THE SERVANT

Mark 10:44

Morning Meditation 10/3/14

"And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."

I think many Christians want an elevated position in the Lord's spiritual kingdom in this life. Jesus made it clear that the servant is not one who gets recognition in this life. Jesus says in Mark 10:44, "And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."

This meditation will look at some qualifying statements that will identify a servant.

THE LOVE OF CHRIST SHOULD BE THE SERVANTS MOTIVE

Paul gives the motivation of the servant in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:"

The word "constraineth" translates "sunecho" and means, "to hold together lest it fall to pieces." The love of God will not let the servant stray from the right path in this life. The love of Christ proceeds in its service against all opposition. A list of things that love does is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;"

1 John 3:16, "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." We know that He loves us because He laid down His life for us. We know that our love is genuine when we lay down our lives for the brethren. The love of Christ constrains us to love our brethren.

LIKENESS TO CHRIST SHOULD BE OUR MORAL STRENGTH IN SERVICE

1 Peter 1:15, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;" 1 John 2:6, "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." While it is impossible for the believer to be without sin, it is possible for the believer to live a holy life empowered by the Holy Spirit dwelling within.

The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch because of the likeness to Christ they were exhibiting in their daily walk. Acts 11:26, "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."

TO PLEASE CHRIST SHOULD BE THE HIGHTEST DELIGHT IN SERVICE

2 Corinthians 5:9, "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him." The word "accepted" translates, "euarestos" and means, "well pleasing."

I have heard many say, "I could never please my father. I would have done anything to have pleased him." That is a sad statement but it is true in all too many cases. But it is not so with God. Those who labor for Him in His service will find the Lord is well pleased. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

THE CONSULTING CHRIST SHOULD ALWAYS BE THE PRELUDE TO SERVICE

Acts 13:1-3, "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."

We have here a world wide missionary ministry beginning. It is strongly implied that the prayer meeting of the first two verses was about supplying laborers for world missions. The Lord answered their prayers on the spot. The Lord told the leaders of the Church there to, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."

THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST SHOULD BE OUR POWER IN SERVICE

Colossians 1:29, "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 4:29, "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,"

The Holy Spirit is the Guide, Illuminator, Power, and the Authenticator of the Word that was preached.

May the Lord bless these words to our hearts.

In Christ

Bro. White