Carry the Cheese - The Watch Letter

When Jesus restored Peter and gave him the charge to continue to lead the disciples, he asked him to “feed my sheep.” When he called the apostles, he asked them to become “fishers” of men. It's no accident God used what some consider today's service or "blue-collar" jobs to develop and choose his leaders.

David was tending to the sheep, guarding the fields, running errands, and using makeshift weapons to protect the people when the Lord selected him as the future king.

In none of these cases did God command them first to become the most well-known, frequently quoted, or highly-respected apostles, kings, etc. Instead, God called them to first participate and be active in his kingdom. To get their hands dirty. To serve. To care. To share.

Mark 10:43

Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.

Last Sunday, Chief Apostle H.C. Gunn taught us about David and his willingness to do and get involved.

It was sobering when he preached about David's commitment to clean up behind animals, carry what was probably smelly cheese to serve his brothers, and most likely face ridicule due to his attire and job role. David wanted to please God and his earthly father more than being popular, rewarded, and "the one." As he broke down the story of David, Chief Apostle Gunn said, “Keep what God has committed you to do.” So often, the reason people stay in the shadows in church, family, and community is because the spotlight is not on them and they think service is beneath them.

Have you ever noticed when someone is given a leadership role or recognition they are front and center and always available? Yet, when they are called to be in the background, take instruction, support, or sacrifice, the enthusiasm is gone. What if David never carried the cheese, which led him to slay the giant? What would have been the outcome if he said that bringing the cheese was too small or not what he wanted to do?

Chief Apostle Gunn taught us about the pageant spirit. The pageant spirit is all about showcasing, being the center of attention, and being on the receiving end of blessing. But the Lord has shown us through his Word that he anoints, stands with, and testifies of those who serve.

In Luke 10, Martha was hosting a meal. She had the food laid out and the home just right, but in all her busyness, she had Jesus near her and had no time to serve and acknowledge him. However, her sister, Mary, understood that service is a demonstration of love. Chief Apostle Gunn has shown us, through example and teaching, that if you want to show Jesus you love him, it's how you participate and serve that matters to him. Many people appear to be serving Jesus by speaking the right words and being in the right place at the right time, but not many are willing to serve or care beyond themselves.

Chief Apostle Gunn also said last Sunday, “In order to shine, you have to be polished.” Mary knew she needed Jesus to make her worthy. Instead, Martha was spinning her wheels, trying to look worthy. The most shiny and treasured jewels on the earth come from the lowest part of earth.

He also said there are things we don’t want to do (perhaps because they aren’t glamorous or require too much effort), but God gave us the gifts to do them. But we can refuse to bring our gifts to Jesus' feet like Mary. Some of us don't even want to get down low like Mary or be like David and feed those at war instead of being selected to be a warrior. David treated his assignments as kingly missions even before he became a king. Mary served Jesus without knowing she would one day be a memorial of service around the world.

As Chief Apostle Gunn said last Sunday, “It doesn’t have to look good, but if we wait on God, he will make it good.”

Join us in showing appreciation to Chief Apostle Gunn in September. If you have been impacted by the ministry of Chief Apostle Gunn, sow your seed of appreciation by Sept. 30! Give here.