Response to Death of Firstborn – Surrender (Part 1)

Response to Death of Firstborn – Surrender (Part 1)

Exodus 12: ³¹ Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said. ³² Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also.”

³³ And the Egyptians urged the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.” ³⁴ So the people took their dough before it was leavened, having their kneading bowls bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. ³⁵ Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. ³⁶ And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

 

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Unfortunately for the Egyptians, the worst happened. Death of the firstborn came, just as GOD said. Pharaoh responded by calling for Moses and Aaron by night. He told them to leave and take the flocks and herds with them. All of Pharaoh’s servants urged them as well. The children of Israel left in haste, but they were prepared.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh finally surrendered after many people died.
• GOD’s prophecy of the children of Israel plundering Egypt came true.
• The children of Israel left in haste just as GOD prophesied.

 

“Bless me also,” were the words of a broken Pharaoh. Pride could no longer be the focus because death was on everyone’s mind. Frightened that it would happen to them, the Egyptians urged the people to leave, whether Pharaoh agreed or not.

 

Pharaoh’s response was too late. A lot of people could have been spared, but pride got in the way. GOD dismantled the mindset that humans could e gods. Egypt was broken, beat up and devastated. No group would look at them as the mighty nation that broke the wills of humans. They lost all of their stuff, just as GOD said.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s response to the death of the firstborn?
• Has GOD prepared you for a successful exit on the way to your promised land?
• Are you sitting and waiting on the LORD or are you preparing and believing in HIS return?

Careful Approach

Careful Approach

Genesis 44: ¹⁸ Then Judah came near to him and said: “O my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s hearing, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh. ¹⁹ My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother?’ ²⁰ And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, who is young; his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’ ²¹ Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ ²² And we said to my lord, ‘The lad cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ ²³ But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’

 

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Reluctantly, Israel allowed Benjamin to go to Egypt with his brothers to fulfil the terms of Joseph. Judah said he would be responsible for Benjamin and would return with him. But Joseph had his silver cup hidden in Benjamin’s sack. Judah had to respond to the difficult situation.

 

My Observations:

• Judah recognized Joseph’s position and acknowledged his role.
• Judah chose his words carefully when recapping Joseph’s request of them to bring Benjamin to Egypt.
• Judah mentioned that he and his brothers are servants so Joseph would not get placed on guard.

 

Tense situations need a careful approach that may include humbling yourself. Judah saw a situation that could not be won by blaming Joseph or by not admitting to what happened. Even though the situation was manufactured, Judah recapped the situation in a way that would possibly help Joseph hear his plea.

 

Judah was humble, thoughtful and very cautious with his words. This was a dire situation that required him to grow tremendously. He had to speak up for his brother and show respect to Joseph. GOD saw this exchange of words and was changing everyone.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Judah’s careful approach?
• What things are you trying to get that you are possibly blaming others versus adjusting your approach?
• Are there some ways to your approach that could use some humble adjustments that need courage from GOD?

Apron of Humility

Apron of Humility

1 Peter 5: ⁵ In the same way you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” ⁶ Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. ⁷ Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.

 

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“You are pretty good at this” were the words I loved to hear. I became more confident and took on more and more challenges. Soon I was “very good” in my own mind and wanted to make some demands or even leave for something better. After applying outside and not getting the position I had to tone down my demands.

 

• I had become demanding.
• I had become a bit arrogant.
• I had forgotten that I knew nothing when I first started out.

 

Peter turns to new believers to provide advice to them. They may have desired a higher position within serving, so he suggests taking a humble approach. He implied having patience by saying “HE will lift you up in HIS own good time.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD resists my pride, but shows me favor when I humble myself.
• GOD changes my heart when I practice serving others.
• GOD raises me up in HIS time, not mine.

 

Demanding that GOD “make me a leader right here and now” could come from a wrong heart. I mean, I may want to be a leader so “I” can take on the challenges I see fit. When I run into issues, I can simply call on GOD to beat up my enemies and fix all my problems. Unfortunately, HE doesn’t seem to work that way.

 

HE sees my heart and if it is full of pride, resists my efforts. But when I humble myself and ask HIM, “Is this wat YOU want?”, HE gets excited. HE then tells me to “leave all my worries with HIM” because HE cares for me. I am glad GOD takes care of me and raises me up in HIS time.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer emphasize serving one another?
• Have you ever thought you would do a better job than your leaders?
• Will you examine yourself to see if there are any opportunities to wear the “apron of humility” by following those put in leadership, whether you agree with HIS leadership appointment or not?

