BE A SERVANT-LEADER!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY MAY 29, 2022.

SUBJECT: BE A SERVANT-LEADER!

Memory verse: "And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.” (Matthew 20 vs 27.)

READ: Luke 22 vs 24 - 27: 

22:24: Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 

22:25: And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise leadership over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 

22:26: But not so among you, on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 

22:27: For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves."

INTIMATION:

The world's system of leadership is very different from leadership in God's kingdom. Worldly leaders are often selfish and arrogant as they claw their way to the top. In the ancient world, leaders exercise authority over their subjects. Even in their high-handedness, as their subjects worship them, they ironically called themselves “Benefactors,” that is “Friend of the people.”

But among Christians, the leader is to be the one who serves best. No matter your style of leadership, you need a servant's heart. Always ask the people how you can serve better. And pray for the servant's spirit to indwell you.

Jesus' teaching, and servanthood turned the world upside down. By the world's standard and interpretation, being a leader is being in a position of authority, and power, which serves as a tool to gain control over others. But Jesus, in the contrary, did the opposite; He possesses all the powers and authority in heaven and on earth, but chose to serve others. Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 20 vs 28, “...The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a random for many.”

Jesus, during His earth walk, did all He preached—leading by example. He was always ready to serve. For instance, He offered Himself for service almost immediately He told the disciples about service in the passage we read today. As they were leaving Jericho, two blind men demanded His service to care for them. Even when the crowd that followed Jesus were rebuking them to keep quiet, they cried out the more for His service. Jesus stopped, called them, asked them of the service they required of Him, and offered His service to them by restoring their sight according to their request. (See Matthew 20 vs 29 - 34.)

Jesus also held children in His arms, healed the sick, washed the disciples' feet, and ultimately died for the sins of the world. Following Jesus means receiving this same power to serve. As believers, we are called to be servants of Christ, and others. As He served, so shall we serve.

Jesus described leadership from the perspective of service. He showed that a real leader, of which He is One, should have a servant's heart—endued with the spirit of servanthood. In our memory verse, Jesus said, ‘A leader should serve the people, instead of being served by the people.’ Such leaders are known as servant-leaders, and they appreciate others' worth and realize that they're not above any job.

The spirit of servanthood is a godly spirit that identifies a child of God. For instance, in Genesis 24 vs 18 - 21, the spirit of servanthood in Rebekah erupted in her when Eliezer beckoned on her to help serve him and his camels. She gladly, and quickly drew water for them. The pots used then for carrying water were large and heavy. It takes a lot of water to satisfy a thirsty camel—up to 25 gallons per camel after a week's travel. 

Seeing Rebekah go to work, Eliezer knew this was a woman with a heart for doing far more than the bare minimum, the heart of a child of God. This should be our attitude at all times. Do you have a servant spirit? When asked to help or when you see a need, go beyond the minimum.

Prayer:Abba Father, You created me to serve You, and others. Endue me with the spirit of servanthood, that I may gladly serve You, and others, according to Your Will, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!