Day 7: Humble service
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light (John 1:6-8).
Great and glorious God and Father in heaven, You alone are God. All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You, they sing the praises of Your name (Psalm 66:4). You have declared of Yourself, “I am the Lord; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols" (Isaiah 42:8).
Father, Scripture teaches us that the Lord detests all the proud of heart (Proverbs 16:5), and also that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble" (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). We cannot be ready for life and service as Your children unless we are willing to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).
In His entire earthly life and ministry our Lord showed us the ultimate example of humility (Philippians 2:6-8). And He showed His followers the contrast between a humble heart and the typical patterns of the world, where those in power lord it over [others] and exercise authority over them (Mark 10:42, Luke 22:25).
He provided corrective instruction to the disciples who had been vying for recognition: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35). And after the unbelievable action of washing their feet He instructed: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14).
Lord, like the apostle Paul, we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:4). Teach us humble service in the body of Christ (Romans 12:3).
We are witnesses to Your light. Help us to be effective witnesses. Let our witness not be marred by selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3). Give us the perspective of John the Baptist: “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven...[Jesus] must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:27,30).
Keep us always mindful that Your glory is our purpose: If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:11).
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