The Way Up is Down

Heb 5:8-10 NASU

8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10 being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Mk 10:41-45 NASU

41 Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John. 42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

There is a spiritual secret to God's kingdom in these passages. One that often eludes the Western mind because of our rugged individualism and self-reliance. Simply put, the way to "exercise authority" in God's sight is to humble yourself and serve others. The way up is down.

I don't care what your level of education is, it doesn't matter how high your status may be, if you want genuine authority with others and with God you must learn to serve.

Look at Jesus, our example and the author and finisher of our faith! Even thought he was a "natural born" son of God, he learned obedience by suffering.

Who are we to think we will not necessarily learn obedience in the same way? You can count it as certain that we thick-headed, selfish, stubborn folk will necessarily learn obedience through our trials. And yet there is hope here that we can learn obedience by willful submission of ourselves to Jesus in the service of others.

What a balanced life Jesus lived! He found time for God and time to serve others. He left the riches of heaven to become poor so that we may inherit his riches. He became sin so that we might become righteous. He acted the fool so that we could be wise. He became human so that we could become children of God!

He left his high estate to hang out with us! He set aside his status as Master to wash the feet of a few dumb fisherman, and today he continues to humble himself so that he can love on us.

Philippians 2 tells us that he "emptied himself" and became a servant, and in his humility he showed us that we ought also to humble ourselves.

Are we willing to serve those we least like or appreciate? Are we willing to do for others what we think "ought" to be done for us? Can we lay aside our pride to serve the "least of these" in the name of our Lord who did the same thing for us?

How can we not?

Today's goal--serve someone unexpectedly and without thought of reward. Humble yourself in God's sight. Do something that someone of your position usually would not do.

And when you do, don't expect anyone to run over and thank you for your humility.

Humility grows best when it is not noticed or recognized.

Does that sound too harsh? If Jesus experienced it, should we expect any less?

Thanks for reading!