And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me (Mark 9:33-37).
Today's Morsel: For the past 26 years, my wife and I have done our morning devotions together when we are home together. I have read the Bible through at least 26 times, yet I am always amazed at the new insight that comes from God's Word each time I read it and study it. I have come to realize that there is no way a person can have all the insight into what God's Word means and may be speaking to. Even Jesus' disciples found themselves confounded by His teaching and ministry. Nothing was hidden from Jesus. Even when His disciples were thinking something and did not say it audibly, Jesus knew what they were thinking the same way He knew what Simon was thinking when the woman with the alabaster box of ointment came into his house to anoint Jesus for his burial. Jesus' comments were much deeper than the surface comments. Even Nicodemus was confounded by His comments about being born again. The Psalmist said that there is not a word in our tongue that God doesn't already know it (Psalm 139:4). The disciples had disputed among themselves about who would be the greatest. But Jesus sat down and called the twelve, and said unto them, "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all." Jesus wanted them to know that it wasn't about position in His kingdom, but it was about serving. He wanted them to know that if they got into the habit of seeking for positions, they could easily become bias and begin to reject people. This is why He chose a child as an illustration for them. One who is really called and who will serve, will exercise self-less service. He will take last while placing others first. A self-less and humble servant will always be brought to the head of the class.
Sing: Jesus use me, O' Lord, don't refuse me, for surely there's a work that I can do. And even though it's humble, Lord help my will to crumble, though the cost be great, I'll work for you.
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