Service II

​I was driving behind a Metro bus on my way north on Interstate 5.  On the back of it a neon sign flashed, Not in Service.  The thought crossed my mind, “I wonder how many times I have communicated Not in Service to God or to people.”

​Meditation
Mark 10:45—For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many. 
 
What if Jesus decided His Father’s plan was overly horrific?  What if on that heavy last Friday, He announced to His disciples, “Men, tonight, I’m taking the night off, I won’t be in service.”  There would have been no betrayal in the garden, no arrest, and no hope for us because the Savior opted to do His own thing. 

What if Jesus tired of the endless crowds demanding His time, miracles and voice?  In the process of resting what if He’d decided to take an extended vacation encouraging Andrew, Peter, James and John to fish and the rest of the disciples to do whatever they wanted?  What stories would disappear from the gospel accounts and might the disciples have interpreted Luke 9:23 as figurative language?  

What if Jesus wearied of the disciples’ pettiness, bickering and failure to understand His teaching?  What if He told them, “Guys, stop!  I’m done serving—I’ve had it with trying to help you people, you just don’t get it!”   

Do we really understand that the Son of Man never quit!  He perfectly followed heaven’s script.  He knew my sin and your sin before we sinned and still died for us.  The Roman soldiers didn’t crucify Him, He crucified Himself by refusing to wave the Not in Servicesign.  

I don’t deserve such love.  I think of the times I’ve copped an attitude, avoided helping someone else or looked after my agenda and I’m ashamed how easy it was to desert Yahweh for my way.  There’s nothing in my life that merits God’s Son horrifically suffering for me or offering me the key to eternal fellowship.  

The Son of Man came to serve to the extent of martyrdom.  What a loving Savior and incredible role model!   I feel challenged again to live honorably in His strength in service.  What is good about this Friday before Easter is the greatness of our Servant, the One we worship as Lord and marvel at His sense of duty.  This is something to think about . . . in reveration!  
  
Inspiration
Pain in God’s service always leads to glory.—Oswald Chambers in Notes On Isaiah
 
©2008 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)