No, I'll Move Them Myself

Daily Reading: John 13

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13.35)

Devotional Thought: Many years ago, nationally known group of young adult singers presented a concert at my church.  During the concert, the director – a man my senior by probably 25 or 30 years – became distracted by the flowers on the communion table.  He thought they were a distraction to the congregation too, so he indicated to me that he wanted them moved.  I was more than happy to comply, and I began to get up to move them.  Immediately he stopped me, pointed to our worship pastor and whispered, “No.  That’s beneath your station as the pastor to do that.  Get your ‘music man’ to move them.”  I was unprepared for that, and in my surprise and uncertainty, I did what he said.  Looking back, I am still embarrassed by what I did.  It was not the message I wanted to convey to my worship pastor, nor to the congregation.  Thankfully, nobody else knew what had happened, and it did not seem like a big deal.  But it was a big deal to me. Later, I apologized to my worship pastor who was bewildered by it, not having suspected anything.

We are constantly confronted with a value system that says we must get to the top no matter how many people we must step on.  The world recognizes and responds to privilege and status.  Not so with Jesus.  He humbled himself – even to death on a cross – to wash you and me.  Have we received him in the sense that we have adopted his values, his love for others?  When tempted to play the power game, will we say, "No, I'll move them myself"?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I must confess that the allure of this world's perks and power is a real temptation in my life.  Help me to forsake those things and seek your kingdom and righteousness.  Help me to serve and not be served.  In Jesus' name, amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 37.34-40

34 Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.

35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. 

36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.

37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.

38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.