September 15, 2021 CAC Living Water Devotional : Topic - LOYALTY AND SERVICE
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LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Wednesday, September 15, 2021. -International Day of Democracy
LOYALTY AND SERVICE
Read: Mark 10:35-45
Mark 10:35-45 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
MEMORISE:
And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:27-28)
EXPOSITION
The pertinent question that is asked here is, "Who are you rendering service to?" Or, do you feel too big to serve anyone? How can you say you are loyal but not ready to serve? So who are you serving? Loyalty and lack of readiness for service, or disservice, aren't compatible at all, just like disloyalty can never be part of true and rewardable service. Service and loyalty are best considered and understood in the life and practice of our Lord Jesus Christ - our perfect example. How did He demonstrate true loyalty, and how did He show to us that He is the real Servant?
The world's perspective of leadership or greatness is "lording it over others." The greatest among the people becomes their lord-ruler or boss like a taskmaster. Such eats at the expense of others. If there is anyone who tries to question his authority, such would either be incarcerated or eliminated. The kingdom principle of leadership is contrary.
Jesus wants alI his followers to learn His principle, which is God's principle. The kingdom leadership principle is servant-leadership. He bears the people he is serving on his shoulders, and they rise through him. Therefore, they rise together. God's own leaders serve the people they are leading, and love them, bearing their interest at heart. lsn't this what democracy preachers should be, as today commemorates International Day of Democracy? Remember that Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and He commands us to do likewise.
Jesus has eternally been loyal to God and the humanity He came to die for. His loyalty is enshrined in His readiness to do God's will, no matter the cost. The salvation of man is paramount in His heart, so it is not possible for Him to give up, even in the face of the toughest challenge posed by the devil. You are set up for service. You are wired to be loyal to God, your creator. Don't allow the world's standard to pitch you against God's expectation for you.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, destroy from me the spirit of pride, self-centredness, and grab-it-all tendency.
2. Release unto me Your own gentle and humble Spirit, O Lord.
3. Lord, help our young upcoming ministers to be more loyal to You and the leadership of our churches.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Psa. 145:21 - 150:6; Prov. 1:1 - 1:3; 1 Cor 16:23 - 16:24; 2 Cor 1:1 - 1:20
Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight)
on
September 15, 2021
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