Service
Day 542, Wednesday, Feb. 4
Mark 10:1-52
The request by James and John for seats of honor in God’s kingdom provide Jesus with an opportunity to show how different status and honor is in that kingdom than it is in the kingdom of the world.
In the Gentile world—the world outside the realm of God’s law—those who are considered to be rulers show of their power. Jesus said, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great 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.”
Consider how often in the world we see people not just exercising power, but also flaunting it. As we look at current conflicts within our nation and between nations, think how often people try to call unnecessary attention to their own power and status, using it not just to accomplish a task, but to build their own public perception of strength.
The same applies in day-to-day life. We often go beyond our own unwillingness to serve and instead insist that others be seen to be serving us.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Wednesday meditation

Psalms 73:21-28
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Prayer focus
Grant me the heart of a servant, always willing to build your kingdom rather than my own.