Based on “Foolish Wisdom” by Pastor Dave Folkerts; 10/31-11/1/09,
Message #DF143; Daily Devotional #3 - “Spiritual Greatness”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Have you ever done anything so foolish you looked back on it and said, “What was I thinking? How could I have been so stupid?” We may not have realized its foolishness at the moment, but I’m sure we have all looked back at something we said or did and wished we could change it. I imagine that is how James and John, the sons of Zebedee, felt after asking Jesus to seat themselves on the right and left of the throne of God (Mark 10:35-37). Jesus, being the compassionate teacher that He was, did not chastise James and John but used the opportunity to teach a fundamental principle to His disciples: If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, you must be the servant of all (Mark 10:42-45). James and John were asking for position. Jesus taught that spiritual greatness comes through humility. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) Jesus emphasized that even He had come to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45).
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Jesus humbled Himself to come to earth to set the captives free. His whole life exemplified humble service to others. Christ followers should have this same attitude: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8) We have been freed from having to earn our salvation. We are free to follow His example. The world will tell us this is foolishness. God promises us it is not. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10) The rewards the world offers are fleeting, but God’s rewards are eternal. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:21) outweighs any acclamation the world can give us.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Pastor Dave gave us four steps to help us be God’s servants. First, we must ask God what it is He wants us to do and trust that He will not ask more than He will give us the strength to accomplish. Second, we need to take the first step, again, trusting that there will be something solid for us to stand on once we do. Third, do it with the right attitude. In humble obedience we freely follow His example of service and express our gratitude for all He has done for us. Fourth, leave the results to God. We may never know the extent of the results. His purposes are greater than we can ever realize (Isaiah 55:8-9). Today, begin to discover the spiritual greatness God has for those who are His servants.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Romans 12:1-16; 1 Peter 5:6
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