In Matthew 15:29, we find Jesus trying to rest on a mountainside. He barely sat down when a crowd of people came to Him looking to be healed. How did He respond? He healed them.
When Jesus received word that His cousin, John the Baptist, had been killed, He tried to grieve alone. But crowds of people followed Him and begged for His attention. Scripture tells us that instead of hiding in His grief, He had compassion and healed the sick in the crowd (Matthew 14:13–14).
On the night before Jesus was betrayed, He didn't hide out. He didn't run away. He spent the evening with His disciples. He even took the time to serve them by washing the mud from their feet (John 13:1–17).
If we look closely, we find an interesting pattern. We know that Jesus spent His time on earth serving others. But have you ever considered how often He ministered when it was inconvenient?
He served others when He was tired.
He served others when He'd have rather been alone.
He served others when He was sad.
He served others when He'd been serving non-stop for days and days.
He served others when things went terribly wrong in His own life.
He even served others when He knew His own death was right around the corner.
I am deeply challenged by this truth. You see, I don't mind serving others when it's convenient for me. I like to help out when it works into my schedule or fits into my agenda for the day. But there are lots of times when ministry is inconvenient. I'm tired. I'm stressed. I've got more important things to do than to meet the needs of those around me. Under those circumstances, I feel justified in giving priority to my own needs and temporarily ignoring the needs of others.
But this isn't how Jesus lived. It isn't how Jesus served. And it isn't what He wants from you and me.
The reality is, serving others requires sacrifice. If we only do it when it's convenient, we're missing the point.
What's keeping you from serving like Jesus? Will you let Him inconvenience you today?
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on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 11:04 am
I always justified this sin by telling myself that I'm just very "task oriented" rather that "people oriented". But God has been showing me that this is no attribute. Jesus was people oriented and He is our model.
So in my prayers what I have been asking God is to give me more COMPASSION for the needs of others. The bottom line is that I need more LOVE. As a matter of fact this has been the focus of my prayers since the beginning of this year. So I am very thankful that not barely three months into the year He has brought me this reminder...
Thanks for sharing.. Let's keep praying for each other in this sense...
In His perfect LOVE,
Laura
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 11:31 am
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 11:45 am
That is possibly the most beautiful, painful... BEAUTIFUL thing I've heard in months, I'm still crying. What a lovely Saviour, no words can give justice to the perfection of the exquisitness that is Christ.
Thank you sister for heeding the call, and being His vessel today I think this is one I'll come and read over and over again, a gem. All praise, honor and glory to Jesus our Lord. His word and his story are so potent they outshine all else.
Peace, love and blessings to all.
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 1:17 pm
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Thank you so much for this post. Yes, I too find this truth deeply challenging. Yes, I like to serve when it is convenient; I have not always responded in a Christ-like manner when it has not been convenient. (Some ladies in my church are such beautiful examples of having a servant's heart, all the time...) I agree w/Jenny that this was a beautiful post; a beautiful truth... I pray it may become a consistent reality in my life! Laura (above) mentioned love and compassion being the motivators for such Christ-like service -- yes and Amen -- I am sure that I need more (of His) love.
I was just contemplating Luke 17 recently and asked our pastor about it (vs. 5-10) regarding the call to service (doing "all" and remembering that's just what a servant is called to do). Our pastor reminded me of one of the passages you referenced above, how Jesus was still ready to serve when the crowds followed Him, even though He was drawing apart to rest/have quiet. Amen! Thought I know rest is needful and has its place, oh for the heart to be instant "in season and out"...
Judy (if you see this) I wanted to thank you for what you shared (recently) about Jesus (and Mary) being examples for us in the arena of speech -- I had just been thinking about Christ as my example to know what and when to say ... Amen! (And good to consider Mary's example, too.)
Paula, thank you for your kind words the other day -- you encouraged me, too!
With love through our Lord Jesus,
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I never thought about Jesus in that context before and it is truly amazing.
They say that God's love is different to the world's love - and when we read what Jesus did for us, we understand more fully the paraphrase "but God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son....etc." It's just beyond our comprehension.
What an amazing love that isl!
Wonder if we'll ever make the grade.
Judy
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had a servant's heart?
To DS - yes, I agree with you that having women at home looking after their husbands and children would be a perfect world.....for some.
But with respect, don't forget too that in the working world, you can never have too many Christians to shine a light into the darkness.
And God is there too!
Hugs from Belgium,
Judy
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 2:58 pm
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 5:17 pm
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 7:18 pm
One thing to note is that Jesus was God. We are not. That even makes it more amazing that He chose to serve...and we choose not to.
I somewhat agree with DS. For too long we have not recognized those who really do serve in their homes. Just plain ol' loving your husband and children. It IS a command to "Love your husband and children". Too many are breaking their necks to love the body of Christ, or the down and outers, or to be the cool "women's ministry leader" and their children suffer while their "service" gets all kinds of accolades from church staff and members or the body in Christ in general.
It is a hard place to be when you want to volunteer for every need you see but you already have those whom you know the LORD has given to YOU that require your attention first in obedience to Him.
