Tag: servant

Posted on

Touchdown!

Daily Reading

Matthew 20-21

Daily Thought

The religious leaders thought themselves the best in Israel, but Jesus told them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you” (Matthew 21:31). You see, the religious thought themselves righteous and God needed them. The ones on the bottom know better. It is not God who needs, but us, and sinners need a Savior.

Sometimes, when we were kids, my dad played street football with us. He was the quarterback and he drove us crazy. The best players were the first chosen, of course, and my dad would send all the best running to the right with the best defenders in tow, then toss the ball left to Billy. Billy had been chosen last and was undefended. Touchdown Billy! My dad had this annoying habit of making winners of the kids chosen last.

“Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.” ~Matthew 20:15-16

This smacks of Jesus, who likewise dismayed his disciples. In his kingdom, “the last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). Not sure what that meant, a couple disciples tried to come out on top the conventional way. James and John, the sons of thunder (Mark 3:17–and a great football nickname, by the way), coaxed their mom to approach Jesus, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom” (Matthew 20:21). Jesus, instead, explained, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. It shall not be so among you” (Matthew 20:25-26). One way to know if you are living like Jesus is to look around and see who wins and loses when you are in charge.

“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~Matthew 20:28

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, I do not deserve Your grace. Of course, I don’t. It wouldn’t be grace if I deserved it. You have so much love for me, and for all of us, and You never run short of grace. There is enough for all. Even the thief on the cross, who came into Your kingdom just in time.

I know I don’t deserve the riches of Your Kingdom, but I’m thrilled that they are mine. I look forward to eternity, to being in Your presence, being in Your Kingdom, being Your child, co-heir with Jesus Christ, sharing in His glory.

Thank You.

Amen

Posted on

Public Servant

Daily Reading

2Chronicles 25-27

Daily Thought

Three chapters, three kings in a row, each began well, but then. King Joash “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest (2Chronicles 24:2), but then Jehoiada died, “and they abandoned the house of the Lord” (2Chronicles 24:18). King Amaziah, “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart” (2Chronicles 25:2). King Uzziah “set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah” (2Chronicles 26:5). Zechariah instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as Uzziah sought the Lord, God made him prosper. Each time, each king, something went wrong.

Uzziah’s name means “My strength is the Lord,” and from that strength came success. Enemies were conquered, the army grew strong, the walls of the city were fortified, the land was replenished and the people were well fed. Uzziah’s name became famous among the nations, but the meaning was lost. Rather Uzziah became strong in himself, “but when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction” (2Chronicles 26:16).

Uzziah could do it all. Well, almost all. Uzziah thought to show his glory by proclaiming, “I can be anything,” even a priest, but that’s not the way God works. The king is not priest, and only priests enter the temple and burn incense to the Lord. 

Humanity’s first sin is pride, to be like God, without first knowing what God is like. Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Jesus Christ showed his glory by emptying himself, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). We call our leaders “public servants.” If only it were true. 

“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.” ~Mark 10:43-45

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, may I be a reflection of You in this world, which means may I live like Jesus. In humility, I will serve others, considering them before myself. Keep reminding me that You are my strength. I too easily forget. Restore me, O God, when I fail, but even more, guard my heart when I succeed.

When I reflect on Your wonder and glory, I love better. I’m terribly tempted to love myself, so it is good to worship, because I remember my Creator. May all that I do turn eyes toward You, that You may be praised by all.

Amen