Surrender to Serve

Matthew 20:28  (ESV)

Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

While NBA broadcaster Ernie Johnson had been a believer for years, God was calling him to something more, to greater risk and deeper boldness to profess his faith and share his story in a public setting. Johnson stepped out and began sharing his testimony, his first experience coming out of service to a friend.

Johnson reminds us that service is a state of heart, a bending of our own will to seek that of our Father. It’s when we come to the end of our own ability that we are sent out of our comfort zone, and we hear the voice of God nudging us to something unfamiliar. We reach out to do what we think we cannot, surrendering our fears for the sake of someone else.

Jesus, the ultimate picture of servanthood, bent His immortal frame in human flesh, turning down alleyways to call out to the marginalized and forgotten. He submerged His hands in water and washed the feet of His own followers. And He hung on a cross for humanity, bearing the brunt of God’s wrath so we would have an eternal home in Heaven. His example should permeate our every thought and action as we mold our hearts in a posture of vulnerability and take up a servant-minded position like our Savior.

In what ways can you ask God to guide you out of your comfort zone?

Dear Lord, we are thankful that we have the example of Jesus to show us what it means to serve. Sometimes we are afraid to leave what we are used to and sacrifice our time, resources and words to give when it is inconvenient for us. In the Name of Jesus,  Amen.

Become a servant

Mark 10:44-45 (ESV)

44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

A noncommissioned officer was directing the repairs of a military building during the American Revolution. He was barking orders to the soldiers under his command, trying to get them to raise a heavy wooden beam.

As the men struggled in vain to lift the beam into place, a man who was passing by stopped to ask the one in charge why he wasn't helping the men. With all the pomp of an emperor, the soldier responded, "Sir, I am a corporal!"

"You are, are you?" replied the passerby, "I was not aware of that." Then, taking off his hat and bowing, he said, "I ask your pardon, Corporal." Then the stranger walked over and strained with the soldiers to lift the heavy beam. After the job was finished, he turned and said, "Mr. Corporal, when you have another such job, and have not enough men, send for your Commander in Chief, and I will come and help you a second time." The corporal was thunderstruck. The man’s name was General George Washington.

We all want to be honored, respected and appreciated. So badly, sometimes, that we try to demand it. The fact is, that these things cannot be demanded or even requested. True honor, respect and appreciation only come one way. When we become servants.

Let’s ask the Lord to help us to become the servants He would desire. After all, He did set a great example by laying down his life for us.

Dear Lord, help us each be the servants that You would have for each of us.  Help us reach out to those around us that need Your love. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Being a Servant

1 Timothy 3:8-13 (NIV)

8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.  9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.  10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.  11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.  12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

This was an exciting Sunday!  I thought I would do something a little different and share what I shared at church tonight.  Tonight we had the privilege to ordain two men as deacons.  What a joy to be able to take part in such a meaningful service. Below is something I shared with a few changes so it fits the blog.

As we see Scripture is more interested in the spiritual qualifications of deacons than it is in the details of their ministry. The word for deacon is servant, thus the core of their role is service.  They are not called to control the church, but to lead through service.

In I Timothy 1:10 it says they must first be tested.  May we all find our self after the test to be found with sound Christian character, possess God’s grace, and to demonstrate a profound commitment to serve Jesus Christ.

As we start a new week get ready for the test that you may be found a servant of Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, what a blessing it is to serve You. We pray that when we are tested that we would be found with sound Christian character, that we possess Your grace and that we would show a profound commitment to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.