Servants Not Celebrities – Part Four
Matthew 24: 44 – 47
Astronauts David R. Scott and James B Irwin were the focus of worldwide attention July 30 through August 1, 1971. Having landed on the moon in their spacecraft Falcon, they proceeded to set unimaginable records. They had explored 17.4 miles of the moon’s surface in their electric car. They were doing what mankind had dreamed of for centuries. As a result of their heroic exploits their names would forever be etched in the annals of space travel. Virtual deification awaited them upon return.
After piloting their spacecraft on their 250,000 mile journey back to planet Earth, James Irwin noted, “As I was returning to earth I realized that I was a servant —- not a celebrity. So I am here as God’s servant on planet earth to share what I have experienced so that others might know the glory of God.”
A primary characteristic of a servant is he is under authority. Philippians 2:8 says of Christ, “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Christ’s optimum obedience is noted in this same passage in that He was “obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Our Master, Jesus Christ, was under authority and so should we be.
When it comes to examples of servanthood consider Pilate and Jesus. When Pilate had a matchless opportunity to perform a service at the trial of Jesus he called for a wash basin and washed his hands of the entire affair. With the approach of Jesus’ crucifixion amid His quarreling apostles Jesus called for a basin and washed their feet. Which do you aspire to emulate?
Jesus’ presence is not just for our comfort, but for His control over us.
When we are under His control, we are under all that is His.
A wealthy antique collector whose only son and wife had died some years before also died. He left a large estate containing many valuable antiques. His meticulous will detailed how everything was to be disposed of. According to the provisions of the will, a well-publicized auction was set. Major collectors came from great distances. Their disappointment was visible when the first item offered was an amateurish oil painting of the son of the deceased. The first bid came only after considerable prodding from the auctioneer. $25 was the first bid. The auctioneer knew how to motivate bidders and soon got a $50 bid. Bids rose: $100, $125, and finally $150.
With the awarding of the painting, an envelope was to be opened according to the instructions of the will. The brief note therein stated, “All that is here belongs to you. He who gets the Son gets it all.”
If we have the Son of God, we have all that is under His authority. We have it when He has all that is under our authority.
The Lord is mindful of the actions or lack thereof of those who profess to follow Him. He has a good memory. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
Trust the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.