Scripture: Mark 10:42-45 Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the ones who are considered the rulers by the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be the slave of all, for the Son of Man didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”
Thought for the Day: Let’s be very real – putting aside our political affiliations, there are too few examples of good ethical and moral behavior in our nation’s government. Don’t get me wrong, there are some, but too often their high standards and moral compass gets them nothing. Jesus looked to the rulers among the Gentiles, and his disappointment appears to be on multiple levels. I believe most of us would agree. Yet at the end of the day, Jesus seems to be pushing the attribute of humility above everything else. I’m reminded of Ralph Waldo Emerson who wrote, “A great man is always willing to be little.” This is where many people’s fear arises, for they fear having nothing to show for their life. This fear suggests to the human psyche how the simplest way of achieving greatness in this life is to have the biggest and the best, the shiniest and swankiest. The idea of small or servant is frightening to many, yet it dismisses God’s opinion on the subject. And even more important, it turns a blind eye to Jesus who is the one we are to follow.
Prayer: Provide your church, and each person that contributes to this body of faithful service, the courage to seek the greatest as defined by you, O Lord of the Universe. It is this greatness that stands in contrast, mind-shattering opposition, to what the world defines as great. I ask such things in the name of the model of servant-leadership, Jesus. Amen.
Put It On Your Calendar
TALENT SHOW
May 18
