Introduction. We all know the difference between wanting to do something and being forced. When moved with gratitude or love, we happily volunteer. As Paul told the Corinthians “not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2Cor. 9:7-8). Thus we can give to the Lord because we “want to” or because we must. The cheerful giver gives because, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
This is a stark difference between the Old and New Covenants. Under the Law, Israel had no choice. They were born into His service and then learned to “want to.” Something most Israelites never did. Under the new covenant, people choose to be born again because they “want to” serve God. In obeying the gospel, we are volunteering to serve Him willingly and cheerfully. This is what God had promised. “I will make a new covenant,” “I will put My laws in their mind,” “on their hearts,” “and all shall know Me.” (Jer 31:31-34). We know His laws, have accepted them, and know Him “before” we obey the gospel. We even affirm and seal it by making the good confession (1Tim. 6:12).
This is a stark difference between the Old and New Covenants. Under the Law, Israel had no choice. They were born into His service and then learned to “want to.” Something most Israelites never did. Under the new covenant, people choose to be born again because they “want to” serve God. In obeying the gospel, we are volunteering to serve Him willingly and cheerfully. This is what God had promised. “I will make a new covenant,” “I will put My laws in their mind,” “on their hearts,” “and all shall know Me.” (Jer 31:31-34). We know His laws, have accepted them, and know Him “before” we obey the gospel. We even affirm and seal it by making the good confession (1Tim. 6:12).
A Willing King and Faithful High Priest. This new covenant also guaranteed a willing king and faithful high priest, again something Israel seldom had. On the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted David: “The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Later, the Holy Spirit used the same Psalm: “The LORD has sworn and will not relent, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Acts 2:34; Heb. 5:6,10; 6:20; 7:11,17,21). Jesus will reign in heaven “always living to make intercession” for His people because “He continues forever.” (Heb. 7:21-25).
Between these two promises is a third. First, Jesus will sit at God’s right hand and reign; second, Jesus will be a priest forever; and third: “Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power” (Ps. 110:1-4). God designed the gospel to draw “volunteers” from all over the world for the rest of time. No one is compelled. Everyone serves with zeal and diligence. So under the willing and faithful king and high priest are willing and faithful servants.
Willing and Faithful Servants. Every servant today is a volunteer who after hearing these promises, chose to believe, repent, confess, and be baptized. There was no compulsion. We were given the facts and then allowed to choose. We were all as Isaiah who when told of a task said, “Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8).
We are now Christians, not because we have to be, but because we “want to” be. We are volunteers, literally “a free will offering, — freely and willingly offered!” We serve Jesus with a willing heart and a “your slightest wish in my command” attitude. The challenge is to keep this willingness alive from the day we are born again until the day we depart. Like Paul, we must fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish the course as a willing volunteer.
As David told Solomon, “know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1Chr. 28:9). We have the freedom to choose the manner we serve our king! We are all volunteers.
Conclusion. Yet although we choose to come to Him of our own free will, remaining that way is our challenge. In this respect we face the same difficulties as Israel. But God is always kind and compassionate.
Between these two promises is a third. First, Jesus will sit at God’s right hand and reign; second, Jesus will be a priest forever; and third: “Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power” (Ps. 110:1-4). God designed the gospel to draw “volunteers” from all over the world for the rest of time. No one is compelled. Everyone serves with zeal and diligence. So under the willing and faithful king and high priest are willing and faithful servants.
Willing and Faithful Servants. Every servant today is a volunteer who after hearing these promises, chose to believe, repent, confess, and be baptized. There was no compulsion. We were given the facts and then allowed to choose. We were all as Isaiah who when told of a task said, “Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8).
We are now Christians, not because we have to be, but because we “want to” be. We are volunteers, literally “a free will offering, — freely and willingly offered!” We serve Jesus with a willing heart and a “your slightest wish in my command” attitude. The challenge is to keep this willingness alive from the day we are born again until the day we depart. Like Paul, we must fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish the course as a willing volunteer.
As David told Solomon, “know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1Chr. 28:9). We have the freedom to choose the manner we serve our king! We are all volunteers.
Conclusion. Yet although we choose to come to Him of our own free will, remaining that way is our challenge. In this respect we face the same difficulties as Israel. But God is always kind and compassionate.
- "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword"; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isa 1:18-20