2/19- Declaring God’s Glory in Serving- Luke 22:24-27;
Mark 10:45
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors.26 But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:26-27)
45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Thoughts: God's kingdom values are different. There was a short-lived bumper sticker that was going around before the 2007 recession hit: "He who dies with the most toys wins." The world values greatness in terms of worldliness and things. Many hold to this. So Sylvio Berlusconi- who was convicted in October 2012 of tax evasion and also indicted for underage prostitution (while in service as Prime Minister of Italy), and who brought Italy to the point of bankruptcy- is amazingly running again for Prime Minister. His running power is his ability to control the media (he owns most of it), his past experience as Prime Minister, and his being the sixth richest man in Italy (Forbes says $6.9 billion). Machiavelli and Jesus had two different values of greatness and service. Machiavelli would say that values have nothing to do with political office. So, we often hear "I am not running for Christian of the year but for office." But people long for someone who is both just, true, service-oriented, as well as wise, strong and a great leader. George Washington (whose birthday we celebrate this month) at least twice refused to be king, and his greatness was found in his service for his country. For Christians our example is Jesus who was the King of kings who came not to be served (though he of anyone- deserves it), but to serve. In Luke 22 Jesus devalued comparing ourselves to others and lording it over others. He valued simply giving of ourselves for the greater cause of the kingdom of God- where justice and love meet.
So today, do not seek how to gain more of the world for yourself, but seek how to gain more in order to give more. Do not seek to have people serve or honor you, but seek to serve and honor others. Whatever we do- as a doctor, teacher, politician, or whatever- we should seek to glorify God and to honor Him and others above ourselves.
Prayer: Help me this day to put others above myself, Lord. Help me to deny myself, carry my cross this Lenten day, and follow you.
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