Being First
September 1, 2009
The life of Jesus. Read Today: Disciples argue about who is the greatest; Matthew 18:1-6; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48
Mark 9:35 ESV
(35) And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."
Years ago I attended a real small church. Only 3 staff members and they all ran a print shop part time to keep the church running. While it had a limited membership it was a church with ideals and a desire to grow. Several members joked with the pastor that he only worked 2 days a week. Though we joked about it, it is a common belief that most pastors do little if any real work during the week except for maybe prepare a sermon or two.
Nothing could have been further from the truth in this case. As I already stated he was the one who was running the print shop and drumming up the business for it. He also visited the sick, council with people and made sure that the church was set up for services.
It takes a special person to do that. And it does not matter if the church is big or small, the attitude of a pastor, at least one who succeeds, is one that is a servant. It is the only way to be the first in the kingdom.
Read for next time: John's zeal without understanding; Mark 9:38-42; Luke 9:49-50
