Ready to Serve

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." (John 13:12-15)

Servanthood is something entirely different in the Kingdom than it is in the world. Jesus understood what it meant to be a Son, so He was not ashamed or embarrassed to be a servant. In His mind, there was no contradiction. We tend to see servants as less-than or inferior to those being served; therefore, servants are often roughly treated and lightly esteemed. Not so in the Kingdom of God! A servant's heart is highly valued by the Lord, especially among His sons and daughters. That is why Jesus is the perfect example of royalty, sonship, and servanthood -- and His example reflects the heart of His Father.

We can never fully know what it means to rule well until we learn to serve well. Our Heavenly Father is a most profound picture of selflessness and service, and it all flows out of His deep and abiding love for us. He serves us daily with provision, care, health, and protection; and He has provided us an eternal inheritance by the atonement accomplished for us by the Son of His love. His grace and mercy are ours in an endless supply, and our help comes to us continually from His sanctuary. We are most like Him when we, too, serve others as we have been served. May we be found doing for others as Christ has done for us. 

Let's Pray - Lord, You have adopted me and made me a son. Now give me a servant's heart, just like the heart of Jesus. I am ready to serve. Amen.