Servant
Scripture Reading: Mark 10:35-45

Today’s Treasure: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45).

Few of us are really confused about the issue of servanthood.  Christ made Himself very clear when He said, “…whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45).

For most of us the problem isn’t serving.  The problem is that inherent in the title “Servant” is the inevitable “Servee.”  These words are dedicated to every leader who has ever wished that just one time someone would shut up and follow.   

The Servant’s Plea 

Lord, I could be much better
As You would surely see
If I didn’t have the folks to serve
That You have given me.
Yes, I could keep my halo straight
Above my little head
If coaching them to action
Wasn’t moving tons of lead.
I would be so righteous
I would live my life in prayer
If you would kindly tell this group
To get out of my hair.
I would be so spiritual—
A Christian so much finer
If You would simply give to me
A flock without a whiner.
I wouldn’t know how to behave
Without a tear to wipe
Or the chance to hurry to my church
 And hear those people gripe.
Who cares on Sunday mornings
If there’s donuts for the mob?
Give them something new to think
Or get those folks a job!
Yes, Lord, it’s true, I’d love to serve
Beneath that lovely steeple
If You would take a good, stiff broom
And sweet out all those people.
What, Lord, is that You up there?
What’s that I heard You say?

 I said,
Your righteous robe is in a twist—
I’ll untangle it if I may.
It’s clear you’ve missed the point
While looking pious on your pew.
It’s not what you can do for them
But what they’ll do for you.
You see, My Child, some years ago
I signed this guarantee
To make you look much less like you
And far more just like me.
Take a closer look at them—
You’ll see they are a gift
I’ll use to reap your harvest, Child,
As grain from chaff I’ll sift
And make you free to love them
As you have been so loved
So, go ahead, serve with a smile—
They’re airmail from above! 

Lord, thank You for the handful of people You have assigned me to serve.  Please purify my heart and help me to genuinely love each one.  I know that the thorns and thistles in serving You are there to keep me humble and make me look more like You.  May the trials I encounter, however big or small, accomplish what You intend them to.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Adapted from Things Pondered, by Beth Moore, page 97.  Nashville: LifeWay Press, 1997.  Used by permission.