Bearing the mantle of our Lord usually comes with a lot of heart ache and tribulation. There are simple attributes we must all accept once we decide to be evangelist of our Lord. Appearing to be weak before man is one of the first burdens we must accept. The mere fact that we are chosen to tell others of the word of God implies that we must have a stronger mind and heart to withstand the temptations of ridicule and abuse. These come in all works of life and we must learn to see beyond this and focus on the master that we serve. By doing this we appear to be weak before others. Our pride is trampled upon while our mere existence becomes something of the past. At these times we must bear the strain with the knowledge that we serve a higher master.
Another factor that is significant on this path is hunger. However this is not just the hunger for food taht we are accustomed to but that of the normal human desires. This is not to say that there is no ambition in this existence, however it is curtailed to the requirements of the master we serve. It is accepted that as we increase in knowledge spiritually we desire less physically. Our needs and wants are no more like the requirements of those we serve to bring to our Lord. Our needs and wants are pushed to the sidelines in our hearts. It becomes far more important to go without as long as we have fulfilled the duty of our Lord. In this sense time and again we tend to lack what most would take for granted. During these times it is not uncommon to fall into poverty as part of our tribulation.
In the bible it is written that: ' We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place.'
The spiritual man, prophet, evangelist and apostle of the Lord must go to all extremes to deliver the word of the Lord. These extremes may leave him humiliated, empty and forgotten at times before man. In the old testament Elijah begged for death because of the tribulation he had to endure. His words were: 'It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.' These words are no further from our lips as .
Leslie Musoko
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