Tag Archives: servitude

March 25
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“‘For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.'” (Luke 22: 27, NIV)
 
To be a disciple of Jesus is to identify oneself as a servant.
 
It is difficult identity oneself as the servant when every component of our being hungers for recognition and adulation; and Jesus acknowledges as much in today’s scripture when He says that the “one who is at the table” is greater than “the one who serves”.
 
Yet, to be as Jesus is be a servant. Do not eschew servitude and humility. It is in these states we shall find the company of our Lord.  – Luther
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March 3
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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 22
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“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:2, KJV)

Most of us take note when we’ve been attended to by a waiter in a restaurant, or a clerk in a retail store, who rendered service with gladness.  It arrests our attention; it lifts our spirit; it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.  

Is there gladness in your service?

As you approach your tasks today — working as for the Lord — will you bring gladness to the task?

Will your interaction with others today — serving each as you would Jesus — transform the ordinary into the extraordinary because of your attitude?  – Luther

REMINDER: Daily Encouragement will be on its customary Sunday break tomorrow.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday!

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