Apostleship and the Nature of the Call
“For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” 1 Corinthians 4:9 NASB
In this perilous age of geometrical, arch-super apostles I am finding a very strange phenomena; a plethora of those who chase and hold the “title” of Apostle with no real authentic understanding of the nature of the call. Many believe that the mark or sign of the apostle is choc-full of miraculous signs and wonders, treated with unquestionable honor because, according to their narrow understanding, “God has appointed in the church, FIRST Apostles…[1 Corinthians 12:28]”. Their interpretation has them believing that they carry authority over the whole of Christ’s Church. With this comes Roman Catholic outfits and outlandish pontifications of their preeminence and stature. They surround themselves with illegitimate sons and daughters collected in the wake of false teachings and possessive spirits. And in the midst of all this apostolic confusion they forget the simplest truth-the call is also marked for death.
First, in 1 Corinthians 12:28, isn’t a mark of preeminence or rank, but rather an innate understanding that we are in covenant with our own cross which means that our bodies belong to Christ and the work. You want to be first? Great. When someone is hungry, you be the first to give them your food. When someone is naked, you be the first to give them your shirt. When someone is outdoors, you be the first to offer them shelter. When the time comes to give blood for the Church, you be the first to present your body as a living sacrifice.
Make no mistake about it, in this hour, while we walk in revelation and demonstration of power, we also walk in the ever present shadow of martyrdom.
Apostle isn’t a title, it is a WORK where we are first to pour out ourselves for the WORLD, not just the saved.
Paul said, “[W]e are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 NASB
The revelation of omnipotent God and His son, Jesus Christ in our lives gives us joy, and therefore strength to work in a state of peace, always petitioning the grace and mercy of our Father to make us unwavering if Christ should ever cash in on our bodies for His name sake.
So please, don’t ever be confused, I am not impressed nor distracted by the depth of your knowledge or how many sons and daughters you have collected. I am not impressed by how many “churches” you have taken over or planted. I am not impressed with how well you can whoop and holler from the pulpit. Show me your humility, because that is a bonafide sign that you have and understand the nature of the call.
Grace and Peace
John L. Hairston, Servant and Apostolic Scribe
