Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness. Luke 4:1 NLT
The bible gives an account of what happened at Jordan. Jesus, God’s beloved son had just been baptized with a public endorsement of his personality and the genuineness of his ministry. The scriptures record that the Holy Ghost descended on him like a dove and at this point, he was full of the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus had just being anointed and endorsed, I felt he was ready for ministry and should have been posted to his station immediately. Someone who at that point was carrying so much power should have been ushered to the midst of people where he can teach, heal and deliver; manifesting the power of God and winning souls for the kingdom. Instead, Jesus was directed into the wilderness. The Holy Ghost drove him into the desert - a lonely, dry and dangerous place, with the devil that tempted him for 40 days.
What lessons are there in this story for us?
The anointing, the endorsement by the authorities, the deep knowledge of the scriptures and our oratory prowess are not all that is required for ministry. You cannot skip training. Jesus himself, despite having so much power had to go for 40 days training. There he learnt how to say no to food (when he refused to turn stone to bread), despite being hungry. There he learnt how to say no to the devil despite how harmless his requests seem. In the wilderness, Jesus practiced the act of patience and not applying force or power always.
In that desert, Jesus practiced how to rely on the scriptures and find the accurate words to apply in every situation. Jesus in the wilderness, learnt how to stay humble, despite having so much power. He, in the wilderness practiced that being the son of God with a heavy anointing is not a license to sin. He refused to jump down when the devil asked him. Being 40 days locked up in a desert with the devil himself and coming out clean, Jesus was ready for ministry. No wonder he succeeded so much in it.
Why is training required for ministry despite the anointing?
Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. Luke 4:14-15 NLT.
By the time Jesus entered the midst of people with the power he carried, he quickly became famous. Anointing, power and working of miracles bring fame and popularity. Every minister needs to be trained on how to handle this; otherwise, he will be carried away. Soon he will think of himself as a celebrity instead of a minister. If he is not trained to handle fame, he will fail.
Jesus taught regularly in synagogues. He had invitations to minister coming in from every corner. As soon as the world sees how good a minister is, he becomes the most-sought-after minister. He will move from church to church and fellowship to fellowship. If care is not taken, soon he will have no time to hear God or for personal devotion. If he has not trained to manage his time and prioritize, he is bound to fail.
Everyone praised Jesus. The anointing attracts praises from men and most times when they come, they have the minister’s name tagged. The anointing attracts glory and honour. Only a well-trained man can return them to God who is the actual owner. Attempts to keep or feed on these have been the bane of several untrained ministers.
Nothing takes the place of training even when God has called you. Take a clue from Jesus; get adequately trained. Be prepared before you jump into it.
Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Amp
