Message from Scripture: 6/22/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from Mark 10:43-45. “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

 

Sometimes, we hear phrases such as “great,” “vibrant,” “alive,” or “on fire” to describe congregations. Such adjectives can be freely tossed about in conversation, but what they mean varies from one person to the next.  Just what is it that really makes a church great? Or, perhaps worded more accurately, what kind of congregation pleases God?

 

Some might suggest size.  The church in Philadelphia, however, was not big, as it had only a “little strength” (Rev. 3:8).  Size notwithstanding, God set before them an open door. Others might suggest prosperity. The church in Laodicea was financially secure (Rev. 3:17), but God counted them “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”  Obviously, how we count greatness is not always how God counts greatness.

 

When Jesus’ disciples were arguing which one of them was the greatest, He responded, “For whoever is least among you – this one is great" (Luke 9:48).  Similarly, Jesus also taught, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matt. 23:11).  Great churches consist of members who are seeking to please God. Those who are pleasing to God are those who humble themselves as servants of the Lord.

 

How can we, as individual Christians, and collectively as members of His body, the church, be great, be pleasing to the Father and His Son? We must humble ourselves before God, yield ourselves to His will, and seek in love to live obedient lives for Him by faith (1 John 5:4). Today, let’s go out and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, showing what the power of the gospel can do in us if we yield our lives to Him. God bless.

 

Robert