Servant - A Fitting Title For A Follower Of Jesus

"Today's Devotion" For May 5, 2006

Read: Matthew 20:24-28; Hebrews 2:5-18

SERVANT - A FITTING TITLE FOR A FOLLOWER OF JESUS

"'...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.'"(Mt .20:28)

As I was going over my calendar book I noticed that today is a day of remembrance for Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony during the time of the Reformation. The note behind his name recognizing this day is two words: "Christian Ruler." That got me to thinking. We live in a world where greatness is generally measured by such things as wealth, prestige, power, accomplishments, and a number of other things which fit societal and cultural concepts of success. We use titles such as Chairman of the Board, CEO, President, and other such designations to point out people of power and authority. Yet, it's telling that the description of someone as a "Christian Ruler" is not likely to be heard or even seen as of importance in this day and age.

Matthew draws our attention to how we're so often hung up on our own sense of self-importance and desire for recognition. It seems that the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, had approached Jesus for a favor. She wanted Him (actually James and John wanted) to make her sons His primary advisors and co-rulers when His "kingdom" came (it's that old "earthly" kingdom error again). Of course, it's not too hard to understand the indignation and anger of the other disciples at this "effrontery." After all, the rest of them had their own designs on positions of authority when Jesus' "earthly kingdom" would come. Yet, all of them forgot a very important lesson that Jesus was living out for them every day - His was a life of service and sacrifice in order to redeem the world, including them, from Sin, Death, and Satan.

Jesus chided them for their failure to understand His purpose and mission. He first challenged James and John as to whether they could "drink of the same cup" - His suffering and sacrificial death - as He was about to experience. They responded that they could, not truly understanding what their answer really meant - James was later to be martyred for following Jesus. Jesus responds that they certainly will suffer, but the "seats of honor" in His kingdom were not His to give. He continues on in the same vein with the others, noting that the rulers of the world "lord it over" others, but they were not to do so among themselves. Instead "service" to one another was to be the standard among them.

Perhaps that one of the reasons that today is suggested as a day to remember Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony. He put his title, his lands, and his very life on the line to support Martin Luther in his quest to clearly declare the Word of God in its truth and purity. Not only that, but his reputation was one of fairness and love for those whom he ruled - hence the nickname, "the Wise." Above all, history tells us he was a God-fearing man, faithful to his Lord and Savior, fully understanding that he was first a servant of God and then ruler of Saxony.

History is replete with examples of selfish domination over others by rulers who had no regard for God or their subjects. At the same time, history also brings us the examples of such men as Frederick the Wise, who apparently learned the lesson Jesus taught James and John, and the rest of the disciples about His purpose and mission as well as theirs. Following in the footsteps of such people of God, we, too, seek to serve others in the Lord's name. We want to follow Him in a manner that puts other people first before ourselves and seeks to walk humbly before the Lord. Only in such service can we truly understand "greatness" for there is no more fitting description or title for a follower of Jesus than "Servant" - forgiven and restored to the Father by the blood of the Lamb.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for showing me that to serve You by serving others in Your name is to live in the greatness and majesty of Jesus Christ. Forgive me for so often putting undue value on possessions and power which, while they might lead to power here on earth, are of no consequence in Your eyes. Guide me by the power of Your Word and Spirit to put aside my selfish ambitions and seek to walk humbly with Jesus, who went to the Cross that I might be saved and restored to You. Let my life be a living example of what truly makes anyone great - being a servant because of Your forgiveness and love in Jesus. Thank You, Father, for giving me such an opportunity to be "great" in Your eyes as I follow Jesus in service and sacrifice for the sake of others. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.