April 4, 2020 - WHO IS THE GREATEST?

Day 95 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Chronicles 20:24-37; Psalm 89; Luke 9:51-10:28)

WHO IS THE GREATEST?

An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”  (Luke 9:46-48 ESV)

Who is the greatest? We vain human beings have our favorite answers, usually having something to do with us.

  - Mohamed Ali thought he was the greatest.
  - We Packer fans think they are the greatest.
  - The disciples in out text were having a debate about this topic among themselves.
  - And, of course, that person you and I see in the mirror has a unique answer as well.

But Jesus ... took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “.... he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

What Jesus is teaching us here is to not be concerned about being great. Instead He is calling us to have a child-like faith in Him and His promises.

Mark’s account of this event has this extra thought:

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”  (Mark 9:35 ESV)

Greatest in God’s eyes has to do with humble service done in His name. 

Everyday we have an opportunity for that kind of greatness. May the Lord open our eyes for the opportunities we have today to serve Him by serving others!

Dearest Lord Jesus, You came to serve and not to be served. Since Your ultimate service to this sinful world was Your death on the cross, may I, in thanksgiving, serve You by serving others. Open my eyes today to those times when You want me to serve others for Your. Amen.

REMINDER: You can watch St. Paul’s recent virtual worship services by using this link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9

Tomorrow morning’s online service will be at 9 am. Just click this link to join us:
https://zoom.us/j/177003912
If you sign in 15 minutes earlier you be part of our virtual narthex where we can visit a little before worship begins.

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 from 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 2020 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!