Day 166

Scripture: Ps 91; Deuteronomy 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 4:9-15; Luke 22:24-30

Scripture standout: 1 Corinthians 4: "⁹ For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. ¹⁰ We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! ¹¹ To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. ¹² We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; ¹³ when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment."


Luke 22: "Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. ²⁷ For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."


Morning thoughts: Today's devotional from Forward Day by Day resonates — puts some meat on the thought that our real calling as humans is to serve others as much as possible. Here 'tis to share — talk amongst yourselves:

Luke 22:24-30. But I am among you as one who serves.

Jesus taught the apostles that he was their servant, not only by his words but also by his actions. His last meal with them, when he washed their feet, was the highest demonstration of this and the model of leadership he left with his followers. Peter objected. Jesus’ words and actions were shocking. He was their teacher and leader. How could he be servant as well?

In cultures where elders are respected, obeyed and served, the gospel must be profoundly disturbing if it is taken seriously. Korea is one such country. Respect is shown in many ways—for example, by not standing on a teacher’s shadow. Most of all it is tied up in the language with special ways of speaking to “juniors” and to “seniors.” Most Korean translations of the gospels have Jesus speaking to the disciples in a way which says “you’re lower than me”—a form they couldn’t use to address him in reply.

How hard it is to accept God’s humility. God took on human flesh, an act of humility. And being humbled even further, God claimed the role of a servant. The servant Jesus calls us too to serve, with the apostles, in the same way.

His Deed/The Day: Late night quoroot delivery to a little Afghan friend who is recovering from surgery.