There are a lot of stay at home mom's out there who would love to "serve" somewhere else but that is not God's will for them. I applaud them for being the servant where no-one see's but Jesus.
on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 11:31 pm
I believe in getting up early to pray. Yet, I've struggled for years with the actual act of "just getting out of bed!" If I can just "get out" I'm good, but when that alarm goes off...leaving that warm comfy bed seems like the worst thing in the world at that moment!!! (Even though I know I'm getting up to do a right thing) Well, the other morning, as the alarm went off, and I began my struggle of wanting to get up/not wanting to get up, the Lord brought to mind Jesus. God reminded me of how Jesus left the comforts of heaven to step down into darkness to serve! WOW! Shouldn't I be like Jesus, and step out of my warm comfy bed into the world to go pray each morning, which is the service he has called me to. When I think of Jesus, Light of the World, stepping down (out of the comforts of heaven) into darkness (this world) to serve me, it has been easier for me to step out of my bed into the day to serve Him (first by early prayer and then as my family rises, service to them and then others around me!) He's an awesome Lord with gentle and loving direction and discipline!
on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 7:09 am
on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 7:33 am
on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 7:59 am
As I feel a strong call to serve the Lord in prayer; and as my husband and children were headed out the other night to various events, I found myself with some free time after a long day! Woo Hoo! free time! I planned on spending that time in prayer for my son who was headed to a retreat. A good thing, right?? Looking so forward to that time alone, just as they all left the house, my mother-in-law called wanting my to come by and pick up some tea cups and teapots. I groaned and tried to think of another time to do it, but seeing as there was no other time to pick up those things I needed, I headed over. (she lives a couple of blocks away) As I began to hurry her through what we were doing, telling her I had free time ahead of me, (I was sure she would understand that, right?) the Spirit nudged me....What would be a more honoring service to God right now? Hurrying my sweet mother-in-law through a visit she craves (she loves when I come by and she LOVES her antiques and sharing them with others) just so I can go home and spend time alone with God in prayer? Or don't you think God would be even more honored if I change my plans, slow down, make my mother-in-law feel special, give her the visit and quality time she desires, and serve her needs? Hmmm...I was convicted. Even though I had honorable plans to serve God by praying for my son, at that moment serving God by blessing my mother in law was more important. Even though it seemed like an inconvienence at the time. God showed me differently! And I've had plenty of time already this weekend to pray for my son :)
on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 8:23 am
on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 9:28 am
I love Stephanie's comments too and how honest of you!
It would be so good if we could all meet up and have tea - but this is already quite something being able to share online.
I've been reading the 30 day Bible study suggested on here and it is pretty great.
If anyone is interested, (or would like a new Bible) I bought an amazing Women's Bible by T. D. Jakes called "Woman, Thou Art Loosed" and it has many many comments in it (as footnotes) and pink pages with special lessons.
Judy
on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 1:15 pm
on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 2:31 pm
HEEEEEELP!!!!
on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 1:00 pm
I truly understand where you are :-)
When my husband and I were newly weds and he was the pastor of a very small congregation, (consisting primarily of elderly ladies) he became so ill one Wednesday afternoon that he asked me to lead the evening Bible study and prayer time.
I was totally unprepared for his request, and certainly didn't feel comfortable "instructing" those older saints, so I simply shared from the full overflow of my heart what God had been teaching me in my quiet time.
I served with knees knocking, humbly dependent on the Lord's grace -- and grace he provided!
"The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart -- that is, the Word of faith . . . " Romans 10:8
I will pray for God's grace to be poured out on you dear one as you serve your husband by filling his request for this hour.
Your name is beautiful -- I've never heard it before. Do you mind sharing what country you are from?
Blessings dear sister!
on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 4:41 pm
I'm named after my great grandmother which means Indian Princess.
Thank you for your words of comfort. I actually spoke to my husband last night and spokeasked him what it was that he needed me to do as far as if he infact needed me to minister the word.
He was kind of shacked more so and said that he never knew that I had that in me to want to do and that he didn't know if I was ready or not.
At times I wonder if he knows what is really in me?
He says he does, but at times i find myself trying to get his approval. I have a small women ministry and ofter post messages from the word of God to minister to women just as this ministry does and I'm blessed. but my husband says that messages and preaching are two total different things. I'm not saying that he doesn't beleive in me. I just want to do my part along side him and have him beleive that I'm able to do more that I am. Yes even with us having three small children. 5,3,1.
Never easy being a working wife, mother, and minister. Please pray that I'm able to balance it without getting overwhelmed. (that was a mouth full) :-)
Blessings to you!!
on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 9:35 am
I'm named after my great grandmother which means Indian Princess.
Thank you for your words of comfort. I actually spoke to my husband last night and spokeasked him what it was that he needed me to do as far as if he infact needed me to minister the word.
He was kind of shacked more so and said that he never knew that I had that in me to want to do and that he didn't know if I was ready or not.
At times I wonder if he knows what is really in me?
He says he does, but at times i find myself trying to get his approval. I have a small women ministry and ofter post messages from the word of God to minister to women just as this ministry does and I'm blessed. but my husband says that messages and preaching are two total different things. I'm not saying that he doesn't beleive in me. I just want to do my part along side him and have him beleive that I'm able to do more that I am. Yes even with us having three small children. 5,3,1.
Never easy being a working wife, mother, and minister. Please pray that I'm able to balance it without getting overwhelmed. (that was a mouth full) :-)
Blessings to you!!
on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 3:21 pm
on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 6:18 am