Tag Archives: servitude

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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October 2
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“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”.  (Philippians 2:5, NIV)

The thought in today’s verse doesn’t end with the “:”.  Paul goes on to specify the attitudes that reflect the mind of Christ, which are:

a. Regarding gifts as opportunities. . .  (Verse 6) Some gifts you have, and some gifts you are! Each are given to us for service, not for status!

b. . . . in servitude. . .  (Verse 7) “Service” is an act or series of acts in support of others.  (Being served is a good thing, but have you ever received a service from someone who wasn’t “into it”?)  On the other hand, “servitude” is an attitude.

c. . . . through humble obedience.  (Verse 8) A star athlete falls short of his or her potential when the coach is not obeyed. Likewise, we must do, go, and be as the Holy Spirit directs; not for our own glory, but for the glory of God.

Are you cultivating “the same mindset as Christ Jesus” in your relationships with others?  – Luther

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June 11
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“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:38-40, NIV)

Let’s hear it today for “secret disciples.” The folks who, for fear of what other people might do or say, do not wear the religious pendant on a chain; who do not put the fish on their business card; who do not have the license plate with a scripture citation.

When Jesus was being crucified, the most vocal disciple (Peter) was hiding in silence; and the 10 other disciples (Judas having committed suicide) were also keeping out of sight for fear that what had happened to Jesus would also happen to them.

Then there was Nicodemus and Joseph. Their discipleship succeeded where the commitment of the Eleven had failed: Joseph goes to Pilate — the very person who had sentenced Jesus to die — for permission to take the body of Jesus; and Nicodemus totes 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. Together, they give Jesus a proper burial in a brand-new tomb.

These were not small acts. They did the risky thing (remember Pilate?).  They performed the practical act.  They did the literal dirty work (retrieving, washing, and preparing a bloody corpse for burial).  They did the costly thing (have you ever priced myrrh and aloes?)  They did the literal heavy lifting (75 pounds is a lot when you’re a 130-pound man).

Be very slow to pass judgment on disciples who don’t wear their faith on the sleeve.  In fact, be like such “secret disciples” as Joseph and Nicodemus in your daring for what is good and true; your enthusiasm for the small task; the dirty job; the extravagant expression; and the heavy lifting.

Remember the empty tomb?  It was only empty on Resurrection Sunday because “secret disciples” Joseph and Nicodemus acted as they did on Friday!  – Luther

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