February 13, 2018 - IT’S NOT ABOUT ME

Day 44 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 31:25-55; Psalm 41; Matthew 20:17-34)

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28 ESV)

One of the best tools the devil uses to divide people and set them at odds with one another is the sin of pride. Would you rather be a waiter or be waited on? Would you rather make breakfast for your family, or have your spouse bring you breakfast in bed?

Jesus is clearly teaching us in this section that we are called to serve and not to be served. The picture gets at the heart of our problem. We think that it is all about us!

However, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus lived what He is talking about. Actually He died what He is talking about. How can you and I presume to have it any better than Jesus? In fact, what Jesus is teaching us is the secret to real joy and purpose in our lives on this earth. We GET to serve Jesus by serving the needs of others. May the Lord bless you as you joyfully find ways to lend someone else a helping hand in Jesus’ name.

Lord Jesus, as I remember Your death for me on Calvary’s cross, may I be led to remember that life is not about me and my comfort. Instead, grant me the joy of serving You by serving others. In Your merciful and saving name, O Lord. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow (Ash Wednesday... 10:30 am and 7 pm at St. Paul’s).

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!