Monday March 10, 2003

~ This side UP (The Greatest) ~

Ever get the feeling God wants to flip your world upside down? Then I ask you… Is your world right side up? ^_^ Perhaps your view is upside down.. and God’s just correcting it…

First, a couple WORDs from my sponser: GOD!

The came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

— Mark 9:33-37 —

   Strolling down the way… boasting about which disciple was the best…. comparing notes… “I’m better at ___.” “Well, I’m better at ____. What do you think, ____?” And so the argument goes on and on… Jesus stands by… watching this glimpse of pridefulness… but he lets them argue on… getting all worked up… trying to see who is top dog… as they “sell” on their strengths and “down-played” their weaknesses…
   Finally, Jesus gets finished walking.. or perhaps… just tired of their bickering… He asks them “What were you arguing about on the road?” and suddenly… they are suddenly silent. The Lord is speaking… and their minds suddenly start churning… “Is he going to yell at us for being stupid?” “Was there something wrong with this?” They are no longer caught up in the moment… bickering about who’s better… they are more likely wondering what Jesus is going to say about their bickering… (Be still… and know… I AM God. – Psalm 46:10) 
   Jesus calls them over… not in anger… but in patient love. He calls them over and says to them, the answer to their unspoken question: “WHO IS THE GREATEST?” The servant is the greatest… and not just the head servant… but the lowliest servant will be the greatest. 
   As their analystical minds try to figure out this piece of mind-flipping logic… He takes a child and places this little child in their midst. A little one in the middle of all this full-grown, experienced men. And says: “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” If you love me, you will make this child feel at home. You will be a servant… servant to those who are lowly. Like this child… so small, so lacking in power in anyway the world would measure by… spiritually, physically, and mentally… That will make you the greatest. But even in this, I think we can see another implied point… Jesus came to serve… and in order to serve Him, you must serve those who are lowly… you must be transformed into the form of a servant. And from this service, you become a servant of Jesus… A servant of God.

Life Application: You want to be great? Impressing men will do nothing. Work for God!

{ Pride in yourself does nothing… following worldly standards of success will lead to nothing… feel free to double-check this if you like… go accumulate money, assets, a beautiful spouse, vacations to wonderful places… and see if it brings you any joy. any happiness… or does it bring strife and unhappiness… depression and mistrust…a bit of fun to be paid later in unhappiness.. and ultimately… emptiness and loneliness that no human can fill… Denial hurts… oh yes it does… }

Remember which side is UP. God is UP. “Greatest” in this life is nothing compared to greatness in God’s kingdom. For ALL will be revealed when His kingdom comes… and all things evil and good will be known in full.

Father, Thank you for the wonderful touch of Your Word… the bread of life… I want to serve, Lord. Show me when… show me how, I can serve. I am just a servant. nothing more, nothing less. God, may Your will be done… and may I learn truly… what greatness is. Keep me from pride, which so easily entangles… let me not get caught up in bickering… Instead… may I be… (a lowly, invisible) servant? *sigh* I know I cannot ask that… my heart will not agree to that request… one day at a time, Lord. Show my heart who’s boss… I pray for my friend PL… he is deeply troubled… I pray Your hand would be upon him… to comfort him during his time of turmoil. I cannot help him. Show him more of You, so he can learn to follow You, all the days of his life, in thanksgiving and in joy. Give me loving patience to deal with my fellow drivers, Lord. I am always lacking… may You shine thru my weaknesses. I pray all this in the name of the greatest of them all… God comming down as a servant, Amen.

*wipes his eye* So what if I’m tearing? I’m touched!

Another Servant Verse
— Matthew 20:1-16 —