November 10
Scripture of the day: "Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, 'You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.'" Mark 10:42-45
Thought of the day: As recorded in previous verses, James and John asked Jesus if they could sit on His right and left in His coming glory. Jesus told them that was not His to give ... and explained the high price of sharing in His sacrifice and suffering for such rewards. Then Jesus called all the disciples together to teach them as recorded in today's Scripture. Greatness in His kingdom comes from being a servant ... not from lording it over others ... not from exercising authority over others.
Challenge of the day: Have you seen a business organizational chart with the president at the top ... vice-presidents below him or her ... directors below them ... and so on down to the workers? That may be fine for a business. But it is not so in His kingdom. Draw a similar chart with Jesus in the top position where the president would be. Then turn the chart upside-down. Jesus was the greatest servant ever ... He gave His life as a ransom for many. On the new chart He is at the bottom alone. Becoming great in His kingdom is through sacrifice, suffering, and serving. Are you willing to pay the price to get to those special places nearer the bottom of His organizational chart?
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