TODAY’S SPECIAL: John 12:20-36a
“Servanthood is the time-tested entrance prerequisite for trustworthy ministry,” begins a sidebar article in my Bible. “Since God’s Word seems to reveal such service as the basis for any advancement in leadership, we are wise to be cautious if such credentials are not found in a rising leader today.” – Joseph Garlington Sr. New Spirit Filled Life Bible, p. 1466
Have you noticed how many Bible leaders first served?
- Moses served Jethro - Exodus 3:1.
- Joshua served Moses - Exodus 24:13.
- Elisha served Elijah - 2 Kings 3:11.
- David served Saul - 1 Samuel 16:21.
If we dream of having ministries and being leaders, we’d better get used to the idea of being servants.
How comfortable are you with serving? I often watch the Customer Service clerks at our local Superstore with admiration. The best ones handle grouchy, complaining customers with a humility, grace and willingness to help that puts me to shame. Personally, volunteering in our church’s Alpha program has made me even more aware of some of the hang-ups about serving that I have. It has shown me I have a lot to learn about this unlikely, Kingdom of God route to greatness - Mark 9:33-35.
PRAYER: Dear God, help me to have a servant’s heart in everything I do – not to prove my greatness, but because You were a servant, and I follow You. Amen.
Today the church celebrates the Feast of the Annunciation. This is the Christian celebration of the announcement by the Angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God.
The liturgy for today begins with this collect:
"Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."(From the archives)
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