Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
October 23rd 2023

Salvation Before Service

He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Matthew 5:1-2 NIV

Bible Reading: Matthew 10:1-2

The call to salvation precedes the call to service. We are saved in order to rise for the salvation of others. In fact, we have been called to the ministry of reconciliation. Jesus Christ our example in our reading today calls His disciples first to himself to fellowship and commune together before He sent them out. We have to avoid the danger of focusing on ministry at the expense of a deep walk with God. We cannot forget that the call is first unto salvation and then to serve.

For instance, Apostle Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus was his first call to salvation. Paul developed a cordial relationship with God. He was redeemed and later given a specific ministerial assignment to preach the gospel of Christ Jesus to both the Jews, then to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16). While God continually sends out labourers into his vineyard so that God’s word can be preached across the nations of the world (Matthew 9: 37-38), it is never at the expense of their relationship with Him.

Here’s the word for today: You are called first to be saved through the precious blood of Christ Jesus, then to serve in God’s vineyard. It is important that your service unto God is a product of your relationship with God because that is when your service is God-approved and acceptable (Col 3:17 & 23).

Self-Reflection: You are called first to be saved and then to serve!

Daily Confession: I am saved by God’s grace and I render my service unto the Lord wholeheartedly. Lord I pray that you use me for Your glory in Jesus name. amen!

Intercessory prayer: Lord restore any minister who has lost their fervency in you due to the workload of the ministry.

Hymn: We have an anchor that keep that soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll

Fastened to the rock which cannot move

grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love