Do We Have A Moses Or Mosaic Ministry?

Scripture

16But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Observation

Paul could have leaned in to the celebrity status that his fellow ministers were pursuing because his story would play big on the talk show circuit. Instead, Paul contrasts the Moses style of leadership with the ministry of The Holy Spirit.  He doesn’t need to commend himself, promote himself. Paul doesn’t need a PR agent, because he is only here to promote One Name and it’s the Name of Jesus. Notice that in contrast to “the man from the mountain” with all the answers, Paul is describing a more mosaic approach. After Acts 2 everything changed! Every person, man and woman, who is filled with the Holy Spirit receives a glory that doesn’t fade. Why? We aren’t here to promote ourselves, but to reflect the light of Jesus.  We aren’t climbing mountains alone, we are walking by faith together and there’s only One who gets the glory. “12Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away.” 2 Corinthians 3:12

Application

A mosaic is a picture made up of small parts which are traditionally tiny tiles made out of terracotta, pieces of glass, ceramics or marble and usually inlayed into floors and walls.  I remember seeing a photo mosaic picture of Jesus. From afar it looked like the face of Jesus, but as you got closer you saw it was small pictures of men and woman from every cultural background serving, loving, and giving to those around them. This is what Doing Church As A Team looks like.  I bring a piece of the picture to the table and invite others to bring their unique God-given piece.  Then, as we put the pieces together we see something form that looks like Jesus.  I didn’t know what part my piece was going to play until it was fit in the context of community. When it’s no longer about comparison, but collaboration the world sees Jesus instead of us. Jesus prayed, “that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” (Jn. 17:21) Wouldn’t it be great if we could answer one Jesus’ prayers for a change? One of my favorite joys is seeing people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Second to that is seeing God's son's and daughters find their fit in His mosaic. The day of the celebrity pastor needs to end, but I’m not sure it’s going to any time soon. Like Paul I’m choosing to focus on the only thing that matters and that’s Jesus. What matters little is who gets the credit. What matters most is who gets Christ. After being in ministry for 30 years I've certainly been guilty of self-promotion out of insecurity or comparison. I’ve experienced a new level of The Fear of The Lord when it comes to how I invite others into ministry. There will be a day when I stand before the throne and the Savior will not ask me “Did you use the people I sent to build your own kingdom and promote your own programs.”  No, Jesus will ask me, “For the season they were with you did they leave looking more like Me?”  This shakes me to the core whenever I find something trying to make my ministry about preventing my fading glory instead of reflecting His glory.

Prayer

Thank You Jesus that I just have one job while Im here and that’s to give You glory. This isn’t about me, this is about You. It is such an honor and privilege to serve Your people. I love seeing the unique way You move in and through Your sons and daughters. This beautiful mosaic you are forming is showing Jesus more and more each day to the world around us. Your Holy Spirit is bringing freedom to Your Church in a new way and I’m here for it!