Passion for the Servant King
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2: 5 - 11 (NIV)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Message: Passion for the Servant King
The Servant King
Palm Sunday is a day of irony
A Rabbi is honoured as a King days before He is to be executed
The whole concept of being a king is all about being a ruler of servants
Yet this King is called the Servant King
He rules through his service
He is honoured today as the King of kings and the Lord of lords because of the greatest act of service - dying on the cross
Yet, in between all the irony this servant has been misunderstood for centuries
In a sense it is understandable that He is misunderstood - because the whole concept of “Servant King” is contradictory in itself
In a world that is focussed on progress, leadership and success - it is hard to think that a violent, torturous death can be associated with Kingship
For our selfish human nature this concept does not come naturally
Yet, His way - the way of service - is the only way to true, lasting glory
The way of the Servant King is ours to discover in time we live in
We need figure our what it means to “die of ourselves” (last week)
John the Baptist - the one who went out before the Servant King to announce Him, said: “He must become greater; I must become less.”
Again, in his words we find the ironic play with the word greater and less…
This the question to reflect on this Palm Sunday: How do I become less so that He can become greater?
Passion for the King
In some circles this Sunday is celebrated as Passion Sunday
I do think that we will only be able to intentionally become less in our lives in order for Him to become more, if we have a passion for this Servant King
Sadly, we see passion for Jesus being misguided all the time…
Just think of how the so called evangelicals are exploited in the political arena, all with the intention to gain power and support
And before we know it Christians are dragged into debates about abortion, gender equality, MAID, etc
We passionately take part in debates like this, sometimes without realizing that our passion is being exploited for political gain
Of course we should have Godly opinions on important matters like these and others, but is it really necessary to be dragged into the pursuit of power?
I believe our passion should be elsewhere that to get involved in debates
We should leave the bullhorn behind and roll up our sleeves
Perhaps our opinion would be much more valued when it is shared in our acts of service than when we shout it out from platforms?
Perhaps we should spend less of our energy in formulating perfect opinions and more energy on showing up were our service is needed?
Same Mindset of Christ?
Paul says: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus
And just to be perfectly clear on what he means, he is referring to the mindset of a servant
Yes, if you call yourself a Christian, you need to have the mindset of a servant
The pursuit of power and honour is contradicting to the mindset of the Servant King
Paul carefully explains how Jesus was giving up his godly power to pay the ultimate price
He also explains how the recognition for his service is not a early recognition, but a heavenly one
So, let us ask ourselves on this Passion Sunday: What do I need to do in my life to become less to that my King can become more?
What ambitions do I need to let go of, so that I can serve more?
Take on the Passion challenge today: Take a moment to think of a way you are going to serve - practically… one in serving someone that is close to you - family or friend; and another in serving someone that is not part of you inner circle - at work or school or in the community
[Moment of reflection]
On this Palm Sunday, may you honour the Servant King by aligning your mindset with His - the mindset of service!
Show your passion for the Servant King in the way you go out and serve!
AMEN
Comments
Add your comment