"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Monday, March 4, 2024 - Day 64 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Num. 34-36; Mark 10:32-52)
Humbly Serve Others
“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45 ESV)
● Jesus puts our welfare and needs ahead of His own as He conducts His ministry, showing us what real leadership is.
● Jesus shows us that those who lead in the kingdom of God serve others in humility.
● He leads by laying down His life as the sacrifice for our sins and calls us to similar sacrifice.
Hymn writer Albert Bayly reminds us to follow the example of Jesus with these words calling us from worship to service of the needy in our midst:
https://youtu.be/QvqjGUNEEXI?t=147 (Sung by the Lutheran Warbler)
Lord, whose love through humble service
Bore the weight of human need,
Who upon the the cross, forsaken,
Offered mercy’s perfect deed,
We, Your servants, bring the worship
Not of voice alone, but heart,
Consecrating to Your purpose
Every gift that You impart.
Still Your children wander homeless;
Still the hungry cry for bread;
Still the captives long for freedom;
Still in grief we mourn our dead.
As, O Lord, your deep compassion
Healed the sick and freed the soul,
Use the love Your Spirit kindles
Still to save and make us whole.
As we worship, grant us vision,
Till Your love’s revealing light,
Till the height and depth and greatness
Dawns upon our quickened sight:
Making known the needs and burdens
Your compassion bids us bear,
Stirring us to faithful service,
Your abundant life to share.
Called from worship into service
Forth in Your dear name we go,
To the child, the youth, the aged,
Love in living deeds to show;
Hope and health, good will and comfort,
Counsel, aid, and peace we give
That Your servants, Lord, in freedom,
May Your mercy know and live.
(Lord, Whose Love In Humble Service, Lutheran Service Book #848)
Dear heavenly Father, You have sent Christ to serve us, although He has the right to demand our service. Forgive us Father. Lead us to give ourselves for the sake of others, that we, being last, may truly be first with Jesus in His kingdom. Amen.
Look for opportunities to put Christ first by helping others today!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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