Devotion #23

CENTRAL TRUTH: Embracing faith requires a humble heart willing to sacrifice everything for Christ.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 10:41-45

“Mine!” “It’s my turn!” “Me first!”

These are words you typically hear in a gathering of stingy preschoolers who know nothing about being a servant and sacrificing their toys for another person. In fact, when a toy comes within three feet, they believe it now belongs to them.

Today’s passage will be familiar to many New Covenant attenders. Two of Jesus’ disciples were hoping to take the top two positions in the “Jesus organization.” Jesus simply reminded them that they did not enjoy having the Roman government rule over them. Instead, to be a follower of Jesus meant to become a servant to others. This is exactly what Jesus had done. It is the way to be great in the Kingdom.

Our time, talent and treasure are all gifts God has given us to use to serve the Lord first and others second. Christ’s followers should never lord their position, power and prestige over anyone.

Take a moment and think about all with which God has blessed you. As we go about our day today, let us remember that everything we have belongs to Him and think of ways we can serve others.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Tye Male

My name is Tye Male. I am the Middle Adult Pastor at New Covenant. I have the privilege of leading our small group ministry and have helped with Men’s Fraternity.

Judy and I have been married for 22 years and have four children: Andrew (20), Allyson (18), Morgan (14) and Mackenzie (10). Something that you may not know about me is that I enjoy playing and listening to big band music and currently play in two big bands in Cedar Rapids.

Comments

[Erin Bird]

You appear to be well acquainted with the rules of Toddlerhood, Tye:

1. If I want it, it’s mine!
2. If I see it, it’s mine!
3. If I played with it, it’s mine!
4. If I say it’s mine, it’s mine!
5. If you think it’s yours, it’s really mine!

Northpoint Church outside of Georgia is going through a series right now entitled "I Want to Be Great" and this was their key passage in Week 2 of the series. Anyone interested in hearing it can go to "www.northpoint.org/messages" and listen to it for free.

[David Sanders]

Power, prestige and position should never be something a Servant seeks after. In Matthew 20 we see that James and John took it a step further and had their mother put in a good word for them. God knows our hearts and will place us where we need to be if we listen closely, first to Him and then to others.

[Richard Kramer]

To be a Christ-like servant leader is, of course, not only mandated by Scripture, but highly desirable. But, as a servant, how do you warn the troublemaker; how do you say “NO” to anyone; how do you set boundaries without offending or scaring the stubborn, the ignorant, the rebellious that are in your care? How do you teach the toddlers to share toys? How do you put the ambitious into their place without destroying them or causing them to leave?

Again and again when I ask the question—“What would Jesus do?” I will get examples of how to deal with questions like these. Just read verses 38 to 44 again: Jesus listens carefully; He asks intelligent questions; He explains patiently; He does not condemn; He stays with the facts; He even uses the occasion to teach an important truth to all. And it helps that Jesus has “credit in the bank” (respect) because He lived out what He preached—He did ”walk the talk”.

Did the ambitious James and John rebel or leave the group? I find nothing reported. Therefore I am convinced that Jesus was successful with handling this troubling situation.
Can we use Jesus’ style of leadership? Of course we can. Try it.

Try it with the toddlers….

[Mark Forstrom]

This makes me think about how the Church historically has strayed away at times from this message of Jesus when they became power-hungry and elitist and corrupt. Televangelist scandals too. Those are the things that turn off non-believers in their view that organized religion exists merely to control the masses.

What an opportunity we have to show that the church is about serving the masses not pillaging them!

[Liberty]

Excellent post. Thank you.
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[new balance]

In our efforts to adjust differences of opinion we should be free from intolerance of passion, and our judgements should be unmoved by alluring phrases and unvexed by selfidh interests.