Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 4, 2022
Read Matthew 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that those who rule the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. 26 But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. 27 Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave 28 just as the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”
Good morning! We are called to serve others.
Today’s passage provides a continuance in thought regarding how we are to serve. Whether we are a leader or a follower, we must serve others with gentleness and humility. Paul helps us to understand how to live a life of humble servitude. 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV
In the time of Jesus walking on the earth, this was not the expected norm. Everyone saw the leaders who considered themselves superior to everyone else and who would reap any benefits that they believed they deserved. These leaders were known to place themselves at the head of every line. Jesus was teaching a new way and those self-made leaders were not happy with what he was teaching. They didn’t want their world to be turned upside down. The leaders thought, “Who is this Jesus who serves the outcasts? I don’t want to humble myself to others. I worked hard to get what I have and I’m not giving to these worthless beings that Jesus is lifting up.”
Jesus knew that for the rich, giving up everything and following him was not an easy thing. Many are called, but few are chosen. To be chosen means that you accept the yoke and follow Jesus without the earthly trappings that you have gathered. For those with many earthly treasures, this is a big ask for they have so much to leave behind.
For those who accept, we are presented with many opportunities to serve others on the behalf of our Lord and Savior. Open yourself to serve with joy.
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Sometimes we struggle with humbling ourselves. We like to think that we have earned those things we have gathered. Only through you are we blessed. Help us to share our blessings. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God will grant me an opportunity to help someone today.
Open your eyes and see the needs of others! Pastor Liz
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