MARK 10:32-52 CAME TO SERVE The Perfect Servant on His way to Jerusalem gave the key to His life and service: "The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many." The unfolding of the service of Jehovah's Perfect Servant gives principles of service to guide us who have been called to serve. The path of service led the Lord Jesus right to the center of opposition by religion that was controlled by the destructive powers of darkness. Satan knew from the prophetic scriptures and from the previous statements of the Lord that if Christ died for our sins on the cross, then redemption's price for sin would be legally paid and he would be forever defeated. In the statement of the Lord Jesus to His disciples regarding His death, burial and resurrection, He gives more details than on previous occasions. For men who were expecting Him to be the conquering King, this was hard for them to understand. The path of service for any who will follow the Son of Man will lead us to places where we normally would not go. It is incumbent on us to recognize that even as the Perfect Servant was going into the place of opposition and destruction, He was going in full cooperation with God. We can act in faith in our service when we realize this is the way the Lord has led me. The objective of the Lord Jesus was to provide for eternal salvation for mankind. Opposition from enemies, cooperation with God, and salvation for sinners is on the path of service.
Participants in this service depends on the call of God and what He calls us to. The Lord knew what He was called to do in His service. Our service today is opened up to us by the Holy Spirit who "guides us into all truth." James and John were looking forward to being associated with the Lord in glory. They were not rebuked for their desire to be useful servants to the King. The rebuke came to all the disciples because they misunderstood servant-leadership. It is necessary to be "made conformable to His death" in our service for God. The "power of His resurrection" follows the cost of glad service for God. The Lord Jesus came here to serve God as the Son of Man. He willingly took the role of God's Perfect Servant and did that great work with eternal blessings as the result. In a similar way we, as servants of God do the same in our day. When we serve others, we serve God knowing that glory follows suffering and death.
The practice of service is found wherever there is people. Some people are in need and don't know it. They live their lives oblivious to the fact that it may end at any moment. They may not even be aware of the fact that "now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation." Many mistakenly believe that their eternal future will be decided on after they die. However, there are those who are in need of our service and we must listen for their cry. Sometimes it is loud and trusting like the call of the blind man. He knew Jesus was the son of David, the Messiah. He had full confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. We may at times have to listen for the weak cry of one in despair. The true servant must listen. The servant who cares also looks for the cause of the call. The Lord knew the man was blind but the confession of faith was part of the proof of his faith. We listen for the cry of repentance, look for the confession of faith and then lead the searcher to the cross where the Spirit of God and the Word of God reveals the way and Person of salvation to them.
The Perfect Servant, the Son of Man, the Lord Jesus Christ - has left us the perfect example of bond- service. It is one of the greatest privileges of a child of God to be able to serve Him with reverence and godly fear.
What is the Lord is saying about what is going to take place? Why is there such determination seen upon His face? Who can really understand this life of holy, obedient faith? The One who came to serve!
What is going to happen if we follow Him? Is the promised kingdom about to begin? What does this mean about a ransom for sin? Is this all part of being a Servant?
If we become servants, what will happen to us? Is it really practical to put in God all our trust? Can't we serve quietly without such a fuss? If we commit to being a servant?
The path of service seems to be a hard one to travel. All my previous plans and hopes are beginning to unravel. I had hoped for a smooth path, not one with hard gravel When I first wanted to be a servant.
Now as the years of service are almost gone - And what we wanted to do is almost done. Looking ahead I can see the lights of home - I am so glad God let me be a servant.
When I think of the people who have come from darkness to light - And now as God's people they are walking by faith not by sight, Knowing that what we sought to do was scripturally right - Gives me peace in my life as a servant.
It is not my place to keep account of results. I know I have served unworthily with many faults. By God's grace I will pass on until He tells me to halt - From the responsibilities of being His servant.
"Father, I know I have been an unprofitable servant. This is not just false humility. I have failed in many ways but I am so thankful that Thou art able to take even these feeble efforts and bring something good out of them. I praise Thee for this assurance, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."