Tag Archives: servitude

March 22
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“A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.  Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.  But you are not to be like that.  Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.'”  (Luke 22:24-26, NIV)

We now see the glory of the Resurrection, but before we arrive at Easter we must leave Palm Sunday and endure Good Friday. Our attitude through all of it, according to Jesus, is to be as He was: The least of all.  The last of all.  The servant of all.

The disciples were acting out of their corrupted nature (which, as people, we all share).  This nature aspires to be the greatest of all.  This nature desires to be the first of all. This nature expects to be served by all.

Because of what Jesus has done for all of us through His death on the cross, and through His resurrection from the dead; His summons to servitude is validated for all time and for all people.  Our corrupted, natural ambitions assure nothing but strife, but our obedience to Jesus assures us life in all of its fullness.  – Luther

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March 11
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“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’”  (Mark 9:35, NLT)

Jesus doesn’t ignore humanity’s competitive spirit, but He directs it to the channel of service — and few of us want servitude to be our destination.  Even in our “service” organizations, leadership comes with benefits: Recognition; greater autonomy; and strategic activities.  Conversely, true servitude (e. g. the condition of the servant) is marked by obscurity, slavish obedience, and seemingly menial activities (e. g. “foot-washing” and door-tending).

However, no where else is leadership — as Jesus defines leadership — to be found.

Seldom will you find a line at the doorway to true service, but inside that door you will always find the company of the risen Christ.  Is this Person sufficient, or must we have perquisites (“perks”) as well?   – Luther

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February 6
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“Jesus called them together and said, ‘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, NIV)

I like the adage: “Unless you’re the lead dog, the view never really changes.”

The problem is that my ambition for leadership almost always conflicts with what Jesus says His disciples’ ambitions ought to be vis-a-vis leadership.  While the common ideas of leadership usually involves the exercise of power, the acquisition of perquisites, and the maintenance of prestige; as a disciple of Jesus, I need always be on guard that I not use religious language to hide the agenda of secular objectives.

We cannot argue with the common concepts of leadership and their place in this world.  However, regarding their applicability in the kingdom of heaven and in the life of the Christian disciple, we must never forget Jesus’ words: “Not so with you.”  – Luther

Reminder: “Daily Encouragement” will be on its customary break tomorrow but, Lord willing, shall return on Monday.  Have a great day tomorrow in worship, fellowship, thanksgiving, and praise!

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