Day 5

12-days-of-easter-top

Read Mark 10:13-16

And they began bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them.  But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them ‘Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.’  And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands upon them.

You know what strikes me about these verses? (Besides thinking about my grandchildren ☺) It is such a poignant picture of Jesus’ entire life and ministry!  When you are bending down to pick up a child, you cannot stand up big, straight and tall at the same time.  When you are bending down to wash your disciples’ feet, you cannot stand up big, straight and tall at the same time.  When you are bending down to speak to the woman at the well, you cannot stand up big, straight and tall at the same time. You can’t stand up head and shoulders above the rest when you are constantly bending down to serve others.  I suspect that Jesus could have gone far in the worldly world if He would have chosen to do so.  He could have been lifted higher and higher by the world with every miracle.  BUT, He did NOT choose that path.  In fact, later in Mark Chapter 10, Jesus goes on to say, “For even the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45.  

Jesus served others to the point of hanging on the cross for them.  He could not stand up big, straight and tall as He was nailed to the cross.  Nor when He forgave the soldiers.  Nor when He forgave and assured salvation to the thief dying next to Him.  Nor when He breathed His last and declared “Father, into Your Hands I commit my Spirit!!”   His life and death were all about SERVING OTHERS.  This reminds me of the partners at LSC.  One of main themes for our church is “how can we serve each other” not “who is going to serve me at this church?”

So as you go out today, into the Highland Lakes Area during this Holy Week, ask the Lord to show you areas where you can bend down and bend close to serve others!

In what area(s) of your life do you need to bring under Jesus’ control?

Where can you serve and speak life into someone today?

Can you serve someone who has wronged you and forgive them and finally let go of that hurt?

Who do you need to serve to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness and self-control?

(Did you miss Day 4?)