Lord or Servant?

John 13:12-17

Message No. 0626 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca

One of the most common places where few people lord it over others is the law court. All lawyers must bow, even if not physically, in their hearts, as they humbly say to the judge, ‘my lord.’ Prior to going before a judge, lawyers and advocates coach their clients to behave themselves and to keep quiet unless the judge permits them to speak. When you are asked a question, you cannot argue, you must answer the question. Even if you are angry, you must pretend as though you are not, else it could be used against you, and you could lose a case because of that. Everyone in court must first leave their normal behaviors behind before entering the courthouse. When the judge enters, everyone must stand on their feet. You better respect the judge, or you will be thrown out, and that, if you are not jailed for contempt.

Master-servant relationships are not uncommon in our societies; it has been there before any of us was born. It was even in existence, BC. The Pharisees, the Sadducees and the religious authorities BC were all lords. This was the reason they often felt insulted when a small Boy like Jesus stood up to them on various occasions. They thought of Him as a mere carpenter boy who arrogated to himself knowledge that he knew nothing about. This kind of relationship also never ended AD. Most of us would know one or two people whom no one ever prayed for, because they were so evil.

No matter what people think about the monarchy, not many people would have negative things to say about the queen who died recently at age 96. It is rare, in our world today, to see someone who naively pledges his or her life to serve others at age 21, and never wavered, 75 years later. She may not have been a saint, but she accepted her mistakes when she was wrong and took steps to correct them. The funeral program that is being run will probably see millions of people physically lining up at various times and in different places, just to catch a glimpse of her coffin. The main reason: she was a servant of the people.

In John chapter 13, Jesus Christ knew that His time was coming to an end, and He was prepared to finish His assignment and depart, but not before teaching His disciples a very important lesson. It was Passover, and just before the evening meal was served, He got up, removed His coat, and wrapped a towel around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and started to wash the disciples’ feet. What on earth, the disciples questioned. The loud-mouthed Peter told Him no ways, you will not wash my feet! In verses 12 through 17, the Bible says:

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Jesus told His disciples, you call me Master and Lord, and you are correct, but I must serve you so you know that a true lord must provide service to his people. The late Elizabeth never forgot that she was queen; she even signed official documents as ‘Elizabeth R,’ which stands for Regina, meaning Queen in Latin. Yet, everyone who has spoken of her so far always emphasized her servant attitude. She was no pastor, but one lesson from Christ that she demonstrated so well was serving. The big question that we must ask ourselves this week is, what will people say after we are gone? Will they yell ‘good riddance’ at our coffins or will they humbly bow in their hearts to say, ‘thank you,’

Alfred Nobel was born in 1833 in Sweden, into a family of engineers. He was a Chemist, engineer and inventor and he amassed wealth by inventing and manufacturing armaments and other weapons of war. In 1888, Nobel was shocked to read his own obituary, titled, “The merchant of death is dead,” in a French newspaper. This was however a mistake as it was Nobel’s brother who died, and the newspaper thought it was Alfred. Nevertheless, this mistake gave Alfred a glimpse at how he would be remembered after death, and he decided to change that by willing his wealth to instituting the Nobel Prize Awards for peace in various disciplines. Nobel was lucky; he was able to correct the impression people had about him. Most people won’t be this lucky.

How will you be remembered? Will it be as a humble, helpful, peace and service-loving person or will it be as a do-nothing, arrogant and self-aggrandizing person? When you stand before the Lord on the last day, it will no longer be important how much you knew or how much wealth you amassed, but how many lives you touched and what you used your wealth for. If you’re currently more lord than the judge, there’s time to change. May the Lord help you to live the life that He created you to live, in Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

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 PLEASE ACT NOW:
 If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:
 Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!