Some people, happy for accepting Jesus into their hearts, imagine that they’ll now be the envy of others. They think they’ll be special because they’re the King’s kid. They might even expect an introduction like, “Here’s Maribel who serves the King of kings.” Or, “Make sure to run it by Henry, since he has close contact with the Man upstairs.” The disciples may have thought the same thing. But actually, the opposite awaits all who follow Him. There’s a price to pay. Listen to Jesus’ words:
“And you shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). “If the world hates you, keep in mind they hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18, 19).
Serving comes in different forms, and I’m reminded of a Twilight Zone episode (To Serve Man) where aliens come in peace and are bent on serving man…Watch it for the ending!
Jesus taught us through His examples how to serve others. The most radical way is mind-boggling. Being the Son of God, the King of Kings; and being the God of the Universe, He could have done what most of us would do: “Hey guys, I want to show you how to serve me- “Thomas, bring me this,” “Andrew, please go to Joe’s Fish Market and bring us some fish-n-chips and then serve us at the table…”
Instead, He took off His outer tunic, took a towel and a basin, filled it with water, and got down on His knees and began to wash their feet. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:13,14).
His lesson to all? He who wants to be greatest of all, let him be your servant (Matthew 23;11; John 13:16).
Mankind equates greatness by how many people are under his control to serve him. Jesus showed us by example that greatness humbles itself before others. He didn’t talk about it. He didn’t just write about it. He lived it and demonstrated it. His examples of how we ought to humbly follow Him, goes against all that the world believes and teaches. Those who serve Him will reap their rewards in heaven. Man’s acclaims mean zilch when God’s number one in your life.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Are you willing to pay the price?
God Bless!
Sam