Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
This morning I was listening to an Andy Stanley podcast and he read a very familiar piece of scripture. Perhaps too familiar, because I had never noticed the contrast that it contained.
He was preaching on "Entitlement". That is, how we as a culture, even those of us within "the Church", grasp at the things we feel "entitled" to - our time, our money, our possessions and our power. Andy read from John's account of Jesus' last meal with His disciples. In the midst of that meal, when Jesus knew all that was about to happen to Him, here is what God's word says:
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God" (John 13:3)
All things under His power. ALL things. Talk about entitlement - Jesus could have said or done ANYTHING that He wanted to. He could have exerted supreme power, not only over Jerusalem but over Rome and the ENTIRE world. With one word He could have destroyed His enemies that were at that moment plotting against Him. And the very next word in the text hints that He is about to do something. The word is "so". Jesus now has complete authority, "so" ... what does He do?
"so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:4-5)
Here is Jesus, entitled to be served and catered to (at the very least) and what does He do? He serves those around Him.
This message from Jesus is given to his disciples shortly after they were fighting amongst themselves as to who would be "the greatest in the kingdom of heaven". To which Jesus responds:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)
What do we do with the things to which we feel entitled? "Our" time? "Our" money? "Our" possessions? Do we use those to serve others or do we hoard them for ourselves? Do we use "our" power and influence to help those who have less (like our spouse or children) or do we "lord" it over them?
Ouch. Well - at least I get to share the pain! :-)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance!
Bruce
Create In Me A Servant’s Heart, O Lord!
Lord, please help me to follow your example of servanthood.
Create in me a heart of humility that will not allow fame and status to get in the way of service, just as you did not allow equality with God to prevent you from service.
Create in me a heart of willingness to get up from my meal table, whatever that may be, which will prevent me from service, just as you got up from your meal table for service.
Lord, let me be willing to take off my garments, whatever that may entail, which will prevent me from service, just as you took off your garments to prepare yourself for service.
Lord, please help me to be willing to replace my table and my garments with a towel and a basin, whatever form they may take, to prepare my heart and mind for service, just as you took up a towel and a basin.
Lord, please help me to look and sound not only like a servant, but also to serve whole-heartedly by washing feet, whatever shape and form this may take, even the feet of my Judas, just as you washed the feet of your disciples, including Judas – your betrayer.
Lord, please make me a servant like you! Amen.
Written by Joe A. Lieway
(http://slu.edu/prayerbook/2010/08/14/a-servants-prayer/)
Lord, as we discern the meaning of our call to servant leadership, help us recognize the ways you seek to minister through our lives.
Inspired by the knowledge of your abiding presence, may we have the courage to reach out and support one another, to stand firm in what is true, to decrease when others should increase, and to lead with vision and compassion, as faithful followers of Jesus, your Son.
We make this prayer to you in his name.
Amen.
(http://www.ourlanguageourstory.org/staff_development/prayer_services/ServantLeadership.pdf)
 | Bruce MacPherson macpherson@celtic.ca
Blog: The Celtic Christian / Home: 613.489.4174 / Cell: 613.720.0821
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