1281. Deacons–Ministers

Deacons–Ministers

"If any man serve Me, let Him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour" (Joh_12:26).

The word "deacon" has become used exclusively of those men, chosen by the church, who serve in a special work, designated by the Holy Ghost. This is right. However, the word is found in the Gospels, and is used there not of church officers, but of saints in general.

1. The meaning of the word. The word "deacon," is from the Greek, "diaconis." It is translated, in our key verse as "servant," with marginal rendering, "minister." Both words are included in the meaning of the Greek word. The word comes from "dia," through, and "konis," the dust. Or, perhaps, the word comes from "diokein," to pursue. We would like to put the two Greek words together, and let the word "deacon" mean "pursuing through the dust."

2. The general use of the word. All saints are called to be deacons, servants, ministers; they are to faithfully follow our Lord in the train of His rejection and humiliation.

Deacons must be willing to go with Him outside the camp; they must follow Christ in His reproach. How can we serve as deacons unless we follow Him, pursue Him through the dust?

In all of this, it is well to remember that the pathway of humiliation, the path through the dust, leads to the crown. Mark how the Scripture concludes: "If any man serve Me (diakona), him will My Father honour." He who takes the lowly seat at the feast, is sure to be invited up higher. He who follows Him in His poverty will surely follow Him in His riches.

3. The word specialized, and applied to the Scriptural office of deacon. The blessed Book has much to say about the office of deacon. The Epistles of Paul place the deaconship as an office of big responsibility; as an office to be desired; as an office to which only holy men, and Spirit-filled men, are to be called.

Would that the deacons would realize their position in the church. They are the servants, ministers of the Lord Jesus and of the saints; they are to follow the Lord in all humility of mind, through the dust; they are to pursue the pathway of the Son of God as the hart pursues the water-brook.

A lowly office, yet an office of great responsibility; a God-ordained office, capable of great honor. For "they who use the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR