For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, died… Acts 13:36 (NET)
Last time we discussed the necessity of preparation before building a life or a ministry. Whether it means preparing the soil of our hearts, repenting and clearing away impediments to our spiritual journey, or the care and nourishing of the incorruptible seed of the word of God, our time will eventually end.
We must ask ourselves if the desire to have a legacy overshadows the concern of fulfilling God's purposes in our own generation. John the Baptist said: He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 (NLT). Legacies will take care of themselves if we are faithful servants. But even if we are forgotten, we must still answer for how we ran our race.
Some ministries are meant to continue indefinitely, but other endeavors are meant only for a season. Understanding the difference is important. It is not a failure to conclude a ministry which was meant for a specific time. It is a mistake to try and continue something that God raised up for a specific purpose. However, understanding what is meant to continue indefinitely, and what is temporary, is not always easy to determine.
Regardless, every servant of God will reach the point where we let go of a ministry, or it is taken from us. Sacrifice, humility, and dedication are required to “build up” a work for God. The same attributes must be applied when we must “let it go.”
Pass the Baton
You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)
In his letter to Timothy, Paul is explaining the process of passing the baton. Passing the baton is what happens in a relay race. Running quickly is important, but unless the baton is passed successfully from one runner to the next, the race will be lost.
Churches and ministries that should have continued from generation to generation Can fail because, either there was no one to receive the baton, or the exchange was fumbled. The exchange begins with a teaching and a life that is confirmed by many reliable witnesses.
A solid foundation is essential to continued success. In a relay race, each leg is built upon the successful completion of the assignment. Starting well and finishing well go hand in hand. All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 1 Corinthians 9:25–26 (NLT)
To run a winning race requires practice, practice, and even more practice. We not only train to build up endurance, but we must also prepare for the handoff. Asking which one is more important he's like asking which leg of a three-legged stool is the most important. We must run to win.
Let it Go
When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” 2 Kings 2:9–10 (NLT)
In a relay race, there is a “zone” in which the baton must be passed. Disqualification will occur if the exchange happens outside of the zone. On the track, the zone is clearly seen. In life and ministry, the zone is not always as apparent. There may be more grace and flexibility in ministry, but the principles are the same, nevertheless.
So many things can go wrong and do. Sometimes an attempt is made too soon to pass the baton, and the next runner is not ready or prepared. If we wait too long to make the exchange, the appointed next runner becomes impatient and even looks for another race to run.
Perhaps all too common, is the reluctance to let go of the baton. The successor has been trained and is prepared. They are excited, even anxious, to begin their leg of the race. They have positioned themselves properly, but when the time comes for the exchange, the previous runner refuses to let go.
We would not say that it is easy to let it go, but unless we let it go (at the right time), The race will be lost. No one is indispensable, and if we falter, God will find someone to finish the job. But we have been entrusted with a responsibility, a stewardship.
What if?
“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30 (NLT)
What happens when we do everything that we could to look for a successor, but no one is found? We could take solace in the fact that even God looked for someone to fulfill his purpose, but he could not find the right person. We must not take too much of the responsibility upon ourselves. The plans of God will be fulfilled. But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. Psalm 33:11 (NLT)
We must remain humble. God accomplished his plans and purposes before we came along, and even if we cannot find someone to take the baton, the plan of God will continue. Whether it is a ministry, or a church, no human institution lasts forever. Jesus said that he would build his church, and in that promise, so we can find hope and assurance. We may run with the baton for a while. God may use us to build something with him as his coworker, but one way or another, we will let it go.
Steve Ekeroth