By the Way: "2613 Form and Content" plus 1 more |
| Posted: 11 Feb 2020 12:41 AM PST And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." Math. 12:7-8 ESV When Jesus referred to His calling and ministry, He often called Himself the "Son of Man". It gave Him authority because it was a term used in the Old Testament for prophets, even for the messiah. Here we see Jesus commenting on the Sabbath, in His capacity as "Son of Man". He said God was less interested in external religion than the Pharisees thought. God would rather see them having mercy on others. In our evangelical tradition, we sometimes view churches that are traditional or liturgical as merely ritualistic. We do have our own religious forms too, though. We're hypocritical in our own ways! Some, for example, will pray for hours but then have everyone know about it. For some leaders it's very much about power or positions. Some who are very involved with church or genuinely serious about God have no problem looking down on others. Yes, we're often like the Pharisees: high on religion and churchiness but low on love and grace. We often have untransformed hearts. This is not what God asked for, Jesus said! Heavenly Father, make me more like Jesus. It was more important to Him to show love than to keep to His religion's stipulations. Help me to develop a spiritual walk that's filled with kindness, that reaches out in love, that serves others readily. In Jesus' Name, amen. Readers' replies are welcome. Please forward this message, but do not spam others. Subscription to this daily mail is free at our website. Visit us also for more information. © 2020 BY THE WAY with Jimi le Roux | www.jimileroux.com |
| Posted: 11 Feb 2020 12:39 AM PST For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 ESV Jesus' favorite description of Himself was "Son of Man" which in Hebrew is another way of saying "man" or "human". Still, in the Old Testament this term was used to refer to prophets and even the coming messiah. Jesus used it intentionally, therefore, when speaking about His unique calling and ministry. In this verse we find an example where Jesus said that He had come to serve and give His life. Jesus experienced His calling so differently from what everyone expected! Israel expected a messiah that would rule over them – yes, one that would be served. Then came Jesus, the Servant! He didn't mind doing the humblest of work, not even washing others' feet – the work of slaves. Even giving His life was an act of service for Him. What do we learn from this? We learn that leadership has to do with serving. A leader does more than others and serves more than others! Any so-called leader who refuses to get his hands dirty is no great leader at all. Jesus showed us what leadership is about! Heavenly Father, make me like Jesus, Your servant and – amazingly – our servant. Help me to serve like He did! My sinful nature resists serving others, but I pray that Your love will motivate me always. In Jesus Name, amen. Readers' replies are welcome. Please forward this message, but do not spam others. Subscription to this daily mail is free at our website. Visit us also for more information. © 2020 BY THE WAY with Jimi le Roux | www.jimileroux.com |
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