The Greatest in God’s in God’s kingdom.
By Pastor Aggrey Soyekwo
Luke 22:24-26 “Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”- NIV
Jesus was about to go. He had been with His disciples for three years. They knew Jesus to be the king of the Jews and expected, as His closest followers, to be appointed to high positions in the next kingdom. Their argument stemmed from their understanding of worldly leadership in which the most authoritative, commanding, vocal, active or prominent were counted greater than others. It’s a show to impress. Jesus noticed their argument and explained how greatness is defined in God’s kingdom. It was, and still is, a total paradigm shift from the worldly view.
The notion of who is greater and better than who, is a worldly view. With this attitude, people will do all sorts of things to appear better than others. They will speak, dress, fight, lobby, pull others down, do make up, acquire and accumulate things (they may even never need) at whatever cost, just to out compete and appear better than someone else. This is an exercise in futility. It only leads to fights, jealousy, envy, pride, low self esteem and endless frustrations. The fact of life is that you will always be better than someone. And someone will always be better than you one way or another.
When we find our true meaning and purpose in God, we develop a security and confidence that makes us never compete or fight to bring others down. This brings true humility which enables us appreciate who we truly are, and to use our privileged positions, power and authority in leadership to serve others genuinely in love. The secret then to greatness in God’s kingdom, is humility and servant leadership and service. To the world, its the other way around. Jesus demonstrated it like no one else. Shall we?
John 13:12-14 “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.”
Shalom children of God.
Thanks pastor. I now realise that Finding true meaning and purpose in God is what we need to be contented and rightly pursue that which christ has called as to do.
God bless u.