Page 63 - Living Light Spring 2024

Monday May 13 - An audience of one
“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest...” Luke 22:26
Some years ago, I worked for a thinker who didn’t mind writing strategic pieces for others to publish, with him not receiving credit. He saw the greater purpose of honouring God and seeking to win hearts and minds, rather than needing to be affirmed as the originator of the ideas. Sadly, his example seems to be more the exception than the rule today, especially in our age of writers seeking a big platform and many followers.
He was embracing the example of Jesus, who counselled his friends not to seek worldly fame or to call themselves ‘Benefactors’ (v 25). If all wisdom comes from God, why do we claim any special knowledge anyway? Instead, we should be ‘like the youngest’ (v 26), who in that culture, where age bestowed status, were seen as the lowest in society.
When I worked for this wonderful man all those years ago, I would have struggled to write something that someone else could take the credit for. Now that I’m older, and (I trust) more mature in my faith in Jesus, I hope I’d be able to set aside my own agendas for the greater purpose of honouring God. How about you? How might God call you to serve in an unexpected but exciting way – even one where your contribution might be seen only by him?
Loving Lord Jesus, you’re the smartest teacher ever! Please teach me and fill me with your wisdom, that I might share it with others. Amen.
Tuesday May 14 - Build your kingdom here
“You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom...” Luke 22:28-29
Jesus has been sharing with his friends that being with him is the greatest honour – he being the leader who serves (Luke 22:27). Thus the kingdom that he confers on them (v 29) is not a kingdom of this world, where the rulers wield the most influence. Rather, this is an upside-down kingdom where the greatest ruler lays down his life for his followers – those who, when he’s about to die, are sparring over who is the greatest!
There’s a bigger chance that we can emulate the servanthood of Jesus than his followers did at that time because of the gift of his Holy Spirit living within us. Jesus sent his Spirit at Pentecost, after he’d died and risen again. We thus have the amazing mystery of the risen Christ living within us, helping us to love and serve others. We are those who can, with the help of God, build his upside-down kingdom here on earth.
What role might God have for you as a creator of his kingdom? Perhaps one way is through how you affirm others as you observe a positive character trait in them... or how you reach out to someone who is in need... or how you speak grace to a friend who is hurting. I invite you to ask God to show you how you can help build his kingdom today.
Serving God, please help me to love those you put before me today. Open my eyes to the ways I can partner with you. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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