Tag: serving
Greatness through serving!
Scripture reading for January 29th: Mark 10
Key Scriptures: Mark 10:41-44 “And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.””
James and John had approached Jesus about positions of honor when Jesus came into His kingdom. They wanted to sit at His right hand and His left and asked shamelessly for this honor. Jesus never rebuked them for asking, but told them that they did not know what they were asking for. But Jesus did ask them if they could drink the cup He would drink and be baptized with the baptism He was soon to undergo. They responded affirmatively, “We are able.” Jesus affirmed that they would indeed drink of His cup and be baptized with His baptism. But the positions of honor belonged to those the Father would choose as worthy. This aggravated the other disciples and Jesus called them all together for instruction. Greatness and honor in Christ’s kingdom would come from service, not seeking position or honor. Jesus set the example by serving us all through giving His life blood as sin’s ransom payment.
Psalm 49:7-9 “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Your life as a ransom for my life, serving me and all mankind. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Reward and alone receives honor.
Joshua 24:15 “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Greatness through serving!
Scripture reading for February 21st: Mark 10, Psalms 38, Proverbs 7
Key Scriptures: Mark 10:42-45 “And Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
James and John had approached Jesus with a request. They asked if they could be seated on His right and left when Jesus came into His glory. This caused the other disciples to become upset as well. Jesus called them all together and explained what true greatness was in God’s eyes: serving others. In fact, Jesus demonstrated His servant-leadership by giving His life for all mankind’s salvation.
Faith’s confession: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your teaching and example of servant-leadership. I believe true greatness comes by serving others. Give me opportunities to serve others today.
Psalm 38:15 “But for You, O Lord, do I wait; it is You, O Lord my God, who will answer.”
Choosing Godly leaders
Scripture reading for May 11th: 2nd Kings 20-23, Acts 6
Key Scriptures: Acts 6:2-4 “So the Twelve gathered the disciples together and said,”It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.”
The Twelve apostles recognized the need to prioritize the use of their time. Their main responsibility was prayer and ministry of God’s Word. Other godly men could and should be raised up to be servant leaders. This would prepare them to step up in ministry later.
2nd Kings 22:1-2 “Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. . . .He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.”
Prayer: Lord, Your church needs godly leaders, who are full of the Spirit and wisdom. Fill me with Your Spirit and wisdom to pray and minister Your Word. Amen.