Seeking Good Times

 

Seeking Good Times

1 Peter 3: ⁸ To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another. ⁹ Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you. ¹⁰ As the scripture says,

“If you want to enjoy life
    and wish to see good times,
    you must keep from speaking evil
    and stop telling lies.
¹¹ You must turn away from evil and do good;
    you must strive for peace with all your heart.
¹² For the Lord watches over the righteous
    and listens to their prayers;
    but he opposes those who do evil.”

 

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Wanting a better assignment, I lied about my age. I said I was two years older than I was so that maybe my years of experience would seem like more than they were. I was still considered a rookie and I wanted to shake that perception.

 

• I lied to get ahead.
• I didn’t consider my lie as harmful.
• I showed my immaturity when I argued, fussed and fought instead of being above negative conversations.

 

Peter continues to provide some difficult lessons. He knew there would be some who would do evil to those who did good. His advice was to be above evil by paying back with good. He also used a Psalm from David to change the mindset. “Keep from speaking evil.”

 

My Observations

• Striving for “good times” must include me telling the truth.
• For me to “enjoy life” I must be able to rest, which means telling the truth.
• Doing “good” and striving for “peace” gives me the makings for a life filled with good times.

 

Evil, brings on more evil. I mean, when someone does or says something bad to me or about me, I want to retaliate. I get my argument ready and maybe even think of ways to tear “that” person down. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

 

HE wants me above petty arguments to focus on HIM. HE wants “good” and “peace” to flow from me. This means I have to make a decision. I have to slow down, step away from the evil and speak the truth in live when the time is right. I am glad GOD gives me courage to speak truth.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “pay back?”
• Have you ever been provoked by an evil attack and wanted to retaliate?
• Will you take the high road next time and seek “good times” by doing good in GOD’s sight today?

Win the Respect

 

Win the Respect

1 Thessalonians 4: ¹¹ Make it your aim to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to earn your own living, just as we told you before. ¹² In this way you will win the respect of those who are not believers, and you will not have to depend on anyone for what you need.

 

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“I should send an email to the entire company regarding my exit” I thought to myself. I was handed an award for outstanding team member as I was asked to leave the company. Something inside me said “Don’t send the email. Just be quiet.” I am glad I didn’t send the email.

 

• I wanted to be noisy!
• I wanted to expose certain people for what they were doing.
• I wanted to keep the “respect” that I had earned, but was hurt, wounded and confused.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy urge the people of Thessalonica to do three things. Live a quiet life, mind your business and  earn a living. This may sound like “shut up and get a job”, but it is not saying this, rather “expand your outreach to nonbelievers by quietly winning their respect.”

 

My Observations

• Outreach should include my business or work interactions.
• GOD desires that I reach out to those who do not believe in a quiet respectful way.
• Self-reliance includes GOD’s provisions so I will not boast that I did it myself.”

 

Relying on GOD is hard, but necessary. I mean, sometimes I just want to say “help!” and that is okay to do so. But there are times when I need to be strong and show my faith in GOD’s provision for those who need to see that HE is the ultimate provider.

 

GOD seeks those who do not believe and wants to show HE can and will provide. HE does not need a braggard, rather someone who is confident in the LORD. I am glad GOD is the target  for all to seek.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers give this goal?
• Have you ever wanted to be seen or heard, so you were tempted to get noisy?
• Will you seek the respect of those who are not believers by relying on GOD’s provisions today?

Competition

Competition

Philippians 2: ³ Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. ⁴ And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.

 

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Wanting to get promoted, I worked hard. When I did not get the promotion, I was upset. I asked “Why/” I was told that I did not self-promote well. I started telling people about the “great” job “I” was doing but it still did not work. Then I was told to let other people know how “bad” my peers were doing.

 

• I really wanted to get ahead by being promoted.
• I wanted to be known for “my” expertise.
• I felt “I” deserved to be in charge because “I” knew more and “I” worked harder than others.

