Tuesday 24 August 2010

Background

In the community of God's people rulers should be those who,like Jesus, see themselves as servants and are ready to enduresuffering and death on behalf of their master. Today's passagecomes immediately after Christ has shared what we have come to callHoly Communion with his friends - the very act that lies at theheart of the life of Christian communities and is a reminder ofJesus' death and life. Jesus stands at the centre of his group offriends and tells them that they will continue what he has begun.He confers on them the kingdom of God so that they can bespiritually fed and become rulers of the 12 tribes of Israel -meaning the Jewish people.

I remember feeling quite shocked as a youngster that Christ'sdisciples could jockey for attention as described in this passage.As I have grown up I have realised that most of us, at some pointin our lives, express the need to be valued and recognised. Butinstead of taking delight in being content with serving and keepinga lower profile, there are those who seem to crave greaterrecognition. Waiting for an opportunity to shine can be quitetaxing, especially when we feel we have a contribution worthy ofacceptance. But this passage encourages us to consider leading frombehind, of sitting at the high table yet serving those who needfood most.

This is a story which turns the ways of the world on their head!Instead of pulling out all the stops to fast track to the top, weare encouraged here to take delight in service.

To Ponder

From where can you draw confidence and energy tobehave counter-culturally to the world?

What ambitions do you aspire to? Do you aim tolive as servant or ruler?

Have you time, or the patience, to wait for youropportunity to shine in God's kingdom?