Word@Work 003 - Mark 1:6-7
Published: Wed, 11/14/07
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 1:6-7 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt round his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie..." (NIV)
John was not a pretty sight and his eating habits left something to be desired. He did not trouble to be politically correct because his task was not to make himself acceptable to society, but to point people to Jesus.
Neither can we afford the luxury of surrounding ourselves with the admiration of others, if our job is to admire Jesus and point to Him. When we attract people to ourselves that is just where it stops! So much evangelical 'bridge building' fails to encourage anyone to cross over to Jesus, because we block the bridge! It may not be much comfort to be a human bridge, because you get trampled on and you feel used, but if people can cross over you to reach Jesus, the job is well done.
The modern obsession with 'feeling good about yourself' and 'developing self-esteem' reeks of moral bankruptcy. Why should we dignify such pagan ideas as being wise, when we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom?
Security can never be gained by self-assertion, because God has designed us to feel insecure - unless we put Him first. So, today, instead of 'being someone' or seeking popularity, try decreasing your ego. Choose to submit to those over you and serve those around you as a witness to the fact that you believe that you are merely the Master's servant.
Don't worry about missing out on the glory today. Glory can wait until eternity. However announcing the King, after He has come again, will be a waste of time. In any case, Jesus said that those who seek and receive glory today will forfeit it tomorrow.
Prayer: Holy God, forgive my inner hunger to be noticed and glorified. Help me to see You more clearly today and to take the role of Your servant. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
John was not a pretty sight and his eating habits left something to be desired. He did not trouble to be politically correct because his task was not to make himself acceptable to society, but to point people to Jesus.
Neither can we afford the luxury of surrounding ourselves with the admiration of others, if our job is to admire Jesus and point to Him. When we attract people to ourselves that is just where it stops! So much evangelical 'bridge building' fails to encourage anyone to cross over to Jesus, because we block the bridge! It may not be much comfort to be a human bridge, because you get trampled on and you feel used, but if people can cross over you to reach Jesus, the job is well done.
The modern obsession with 'feeling good about yourself' and 'developing self-esteem' reeks of moral bankruptcy. Why should we dignify such pagan ideas as being wise, when we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom?
Security can never be gained by self-assertion, because God has designed us to feel insecure - unless we put Him first. So, today, instead of 'being someone' or seeking popularity, try decreasing your ego. Choose to submit to those over you and serve those around you as a witness to the fact that you believe that you are merely the Master's servant.
Don't worry about missing out on the glory today. Glory can wait until eternity. However announcing the King, after He has come again, will be a waste of time. In any case, Jesus said that those who seek and receive glory today will forfeit it tomorrow.
Prayer: Holy God, forgive my inner hunger to be noticed and glorified. Help me to see You more clearly today and to take the role of Your servant. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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