Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 23, 2015
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Luke 10:34-35
What does it mean to be a good goer? It involves giving time and resources. We roll up our sleeves and do whatever it takes to meet the need in front of us. Our head assesses the situation and diagnoses the need while our heart engages our calendar and our checkbook. Good goers understand the correlation between serving and greatness.
Jesus said, “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43b-45).
Good goers have the gumption to get involved and even get messy if needed. They initiate service to others in the name of Jesus. They don’t wait for the needy to come to them—instead they are quick to show up and serve. It may mean leaving someone an anonymous gift to relieve pressure from huge medical bills. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to short or long-term missions to love the poor and needy.
It could be keeping the lawn of a neighbor who travels a lot, or paying a mechanic to repair the car of a single mom. Being a good goer could involve opening your home to a prodigal who is trying to find their way, but desperately needs an environment of love, hope and acceptance. Good goers have the uncanny ability to look around, and like radar, lock onto to those who need a helping hand.
The Lord Jesus could have demanded to be served, but on the contrary served. He did not use His position for Himself, but for others. He “…made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).
It is bold and unnatural to make yourself nothing for the sake of others, but this is the way of Christ. He takes your nothing and makes it something of great significance. However, as you follow Jesus, you are on the track for greatness, because you will engage your time and money for others in His name. So break free from feeling like you can’t get involved and become great for God, by going where it’s messy to serve.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).
Prayer: Who is God calling me to serve—those that others are passing by?
Related Readings: Proverbs 11:24; Ephesians 6:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Peter 4:11
Post/Tweet this today: It is bold and unnatural to make ourselves nothing for the sake of others, but this is the way of Christ. #serveothers #wisdomhunters
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