Do you think when Jesus called the 12 disciples they were ready to go tell the good news of Christ? The scriptures say that most of them did not even believe Jesus was the Son of God until He had risen from the dead. The reason I point this out is because I feel we should make sure when we feel called to do something it is really from God. We should not do something for recognition, nor out of pride. I believe the disciples saw an opportunity to do something so amazing that they could not say no. I want to point a few verse that Jesus felt he needed to say to them when their hearts really were not in the right place. In Luke 9: 46 it says, 'Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest."'
Do you find it weird that the disciples would ask Jesus who will be the greatest disciple among them? I was thinking about this a little, and I find that they must have had a lot of pride knowing that they were the main men of Jesus. Being able to witness all those miracles - healing the sick, feeding the 5,000, calming the storms, walking on water, and so much more. I just wonder, what would your attitude be like towards the others, or maybe the people Jesus was trying to minister too? Would you feel pretty proud, arrogant, and a little sure of yourself when speaking to them? Or would you just feel honored you were chosen, and be willing to do whatever was needed from Christ?
If you chose the part you would be willing do anything Jesus asked of you, I would then ask you, are you doing that now? Are you truly walking with God? Are you truly in God's Word, and do you have the desire to grow closer to Him? If you are not, why aren't you?
Going back to that verse above where it says "Whoever is the least among you is the greatest”, why did Jesus say that to them? Do you think the disciples then started saying to each other, "Hey I'm the loser of the group.” or "Hey, you really know how to walk on water Peter." or "You have some crazy faith man." Or maybe they were saying, "Why were we picked, out of all the other men, what makes us different?” I believe the point Jesus was making was to humble yourself, and quit acting like a selfish somebody.
I want to brag on our church's deacons if you would allow me. With all my heart, I feel our church has some of the most generous, loving, and humble servants a church could ask. I bring this up because they have been given a title as one of the most important positions in the church, but they do not care about their title.They are the ones who truly care for the well being of our church family, their pastor, and having the desire to go reach lost souls. I look at our deacons and see the same wonderful qualities as those disciples after the 3 years with Jesus. Jesus didn't pick pastors to go help Him, but He chose those that were willing to go live for Christ. It wasn't until Jesus died before they truly believed Jesus was truly the Son of God. John 20:29 says, 'Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."' Our servant deacons, and you believers of Christ, have not seen Jesus, but He does say "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." You may not understand everything concerning God's plan for your life, or the things that happen in your daily walk, but take heart that Jesus is very much aware of what is happening. Continue to trust Him, and never look at something for selfish gain. The disciples had it wrong when they were discussing who would be the greatest among them, but it wasn't until they humbled themselves did they realize it was only Jesus who they should have been discussing.
In closing, I just want to encourage you all that if you feel lead to do something for the Church, or for Christ, that you do it for the right reasons. Do not do it for recognition, a title, or to fill your pride cup. Let us continue to serve, because we love to help. Let's continue to give, because it brings us joy. Let's continue to be involved in ministry, because that is how we grow spiritually.
May God continue to bless you and your family,
E.