Ruling by God's Model

Scripture: Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." Matthew 20:25-26

Observation: As the disciples are upset with James' and John's request to have high positions, Jesus teaches that is not the way greatness works. He indicates that greatness comes from serving, not from promotion and honor.

Interestingly, Jesus uses a non-Jewish model for this. He takes a break from using the Pharisees as the example of people who have pride in their position. Instead, he calls out the "rulers of the Gentiles". The Gentiles always have this model ... the rulers are elevated and honored, receiving not just attention but actual authority and power of governance. The rulers go so far as to elevated to god status with expectations of worship. This is beyond a Pharisee just thinking their better than others and failing therefore to care and love others, but this is now lordship. Jesus even goes on to point out that the Son of Man - himself, Messiah, who is Lord - has come to serve.

Application: Being elevated as a ruler is a trap of Satan. God reminded me of this last night as I was praying a brief lament that I was now 'a nobody.' The truth he reminded me of is that ... no, I am actually finally somebody again, and that is an obedient child of God whom he loves. I was truly a nobody when I had a position of authority. While I may not have felt I "lorded it over" anyone, certainly I had pride in it. That is gone, and that is absolutely and truly for the better.

Jesus may not like Pharisees, who use God's law to set themselves up as superior and look down on others. However, he certainly likes Gentile rulers worse, who use societal structure to set themselves up as authorities over others and even as gods. May I never, never, ever fall into that trap of being part of society's ruling structure again.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you again this morning for your responses to prayer. I seek more of your Holy Spirit today, so I can further follow your instructions and live into your will. Again I say, please give me more Spirit. Amen.