Friday October 15, 2021

Today is Friday, October 15 and this week we are exploring how our faith multiplies when we disciple and serve others.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I quiet my busy mind and calm my thoughts. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, in these moments of stillness, I want to experience your abiding presence. Enable me to hear your voice and discover the unique message you have for me today. Come Holy Spirit, lead and guide me in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

I praise God and rejoice in his goodness with the words of Psalm 25.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Pause and Pray

This week we have been reflecting on how we are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ by serving and discipling others. How are we to serve God? What should be our motivation for serving people in God’s kingdom? Jesus provides an important lesson about service in response to a mother’s request (Matthew 20:20-23). The sons of Zebedee were named James and John. Their mother (Mrs. Zebedee) had ambitions for her two sons. When the Messiah came into power and the kingdoms of the world were toppled and Jesus was enthroned, she wanted a good place for her sons. A place of power and honor. She asked that James and John be given seats at the right and left hand of Jesus, in all manner of greatness and authority. The family sought a status that was above and beyond the other ten disciples of Jesus. However, Jesus reveals that status is quite different in the kingdom of God.

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 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.” Matthew 20:24-28

From an early age in our culture, people are wired for success and achievement. Our motivation is to stand out, be the star, win the prize, gain the power, climb the ladder, earn the status, achieve the prestige, and ultimately be somehow better and more important than others. I reflect on times in my life when I wanted to achieve a greater position for myself in relation to those around me. I reflect on times in my life when I sought achievements for my children (like the mother of the sons of Zebedee), wanting them to advance and rank above their peers. I pause to examine my heart for motivations of selfish ambition and vain conceit (Philippians 2:3-4). I ponder times when I desire to be noticed, praised, rewarded or promoted for my activities – even when I am serving others.

Ask: What is my true motivation for serving my spouse, my family, my friends, my church and my God?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord, Jesus, examine my heart, shine a light on my soul, reveal the motives of my heart for serving. Show me where I seek status, power, authority and control over others. How in my life do I seek to “lord it over others?” Reveal how I desire to be seen as great in the world’s eyes. Teach me what it means to serve with a humble heart, not to be noticed or rewarded by others, but to give my life away in love. I read the passage from Matthew again, listening for your message to me.

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 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.” Matthew 20:24-28

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Where do I find myself in today’s scripture? Perhaps I am James or John longing to be elevated to a position of status and authority I currently do not possess. Perhaps I am their mother conspiring ways my children can achieve gain, ultimately elevating myself in the process. Maybe I resonate with the other ten disciples who are indignant with the two brothers. I notice how people around me compete for control, power and position and find myself resentful and angry. I reflect on Jesus’ instruction to become like a servant or slave to others. How does this reversal of roles of importance make me feel? I consider the timing of when Jesus said these words. He is on his way to the cross, to suffer and die and “give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus gave his life as a ransom for me – for my soul. What am I willing to give up for Jesus? Am I willing to give my life for him? A life devoted to humbly serve others.

Pause and Pray

Lord, God, I invite you in and seek your grace. Reveal my pride and selfishness. Expose my anger and resentment. Cleanse me of negative emotions and motivations. Transform my heart to hold the most pure of intentions. Teach me the great joy of humble service. Set me free from the enticements of prestige the world offers. Grant me a pure heart and a contented spirit. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Amen.

The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12

As I leave this time of prayer, I dedicate my life to serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. God, send me out to humbly serve your people everywhere. Amen.