Having seen something of the nature of, and preparation for Scriptural

service, we turn our minds to the consideration of what service involves.  We

might note the different titles of service, such as 'walk' or 'work', or the

different spheres of service suggested in such passages as 'preach the Word',

'fellowsoldier', 'we wrestle', 'sow', 'reap', etc., or yet again we might

note the examples of true acceptable service with which Scripture abounds,

and yet once again, we could bring into prominence all who are called

'servants', or who are said to have 'served'.  Then we should note the spirit

that underlies service, and it will not be too far removed from the practical

orbit to give attention to the fact that service will be rewarded by the

The bare summary of possible avenues of approach reveals so much ground

to be covered that we shall have to deal with the subject under different

heads to avoid confusion.  We purpose for the present to bring before the

reader's notice a series of symbols of service that we find in the

Scriptures.  Every reader may not find each symbol of personal help.  Service

is too wide for generalization, but we trust that each one will find his own

special calling illumined as our study proceeds.  Moreover, there is always

room for the reader to remember in prayer those whose service is so different

from his own, and this of itself will enable us patiently to consider service

in all its aspects, even though our own particular branch be not immediately

in view.

The symbols of service that we will consider first of all are three,

viz.  ambassador, apostle, and angel.  While each word has its own

distinctive meaning and cannot be used interchangeably with the other two,

they have one or two features in common, which may be of help to us.

Firstly, ambassadors, apostles, and angels are sent

ones.  To go at one's own charges, or upon one's own responsibility, would

disqualify anyone from the use of these titles.  Angels are messengers, and

as such must be sent on their errand:

'Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them

who shall be heirs of salvation?' (Heb. 1:14).

When we read concerning John the Baptist: 'Behold, I send My messenger before

Thy face' (Matt. 11:10), we not only have the word 'send', but in the word

'messenger' we also have the word 'angel', for the Greek word is aggelos.

The very idea of the word 'apostle' is that of a sent one, for

apostello is translated 'to send' scores of times.  For example:

'How shall they preach, except they be sent?' (Rom. 10:15).

'Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel' (1 Cor.

The same holds good of the word 'ambassador'.  An ambassador who did not

represent a person or power who sent him is a contradiction in terms: