Mark 9-10 (ESV) by Wordle*

Today’s reading is Mark 9:1-10:52.

“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.’ And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me’” (Mark 9:35-37).

What a shock it was to learn that the highest rank for Jesus’ disciples is servant. I naturally prefer to be served. Further, I naturally prefer to rank people. Who will benefit me the most? I will rub elbows with these people. I might even serve them a little bit if I think I can get something out of it. Why would a child ever be on that list?

But that is not Jesus. Jesus is a servant. How could I possibly benefit Him? Yet, He served me on the cross. I didn’t deserve it. I wasn’t worthy of it. He did it because He loved me.

I obviously can’t repay Jesus for His service and shouldn’t really try. But, if I want to make a return, if I want to show my gratitude, I can pass that service along to another. What is awesome is when I do receive that little child, that one who cannot help me or benefit me, I’m actually receiving Jesus and the One who sent Him.

Today, I want to serve Jesus. Therefore, I’ll serve others whether they can serve me back or not.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading? Click here to add your input?

——————————————-

*Today’s illustration was generated by the creative tool at Wordle.net. You can find all my wordles here.

Today’s reading is Luke 17:1-18:43.

In Luke 18:15, folks were bringing children, even infants, to have Jesus lay hands on them. The disciples just couldn’t imagine why that would be important at all. They began to rebuke the people. But Jesus took the situation in hand and explained that He had time for them.

In Luke 18:35-39, a blind beggar began to call out to Jesus. The crowd around him rebuked him and told him to be quiet. They just couldn’t imagine why Jesus would waste any time with that guy. But Jesus took the situation in hand and healed the beggar. Jesus had time for the beggar.

In Luke 18:18, a rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked a question. Jesus, of course, had time for the rich young ruler, but what stands out is how nobody rebuked this man. The disciples, the crowds looked at this man as worthy to approach Jesus and ask questions.

How easy it is to look at these externals. How could God have time for little children? How could He have time for beggars? He’s got too much to do with the important people. Interestingly, it was the important one who went away grieved. Jesus had time for him, but he did not have time for Jesus–not really.

The take away for me is when I feel childish and beggarly, when I think I’m not worthy of God’s attention, I can be sure that God does not feel the same way. God has time for me. I can always go to Him and receive comfort and help.

***Question: What are some aspects of Jesus that make you thankful?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC