morning with the sole purpose of serving one another and mankind, then all their needs would be met - in the same way the world financially rewards work." Our single motivation should be to bring pleasure to someone. If we simply live to please and enrich ourselves, we should not wonder when lack becomes our experience.

It is written in the Bible that he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25). It goes on to say that we should labour so that we can have something to give to the needy (Ephesians 4:28), knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does the same shall he receive of the Lord (Ephesians 6:8).

In the Kingdom of God there is no poverty. Jesus our King defined Himself as the giver of abundant life, John 10:10. However even if that's true, our needs getting supplied is not automatic. Serving in love is the magnet that attracts to us the inheritance which is already ours. There are millions of people in America who are starving in the midst of plenty. For the majority of these, I believe it is because they are not being a blessing to someone; not ministering good, disqualifies them from the wealth common in their nation. The same is true with some children of God. The glorious realm we are a part of is one whose increase and fortune will never end, Isaiah 9:7; provision is in abundance, but we must position ourselves as blessers in order to experience the blessings. For he who does not work is not supposed to eat, 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

Let me testify here: As a family we came to California for vacation. A few days after arriving, a thought came to me that I should keep some of the money I carried, so I can help pay house rent for a friend back home in Uganda. Sometime after that, another friend in Uganda sent us money "just for just!" So you see, as I was seeking to be a blessing by selflessly cutting down my expenditure, God was preparing for us a recompense of great reward. He considered as work my desire and action to be a blessing to a friend. So he miraculously sent us more than we planned to give.

The point has been made; now go to work. For in all labour there is profit, Proverbs 14:23.

God bless you.