Genesis 46, Mark 9

Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 46, Mark 9)

(Genesis 46)

God does not view time as we view time. Here we are more than 200 years away from God’s promise to Abraham to build a great nation and his offspring only counts to 70. As Jacob brings all that he has to be with Joseph, his son is even a ruler in the land, yet he is still sent to a land to live by themselves because they are shepherds, a detestable thing to the Egyptians. It doesn’t seem like this Promised Nation is gaining any momentum. But we know how the story ends. God is faithful.

(Mark 9)

Verse 35-37 say, “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all. "He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

This answer came in response to the disciples arguing about who would be called greatest. It’s an overtly arrogant argument, surprisingly so. We have those arguments today, but most of the time without words, just by our competition. Especially in faith.

I think Jesus really meant it when he said that in order to be first, you must be last. I think he really meant it when he said we must become the servant of all. But we so easily dismiss it. We so quickly re-define what it means to “serve” others and we end up doing so without compassion, humility, or love. And many times we end up “gaining” more than we give. That’s not on accident. True service is without agenda. True service is not self-serving.

God, help us to serve without regard for gain. Help us to see if our good deeds, works of service, and giving is inspired by what we might receive in return, or if it’s inspired through a pure spirit of humility and compassion for others. Once again, check our hearts.