 

Paul addresses something that is deeply embedded in everyone, namely selfishness. From birth, humans desire things for themselves. GOD revealed to Paul that selfishness could lead to ambition which could lead to the same pride Satan had when trying to become GOD.

 

My Observations

• Selflessness is a learned behavior GOD wants me to acquire from JESUS.
• Being humble towards other people is something GOD wants me to act out so HIS voice can be heard.
• Looking out for other’s interest is a focus GOD wants me to include while looking out for myself.

 

Competing with other people means someone has to lose. I mean, when “I” get “my” way, and he or she does not, “I” get ahead and someone else is left behind. The world would say “What’s wrong with that?” BUT GOD would say “That is not the path I want you on.”

 

“Selfish” ambition “Cheap” desire and “Boasting” are all qualities that feel so good when used to get “ahead.” BUT GOD sees this as running towards HIS role. HE wants to be GOD while my role is to bring people to HIM. That’s it. I am glad GOD opens my eyes to my competitiveness and shows me a better way.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning from the writer?
• Have you ever pouted when another person got ahead and you did not?
• Have you ever asked GOD “What about me?”
• Will you consider that GOD has you where you are so you can help other people by looking out for his or her interests while looking out for yourself?

Boundless Power

Boundless Power

Ephesians 4: I urge you, then—I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. ² Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.

 

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“Are you okay?” I asked one of the thugs who’s life seemed to be centered on making everyone miserable. He had fallen after holding onto a car and sliding on his heels down the icy street. Years later he reminded me that I said a kind word. I did not even remember saying it.

 

• I wanted to react with a fight or rage when being bullied.
• I wanted to point and say “That’s what you get” when someone I did not like got hurt.
• I wanted to finally “win” when it felt like I was losing to the bullies, tormentors and tyrants.

 

Jailed for speaking about JESUS, Paul wrote a letter. His chains could not stop his love for the people. He urged everyone to stay focused by showing humility, gentleness and patience. These could not be stopped.

 

My Observations

• The HOLY SPIRIT gives me an alternative way that is humble.
• The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me to be gentle.
• The HOLY SPIRIT tells me to slow down and be patient.

 

Humans may trap me in ways that seem unfair. I mean, overt and passive bullies try to get their way instead of GOD’s way. BUT GOD gives me a standard that I can follow. I do not have to look at my circumstance as “the measure” rather I can choose humbleness, gentleness and patience as my “measure” for success.

 

When I have shown these to others who may not even be receptive, GOD says “Well done good and faithful servant.” It also relieves me of how the world constantly says “You don’t measure up.” I am glad GOD’s measure of me is through HIS SON and not my actions.

 

Challenge

• What is the heart of the writer?
• Have you ever wanted to fight or get back at someone or been enraged?
• Will you seek any part of the small list given in this passage as an alternative to your first reaction to fulfill GOD’s calling on your life today?

Playing Dress Up

Playing Dress Up

1 Corinthians 15: ⁴⁵ For the scripture says, “The first man, Adam, was created a living being”; but the last Adam is the life-giving Spirit. ⁴⁶ It is not the spiritual that comes first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. ⁴⁷ The first Adam, made of earth, came from the earth; the second Adam came from heaven. ⁴⁸ Those who belong to the earth are like the one who was made of earth; those who are of heaven are like the one who came from heaven. ⁴⁹ Just as we wear the likeness of the man made of earth, so we will wear the likeness of the Man from heaven.

 

⁵⁰ What I mean, friends, is that what is made of flesh and blood cannot share in God's Kingdom, and what is mortal cannot possess immortality.

 

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“Clean the basement” was the directive given to us. My siblings and I started off doing the work, but the stuff down there was interesting. We found games and toys we hadn’t played with in a while. Then we found old clothes. I put on my father’s shoes, shirt and some pants and schlepped around, talking in the deepest 5 or 6 year old voice.

 

• The big shoes, that easily fell off my feet, reminds me of responsibility I could not keep.
• The big pants, that I clutched onto with my hands,  reminds me of security I tried to place on things.
• The big shirt, that drooped over my frail frame, reminds me of circumstances I could not control.

 

Paul continues to speak about the physical body. We wear it for a while, but one day we will wear the likeness of “The Man from heaven.” He provides encouragement that we can play dress up while on this earth.

