Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 End of the Feast of the Apostles, 

TITHE GIVING SUNDAY
 Mathew:20:25-28

Verse: 28 Just  as the son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give
his life a ransom for many.

  This whole week, lectionary portions remind everyone of the importance of tithe giving and its role in the life of a faithful  Christian.
Tithe giving is obligatory to faithful Christians, as we read in  Philippians 4: 19, that when we are obedient to give back to the Lord, He is faithful to supply our needs.
                        When we go back to the bible portion for devotion, it shows that the disciples were angry because James and John wanted special privileges from Jesus when he will be in heaven. Earlier in the chapter, we saw they argued which of them was the greatest. It was not surprising why they did so.  They undoubtedly expected Jesus, as the promised Christ to become the earthly King, who may overthrow the Romans and liberate Israel. As faithful followers of Him, they wanted to rise with Him.  But Kingdom of heaven is not about followers gaining power roles.  Kingdom of heaven is about loving others by our actions ie: to serve others and not to be served. This is the greatest agenda  Jesus taught the world, which everyone, lay and the ordained should memorize.  Again, the bible portion focuses on and emphasizes, what it takes to be a servant, and follow a servanthood ministry.
                       The word servant is from “diakonos” - referring to a person who does basic labor, but Jesus elevated the word diakonos to describe his faithful disciples who are faithful, favored, and obedient.  This word is of great significance in the Kingdom of God because it reflects the selfless, humble life that God favors. Jesus took the position of the humble slave, exemplifying himself – as a mark of a willing servant who sacrificed his life for others so that you and I will earn eternal life. Unfortunately, there are a lot of phony servants in His ministry.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to be your true, faithful, and obedient  servants
willing to follow the servanthood ministry – to serve and not be served...


 Thought for the Day
Being a believer, God is calling us to a life of service
useful for His kingdom. 

 
Dr.John  K. Thomas Tabor MTC

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