the principle of PLAY

Yesterday I blogged about the secret to last in ministry. We have to PLAY.

Yes PLAY and not pray though prayer is also a vital part of lasting long in ministry.

Here is the principle of PLAY.

Ex. 5:1 Afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’ ”

Ex. 5:3 ¶ So they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please, let us go three days’ journey into the desert and sacrifice to the LORD our God, lest He fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.”

Moses told Pharaoh to let the people go so that they hold a FEAST - a celebration.

Then in verse 3 he told Pharaoh that they are going on a 3 day journey to WORSHIP God.

FEAST AND WORSHIP – words of fun.

On the other hand Pharaoh’s word were opposite of Moses

Ex. 5:4 ¶ Then the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people from their work? Get back to your labor.”

Ex. 5:8 And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks which they made before. You shall not reduce it. For they are idle; therefore they cry out, saying, “Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’

Ex. 5:11 Go, get yourselves straw where you can find it; yet none of your work will be reduced.’

Ex. 5:13 And the taskmasters forced them to hurry, saying, “Fulfill your work, your daily quota, as when there was straw.”

Ex. 5:18 Therefore go now and work; for no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the quota of bricks.”

Pharaoh’s words were WORK, LABOR, QUOTA, WORK WILL NOT BE REDUCED, DAILY QUOTA.

Moses’ words were FEAST and WORSHIP

Pharaoh’s style of leadership was WORK, WORK, WORK. Ministry is WORK. Making Disciples is WORK, Bible reading is WORK, Prayer is WORK. Get your 12 disciples or else – QUOTA.

Moses’ style of leadership was FEAST, FESTIVAL, FUN, SACRIFICE UNTO GOD AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP.

Ministry was an overflow of his passion for God.

Moses understood the principle of PLAY.

So question: Are you working or are you playing?

ps: thanks Pastor Steve Murrell for the insights