 

My Observations

• JESUS wants me to know HE took care of the hard part when HE saved me from death.
• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIS resurrection.
• JESUS wants me to understand that HIS shoes are too big to be filled by my actions, but HE likes when I play dress up, mimicking HIS ways.

 

While I cannot die to save someone from eternal death, I can play dress up and show others a small portion of what JESUS did. I mean, HE prayed for people, wept with them and cared for everyone HE met. HE does not mind when I do the same.

 

GOD knows I am a child and sometimes the shoes my fall off or the pants I’m clutching onto may trip me up or the circumstances may roll off my small shoulders. BUT GOD loves the fact that I am playing dress up , trying to be like HIM. I am glad I cannot be GOD and equally glad HE doesn’t need me to. I am also grateful I can point people to JESUS by loving others as HE did.

 

Challenge

• What does “wearing the likeness” of JESUS make you think of?
• What things did JESUS do that you can mimic?
• Can you enjoy life again by playing dress up for JESUS, being free for just a little while today?

Ask for Patience

 

Ask for Patience

Acts 26: Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: ² “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, ³ and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

 

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When the deadline approached, I was nowhere near complete. I had underestimated the school work because I had a job. I had to go to the professor and ask for an extension. It was a humbling experience.

 

• There have been many times when I needed grace.
• There have been many times when I needed mercy.
• There have been many times when I needed someone to be patient with me.

 

Paul was speaking before king Agrippa and a huge crowd. He acknowledged the king’s knowledge of Jewish customs and controversies. Paul then asked for the king to have patience because he knew his story would be long.

 

• GOD wants me to be humble enough to ask for patience.
• GOD wants me to recognize when I need help.
• GOD wants me to understand that I am at the mercy of others, so I need patience.

 

Asking for patience from someone is humbling. I mean, what if they say no? Asking for patience takes courage. When I need patience from someone, it usually means the person is in a position to enforce consequence on me or not help me when I need help.

 

GOD wants me to recognize the need for me to ask HIM to have patience with me. Even though HE is slow to anger, I still need to ask HIM to stay with me when I mess up. I am grateful HE will never leave me nor forsake me. GOD is patient with me.

 

• Did you mess up with someone?
• Do you need their mercy?
• Will you humble yourself by confessing to GOD and ask for patience today?

Change for a Dollar

Luke 19: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. ² A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. ³ He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

⁷ All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’

⁸ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’

⁹ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’

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Crying did not help the lost money return. As I sat there disappointed, I realized my day was over before it began. I had lost the money I was supposed to use to keep myself amused the entire day. After the incident, I hated to lose anything. I promised myself I would never be “poor.”

• There were times when I despised being poor.
• There were times when I dreamt of being rich.
• There were times when I dove into the pursuit of wealth at all costs.

Zacchaeus had swindled his way to the top. Not only was he a tax collector, he was the head of those who stole from others. He had a desire to see JESUS and was determined enough to climb a tree to get a better view. JESUS knew who he was and invited HIMSELF over Zacchaeus’s house. Zacchaeus changed and wanted to give than receive.

• GOD wants me to change from being money driven.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as being GOD rather than being led by how much or how little cash I have.
• GOD wants me to think about HIM more than I think about my bank account.

Whether it’s worry or pride, there is a problematic view of money that GOD despises. I’m not saying humans don’t have needs, I am saying that money can drive people to lie, swindle or even preach more about money than they do about JESUS. I, at one time, thought about lying one my resume just to get a better paying job.

GOD wants me to be brave enough to be who HE wants me to be and follow HIM. HE knows my financial status and desires that HE be my provider. GOD has given me an abundance that I can never thank HIM enough. HE gave me HIS SON and I am eternally grateful.

• Are you focused strictly on money?
• How many conversations about money or wealthy people do you have?
• Will you change your desires to follow GOD where HE has you today?

You Are Doing It

Luke 7: ²⁹ And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

³¹ And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? ³² They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying:

‘We played the flute for you,
And you did not dance;
We mourned to you,
And you did not weep.’

³³ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ ³⁴ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ ³⁵ But wisdom is justified by all her children.”

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“You are doing it wrong” I said to the person as I jumped in and started “helping” them. After a while I took over the task and the person shrunk away. “Thank goodness! They weren’t meeting my standards anyway.”

