HUMBLE SERVICE TO A MIGHTY KING!

HUMBLE SERVICE TO A MIGHTY KING!

Rom 1:1

1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

James 1:1

1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 Peter 1:1

1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ,

Jude 1

1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

At the beginning of their Epistles, Paul, James, Peter, and Jude, use, indiscriminately, the expressions -- "servant of God," and "servant of Christ," as if they were synonymous. It is one of the unintended and therefore strongest arguments for the Deity of Christ. James combines the two. And in every case each apostle places it first as his highest title -- above his apostleship. Even Jesus was referred to as “my servant.”

Matt 12:18-21

18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Seventy three (73) times in the Old and New Testaments God refers to His own as “my servant.” We read my servant Moses, my servant David and my servant Jacob. Each had different tasks assigned and some are more highly regarded by their brethren but God views them all the same. They were His servants.

There are some benefits of the position. First, you are placed in close communication with your Master, He tells you His secrets. "The slave knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father, I have made known unto you." Next, there is the promise of Jesus to His servants that “where I am, there shall also my servant be.” And finally there is the promise of honor.

John 12:26

26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

We seek our honor in the tasks we are assigned, as if God has wisely chosen greater or lesser servants. We think that God looks out over the sea of available servants and chooses a great leader and then he spies a street sweeper. We honor one and think little of the other – but God honors BOTH who faithfully serve.

Thank you Lord that today I may be one of your servants. Keep me from both pride and disappointment in my assignment for I am privileged to be a servant o a Great Master and not necessarily a servant with a great task. AMEN