servant – Be Still…

Mark 9:33-37 – Who’s the Greatest?

Read Mark 9:33-37

Like willful children teasing each other about who is mom or dad’s favorite, the disciples were at odds amongst themselves. Wondering who was greatest, I have to assume, meant who did Jesus favor the most. I wonder what Jesus thought when they admitted to their squabble.

Jesus’ answer was clear and to the point. We, too, can see an opportunity to be great. What do we need to do to find this kind of favor? Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Do you think the disciples were a little shocked over this?

December 9 🌟 Serve Without Fear (Luke 1:67-79)

Read Luke 1:67-79

Picture of one man washing another man's feet - depicting Jesus washing disciples feet

These are the beautiful words prophesied by Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Picture the scene: Zechariah was finally able to speak after months of being unable. His son had just been born, and he had had an encounter earlier to know that this baby of his would become a great prophet of God.

Imagine how Zechariah was feeling as the Holy Spirit took over and spoke through him. If you’ve ever experienced the Holy Spirit speaking through you, then you know how delightful it is. There is almost a tingling when you realize that your words are suddenly not your own. Zechariah’s voice had been silent for so long, that this would be his first utterance is brilliant!

2 Samuel 21:1-14 – Pleasing God

Read 2 Samuel 21:1-14

Little girl looking up smiling with golden stars illuminated behind her

Are we like David seeking to please God? The famine is not pleasant, and it is good to see David seeking God’s counsel in the midst of it. Imagine how surprised David was when he heard God’s explanation. “The famine has come because Saul and his family are guilty of murdering the Gibeonites.”

We are not told when this famine takes place other than it’s during David’s reign. We have just entered the final chapters of 2 Samuel that begin with this narrative. However, it’s a random story, and where it fits into the scheme of David’s reign is not clear. We’ll need to read 1 Kings 1 to take up where our last chapter left us.

1 Samuel 16:14-23 – Used By God

Read 1 Samuel 16:14-23

We know from our earlier reading that Saul had fallen out of God’s good graces for his “innocent” rebellion. I put it that way because his disobedience was “innocent” if you listen to Saul’s account. God didn’t care about the reason or excuse Saul came up with, he was still apart from God because he had disobeyed.

What did surprise me a little was the troubling spirit God sent to torment Saul. I thought immediately of those odd days that happen for me, when I’m feeling out of sorts. Could that be God teaching me a lesson? I don’t think so. Saul’s affliction seems permanent, more than just a temporary attitude adjustment.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 – God Looks At The Heart

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13

I love the story of David’s anointing. There is so much going on in these few short verses. As you read through, take time to imagine the reality of the situation that unfolds. We can envision all sorts of emotions even if they aren’t mentioned directly.

Samuel was fearful of Saul’s reaction to this mission for God. Rather than keep his weakness to himself, he told God, and God gave him a solution. His visit would be cloaked to look like a mission of cleansing and sacrifice. Brilliant!