• Three have been times when I set the bar high when it came to meeting “my” expectations.
• There have been times when I talked about people who made mistakes and could not cut it.
• There have been times when I looked down on others who could not perform to what I thought should be the performance level.

The Pharisees and lawyers rejected being baptized by anyone who would call JESUS “GOD.” Their attitude seemed like they were doing everything right and JESUS was doing everything wrong. GOD HIMSELF appeared to them as a sinner and a drunkard.

• JESUS says to me “Do no judge lest you be judged.”
• JESUS says to me “Serve everyone, just as I have come to serve mankind.”:
• JESUS says to me “Follow ME and serve those who do not look or act like you.”

“You are doing it right” should be the words I say to someone who worships JESUS differently than I do. Instead of judging the people to “my” standard,

I should be praising GOD that there is another person who is doing things for HIS kingdom and I don’t have to do all the work. Unity is something GOD wants me to have so the kingdom can grow stronger.

• Are you judging someone?
• Do you feel you are doing things better than other people?
• Can you stop labeling people and start praising and encouraging them to follow GOD today?

Front of the line

Mark 9: ³³ Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?”³⁴ But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. ³⁵ And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” ³⁶ Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, ³⁷ “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

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All day long I could feel the pressure of competition at work. I mean did he have to say “that” during the meeting! As I replayed these words I on my drive to wherever I was going I stepped on the gas more and more forcefully. At least no one would pass me on the road. I was pulled over.

• There are times I desire to be on top.
• There are times when I just want to win.
• There are moments when I want to be ahead of everyone at all costs.

Who would be the greatest was the equivalent of being at the front of the line. The disciples were in for a rude awakening. JESUS, who was and is the greatest, told them they had to be like HIM, a humble servant.

• GOD wants me to learn to serve others.
• GOD wants me to classify serving as being great.
• GOD wants me to exchange my currency for souls.

Rich and powerful to GOD means how many people have I served. I’m not talking about human metrics, I am truly speaking about servitude that only GOD guides. HE gives me opportunities to accept those HE sends to me. Shall I turn them away? No. GOD desires that I serve someone in HIS name daily.

• Are you trying to get on top?
• Are you trying to learn how to be the best?
• Can you learn that being the best means being the best “true” servant of GOD?

Part of the Family

Mark 7: ²⁴ From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden. ²⁵ For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. ²⁶ The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. ²⁷ But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

²⁸ And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.”

²⁹ Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”

³⁰ And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.

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“Aren’t you going to stay and eat?’ said one of my friend’s mother. The invitation came as a shock to me as I had not been invited to eat over anyone’s house before.

• It feels great to be invited.
• It feels wonderful to be taken in by someone.
• It feels positively delightful to be brought into someone else’s family.

I do not understand the cultural situation that was going on here. Was JESUS using her words against her when HE spoke of “little dogs” as a comparison to her upbringing? HE spoke of two cultures in analogous terms, one Jewish and the other hers, as if to say “I have a chosen people for whom I serve.” BUT HE does something incredible.

• GOD invited me into HIS family when HE did not have to.
• GOD brought me into HIS family when I did not ask.
• GOD adopted me into HIS family when I did not deserve to be adopted.

Humility is what I get from tis passage. JESUS heard her humble words and answered her request. She begged HIM knowing “No” could be the answer. She may have changed her heart towards insulting others as she took on the label of “little dog.”  A crumb of heaven is better than a feast towards hell.

• Are you insulting others?
• Have you labeled others in a bad way?
• Can you bring people into GOD’s family by serving them today?

Life’s Elevator

Matthew 23: ⁵ “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; ⁶ they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; ⁷ they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

⁸ “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹ And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. ¹⁰ Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. ¹¹ The greatest among you will be your servant. ¹² For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

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“Making it” was top of mind. I tried not to step on people, but if a person got in my way, they were in trouble. I did get the title and it felt great to have the “respect.”

• Seeking places of honor can sometimes make me blind.
• Seeking to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces can sometimes puff up my head.
• Seeking a title or a position of status can sometimes lead me to think I am better than I am.

JESUS makes it clear that HE is the only instructor and the FATHER is the only father. Anyone who seeks to have the spotlight on themselves in the church will be knocked down.

• GOD wants me to humble myself so HE will not have to.
• GOD wants me to humble myself so HE can use me HIS way.
• GOD wants me to humble myself so HE can exalt me.

