You just never know what the Lord will use to speak to you. Today’s When Words Won’t Come verse is really just part of a verse, but, sweet biscuits, it is a kicker.
Take a gander at James 1:1 (NIV):
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations; Greetings.
It’s a greeting, right? Nothing special here. Wrong!!
Here is what challenged me…..James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…….
James had bragging rights as the half BROTHER of Jesus. He was a leader in the early church. Yet, here he is voluntarily calling himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A servant. The Greek word used here is doulos and it means ‘slave, bond-slave, indentured servant. Literally, one owned as the property of another, a servant whose rights and services have been obtained by his master’. (Zodhiates Key Word Study Bible)
We live in a very ME-oriented society. When was the last time you put yourself in the role of a servant? Have you washed any feet lately? Spent your money on the poor instead of yourself? When was the last time you were treated like a servant? How do you react when someone treats you like a slave or servant?
This really caught me off-guard. I fear I am more like John and his brother, James (not Jesus’ brother) in wanting to have an exalted place at Jesus’ right hand. Maybe I am the only one, but I do not react well to being treated like a servant. My hackles, as well as my nose, go up and I am just plain offended. Anybody else?
Yet, in this verse James voluntarily places himself in the role of servant or slave of Jesus Christ. Then, he walked it out as he served the early church. It is easy as pie for you and me to talk of being a servant of Christ, but do we walk that role out?
Do we feed the poor, care for widows and orphans, tell others about Jesus, show mercy to those who need it, and love those who are different from us? Do we? Jesus told us to do all of that. He bought and paid for us with His blood, so He owns us. Do you always do what Jesus asks? Do I? Can we echo James’ greeting?
Leah, a SERVANT of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This whole servant thing trips me up every time. I need some work in this area. How about you?
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Please do not forget to be in prayer for our country. It is not too late to join me as I join in the 40 Days of Prayer for the US being led by author and pastor Max Lucado. Go here to learn more.
