THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:38-41
“Anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name will certainly not lose their reward.” (Mark 9:41)
We love to divide people into group: those who are with us, those who are like us.
The disciples wanted to protect their special place with Jesus.
This ‘someone’ was not one of the twelve, he was a second-class disciple.
Jesus ‘drives out’ this spirit of pride and jealousy.
He goes on to show that there are not different classes of good deeds either.
We focus on the great miracle workers, healers or ‘great’ church leaders.
But Jesus says someone who gives a cup of water is just as powerful, just as important.
There are no ‘super-christians’, the ones we set apart and above the others.
We all have our place in the body of Christ, and we all have equal value.
The way we as ‘church’ divide up the family of Jesus is so sad.
Different groups is fine, but we are meant to work together, not to compete.
Different roles, but one is not more important than another.
Let’s start treating the nursery volunteers with the same respect as the elders!
What unites us is our connection to Jesus, no matter who we are, and what we do.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for dividing up your body into the ins and outs, the great workers and the ordinary ones. Help us to celebrate You in every person, no matter who they are or what they do!
Jesus called His disciples to serve and not to claim titles or positions or offices. We are to be equipped for the work of ministry. We need to recognize the gifts God has given to us and this mission he has called us to do and just do that.
A pastor’s job is not to do all the ministry but to equip others for service. Unity among believers is a must. We divide ourselves all too often over doctrine, denominations and even worship styles. We must remember it is the Lord God we serve. He is first and He calls us to serve just as He came to serve. That must come first also in my life. JOY = Jesus then Others the Yourself.
Make me a servant
Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up
Those who are weak
And may the prayer
Of my heart always be
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today