Tuesday, 3^rd January 2023

Pastor Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: WALKING AS JESUS WALKED (SERVICE)

THEME SCRIPTURE: Matthew 20:20-27

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why is it that we see it as “not nice” to be the one always serving others?
2. What makes us say that serving others is difficult?
3. Can you reflect on, apart from your job or the services you are paid for, the areas you offer services freely to humankind and in the kingdom of God?
4. Would you say that you are a servant of Jesus Christ our Lord? If yes, why?

The theme scripture is an interesting one. Can you imagine this? - That we are all apprentices trying to learn from one master. Then two brothers went to bring their mother to come and make a special request on their behalf. This was the case with the sons of Zebedee (two brothers who were Jesus’ disciples).

The request their mother came to make on their behalf shows how human nature loves to pursue the selfish ambition. We like positions because we feel positions increases our sense of significance. Once selfish ambition becomes the pulse that drives us pride is present in our actions – we begin serving the flesh. I have witnessed in the church where many of the services done are voluntary yet people have gotten hurt, offended and disappointed that a particular role was not given to them. Is it because they are so passionate about serving God, they needed the role? Or they see the role as a position instead of a service. (Anytime we want position to increase our sense of significance pride is at work in us). When the other disciples heard what the sons of Zebedee have done they were filled with indignation. They must have wondered – These two brothers think we are fools that they have gone behind us to negotiate for the best position in Jesus’ kingdom. Could it be that the other disciples had the same ambition?

Jesus was a man of service. As the Master, He took the towel and water and washed the feet of His disciples and wiped them. Simon Peter felt it was not right for a Master to wash the feet of someone who is below Him (John 13:3-10). Yea, in human society the less should serve the greater. But with Christ, the greater serve the lesser. The one who is great amongst us (as children of God and disciples of Christ) are those who have chosen to serve others. The greatest amongst us is not the rich, educated, famous or the most intelligent but the one who humbly serves.  Remember, every service comes with honor.

FURTHER READING - HEBREWS 6:10, GALATIANS 6:2

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How must we see service (or serving others) to enjoy serving as people of God?
2. Which areas in your family, community and church do you think personally you can begin to serve to God’s glory?

CONFESSION

Precious Father, thank you for the understanding I have received to serve others. I choose to be a blessing to others by seizing every opportunity to serve others. From today going forward, I refuse to let my ego interfere in my service to my family community and to the Lord Jesus Christ. I see myself abounding more and more in the blessings of the Lord, giving me the privilege to be a blessing to my generation. Glory to God.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 5; Genesis 6; Psalm 6; Psalm 7; Psalm 8; Matthew 5;