THE SERVANT’S REWARD!

THE SERVANT’S REWARD!

Matt 23:11-12

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

          In these two verses, Jesus cautioned His own followers and chided the Pharisees for a misconception of ministry. The Pharisees had a misconception of righteousness. They thought that righteousness was a result of ardently keeping the laws. Jesus carefully explained that it was due to grace. It is a gift to the undeserving.

          They had a false conception of ministry. They thought that ministry meant handing down laws and increasing burdens. Jesus explained that true ministry was to lighten the load. He had already illustrated this thirteen chapters earlier when he said: “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matt 10:42

          The disciples needed to know that their righteousness was due to their attachment to Jesus. They also needed to know that any honor due to them was because of their work on behalf of the Lord. Jesus knew that it would be easy for ministry to become a career. It would become routine. Tears would fail to fall and emotions would become numb. The task would seem overwhelming. Jesus taught them to remain humble.

          Chaplains landing on D-Day, 70 years ago, carried no weapons. Their only defense was their God. Their task was to keep hope alive in the midst of a horrible scene of carnage and despair. Their reward was a smile from a face of pain and a clasped hand that had been bloodied in battle.

Dear Lord, thank you for this ministry and for the occasional smile I receive in return. AMEN