Be Servant of the Kingdom (Sep 17)
Matthew records many crucial
incidents from Jesus’ life in Mt 16-20.
Though Christ takes time to heal
an epileptic boy, pay His temple tax
and confront hostile Pharisees, His
primary concern is for His disciples,
who will continue the work He began
Healings and discourses, miracles
and parables, all focus on Jesus’
faithful followers to prepare them
for the difficult days just ahead.
Lord, we aspire to Serve Humbly:
The disciples asked Jesus:
Who then is the greatest in the
kingdom of heaven? Jesus said:
Whoever takes the Lowly position of
this child is the greatest (Mt 18:1-4)
Whoever wants to become great
among you must be your servant
and whoever wants to be first must  be your slave. Just as the Son of
Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give his life as
a ransom for many (Matt 20:26-28)
Lord, You promise that those who
are humble will be the greatest
in Your kingdom. Help us to be
gentle & lowly in heart as You are.
Help us to be humble like a child
with a sincere and trusting heart
as well as depend wholly on You.
And I pray that my humble faith
and service to You will accomplish
great things for Your kingdom. Amen
Lord, Your Word teaches that true reward awaits those who humble themselves in loving service.
So keep me from the tendency
to be busy, to be driven, to step
on others’ toes and to exalt myself.
Give me Lord the grace to choose   and learn the way of servanthood;
for I need to be more like You. And
Help me to consider others’ needs  and desires besides my own. Amen
Lord, You have given each of us
the freedom and calling to serve. Thank U for freeing me from sinful nature & giving willingness to serve.
Show me where I can use gifting
to really make a difference for
the advancement of Your kingdom.
Make me a servant, humble & meek;
Help me lift up those who are weak.
And may attitude of humble service
infuse every part of my life. Amen.