True Greatness!

True Greatness!

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11 KJV

Context:

In the first 10 verses of today's extract, so many lessons are laid out. Jesus speaks to both the multitude following him, as well as his disciples, who also followed him. Which one am I: part of the multitude or one of the disciples? For today, it won't make a difference which one you are; there are many lessons in the bible that apply to all men alive; some only impact those who have made the decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and then others apply to all human beings, no matter your leaning or allegiance. Today's extract is one of such universally applicable instructions. 

Being seen as great or important is one of the biggest need of the natural man. Even Christians want to make an impact, because they believe that there is a measure of grace upon their lives that is meant to bless the world around them. These desires are good, but it is equally very important how we seek to make these changes. Do I know who I am? Have I sorted out my allegiance to the one and only true Lord and Master? 

Examples are given of the men of Jesus' day: men who loved to be seen and heard; who loved the high seats at public gatherings; who loved to be greeted by all men with respect. That has been the way of the world long before now, and as long as the fallen human nature exists, this will continue. Only a personal experience of the One Lord and Master can cure a man of the need to feel important. 

Message and Response:

For all who truly desire to be great, at least from the perspective of Jesus who speaks here, the path lies through the most unusual and unpredictable paths. The world has its ways of doing things, and the Word of God has its own ways also. Both are ways that can never agree to meet on a neutral ground, because both of them are extreme positions. The world defines greatness by what it can see: bank accounts, circle of influence, network and networth. The word of God simply defines it as serving others. 

It means I can have all the materials that the world holds dear, and still not understand what the Word of God demands of me. I can also hold all the world's goods, and they will not hold my heart, because I know their place and have surrendered them to the control of the one who owns and holds my heart. It is a choice between two extremes, not two middle ground options. You don't get to postpone the choice, as on a daily basis, I am making a choice on who will own and hold my heart. 

And there is no room for pretence or hypocrisy. There is no room for hiding behind names, titles or public applause. These are deceptive mines that can keep a man distracted from the things that really matter, which is service. Service may come dressed as hard work; it could disguise as dirty work that nobody wants to do; it could come as work that holds no applause, done behind closed doors and away from approving or disapproving eyes. It won't really matter to the one who understands service from God's perspective, as the man who has met and follows God has his heart set on that which pleases God, not what tickles man. 

We said earlier that for today's extract, it won't make a difference if you were a disciple or just one of the crowd. That is true, as today's words apply to all men. The challenge is this: how do you align with, obey the instruction or pattern your life after the directives of Jesus, if you do not know him? The challenge is made more critical when you hear Jesus speak, saying not all who even know and call me Lord, will enter into the kingdom of heaven. It is not of men to define what is acceptable to God; God has already defined that, and all who will enjoy what he offers must come to him on his own terms. 

Service, from God's perspective, is the key. The title may help to define the scope, but it is the daily life of the man that will reveal its allegiance and impact. From God's perspective, the man who serves his purpose is greater than the man who sits on the throne giving orders, but will not help. Possession, power, influence and funds are good instruments, but when combined with service, as defined by God, the benefits, both physical and eternal, are enormous. Don't settle for the world's version; make sure that you know and pursue after God's heart for service. Your eternity will be glad you did. His time of favour is here.