When I am in a humble position I celebrate more. I mean when GOD raises me up, even a little, I am thankful and I cheer. On the other hand, when I seek a title that I feel I “deserve” and do not get it, I pout and life is quite miserable. GOD wants me to be a servant no matter what title or position HE gives me. Serving others as HE served me is the highest honor!

• Are you trying to get a title?
• Do you feel you “deserve” better in life?
• Can you seek to serve rather trying to exalt yourself?

A Different King

Matthew 21: As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. ³ If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

⁴ This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

⁵ “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

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Political figures had me constantly watching the news. Searching for who would be right was my quest as I listened to their boisterous commentaries. The same was happening during the days when CHRIST walked the streets.

• JESUS looked like the worst political candidate.
• JESUS was never politically correct.
• JESUS set a standard that politicians bend and twist.

“If you want to be great you must be last” is what JESUS taught. Who wants to be last? I mean shouldn’t GOD just roar in and say in a Hollywood booming voice “This is my politician whom I am well pleased?” HE decided to slip in gently.

• JESUS came in with true power so HE did not make noise.
• JESUS rode in on what was considered a low animal to show true power.
• JESUS predicted the animals would be at that specific location which showed true power.

True power only comes from JESUS. HIS calm quietness was extremely misleading. Unfortunately the noisy politicians of today drown out the message of CHRIST. More conversations are about them than of the ONE who has true power. JESUS wants my time and my tongue.

• How much time do you spend talking about politicians?
• How Much time do you spend talking about JESUS?
• Can you look to the ONE who has true power today, namely JESUS?

Too Important

Matthew 19: ¹³ Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.

¹⁴ Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ¹⁵ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

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Prepping for the meeting was difficult. I only had fifteen minutes with the president of the company and I had to make every minute worth it. “Maybe I will be ‘too important’ to meet with people for long stretches of time someday.” I thought to myself.

• I sought to make a name for myself.
• I wanted to be “important” to other people.
• I desired to be in the exclusive crowd.

Exclusion is great when I am in the “in crowd.” I mean when I am getting the fringe benefits that others aren’t, it feels wonderful, so much so that I craved more. BUT GOD wants me to act differently.

• GOD wants me to welcome people with open arms.
• GOD wants me to make time for people who cannot do for themselves.
• GOD wants me to be available for the little children.

The disciples were trying to make JESUS exclusive to “important” people. These little kids had nothing to offer and JESUS could heal people back from the dead so the disciples shooed them away. JESUS illustrates how open I should be.

HE wants me to make time for people and not see levels or classes of humans. In fact, GOD wants me to make others more important than I make myself. The more I grow others, the more GOD grows me.

• Are you trying to be important?
• Do you want to exclude people away from you or the group you are in?
• Can you stop trying to be important and point people to the ONE who is, namely JESUS?

If You Are Willing

Matthew 8: When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. ² A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

³ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. ⁴ Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

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“Demand a raise” was the thought that popped in my head. I walked into my evaluation and said all of the things that “I” had accomplished. I literally spent hours writing this stuff down. After the meeting I was proud of myself for being able to come up with all of these “wonderful” accomplishments.

• There have been times I have demanded.
• There have been times I have thought more of myself.
• There have been times I have tried to convince others that I was more than what I am.

Arrogance was speaking to my pride as I waltzed down the hallways thinking “I” did all of this. When I got my average raise, I was furious. Looking back I can see several mistakes in my approach.

• GOD wants me to be humble in my request.
• GOD wants me to recognize HIS power and authority in all situations.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM, not demand HIM.

GOD is not owned by me but HE is my GOD and I am HIS servant. HE enables me to humbly ask for things and HE has the right to say “No”, “Wait” or “Yes” whenever HE pleases. The man with leprosy humbled himself thoroughly. He followed JESUS for a while, he knelt down and he asked, knowing JESUS could say “No.”

One critical thing I noticed is JESUS said “don’t tell anyone.” Wait, there was a crowd there! HE sent the cleansed leper directly to those who opposed HIM as a testimony of HIS power.

• Are you bragging about your power?
• Is all the attention on you?
• Can you stop trying to draw attention to yourself and have people focus on GOD?
• Will you humbly ask JESUS to make you clean?