On Being a Servant of the Lord
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, July 7
Psalm 123
“Our eyes look to the Lord our God” (v. 2, NIV).
How many of us really view ourselves as servants of the Lord? We may find comfort in understanding ourselves as God’s people or God’s children, but our identity as God’s servants feels much less inviting, in part because we are used to being the center of our own lives.
The psalmist reminds us that servants live master-centered lives. They wait carefully for their master to lead or to show them grace. They endure scorn and contempt from others in order to avoid bringing shame upon their master. This is a stark contrast to the diverse ambitions in our hearts and our tendency to move ahead with our own plans before asking the Lord. So often we respond to slights or insults without considering how the Lord’s reputation will be impacted. This week, we will consider our lives and conduct through the lens of serving the Lord.
Heavenly Father, help us to walk humbly before you as your servants, with eyes focused on you, waiting for your grace. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
The Origin of Trials
Monday, July 8
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
“To keep me from exalting myself” (v. 7, NAS).
Paul, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, wrote about the extraordinary, heavenly revelations he received from the Lord and a grievous temptation that followed—his torment by a messenger of Satan.
This passage can be upsetting. Why would the Lord unveil the heavens to Paul only to follow by sending an evil spirit? But it was for Paul’s good—the evil spirit was sent to keep him from self-exaltation. The Lord witnessed Satan’s fall (Luke 10:18) and knew the dangers of pride. Paul prayed for deliverance from the evil spirit, but instead the Lord used his power to deliver Paul from dangers within his own flesh.
As servants of God, let us endure trials faithfully, knowing that they come through the weakness of our humanity and not from any unkindness of the Lord.
Righteous Father, help us to rely on your Holy Spirit, that we may endure trials and come through them victoriously. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
When Exaltation Comes
Tuesday, July 9
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
“For the Lord of hosts was with him” (v. 10, NRSV).
When David finally became king, all of the tribes of Israel came before him and the elders made a covenant with him at Hebron, anointing him king. David ruled for a combined 40 years over Israel and Judah and increased in greatness because the Lord was with him.
The presence of the Lord elevated David, who originally watched his family’s flock of sheep, caring for them and saving them from danger (1 Samuel 17:34-36). After David was anointed by Samuel, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. He was able to endure through many trials, betrayals, and insults because the Lord was with him.
The same Holy Spirit who empowered David also provides us with encouragement, strength, comfort, and guidance as we fulfill God’s calling in our lives.
Heavenly Father, we are thankful that your gracious presence remains with us, helping us through difficulty, comforting us in distress, and giving us peace in times of trouble. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: RACIAL RECONCILIATION
A Tough Assignment
Wednesday, July 10
Ezekiel 2:1-5
“Whether they listen or not” (v. 5, NAS).
Have you ever had to share a message that you know will be rejected? Ezekiel found himself in this position. The Lord instructed him to deliver a series of messages to the nation of Israel and told him in advance to deliver the message, whether the people listened or not.
This is the call to all of us who serve the Lord, whether delivering a difficult message from the pulpit or sharing a challenging word with a friend or colleague. We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), without malice or unkindness, even when we know the message will not be well received.
The success of Ezekiel’s message was that he delivered it according to the Lord’s instructions, not because of the audience’s response.
Gracious Father, help us to keep our focus on you so that we will deliver your Word in truth with love and without focusing on the response of others. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Rejected at Home
Thursday, July 11
Mark 6:1-6
“They took offense at him” (v. 3, NRSV).
Many of the people in Jesus’s hometown could not understand how he became so powerful. They heard the wisdom of his teachings and saw his miracles, but they were unwilling to accept his power. Instead, they reminded Jesus (and everyone else present) about his profession (carpenter) and the identity of his family.
It can be disheartening to find out that people we’ve known for a long time are unwilling to recognize our gifts. Equally troubling are their attempts to diminish us in front of others or to “put us in our place.” But as servants of Christ, we share in his experiences, whether accolades or rejection (Matthew 10:24).
Yet even in the face of rejection, Jesus healed a few people. We must also continue to use our gifts to help others, following in his footsteps.
Holy Father, you give us spiritual gifts through your Holy Spirit. May we use our gifts for your glory, even in the face of rejection, mocking, or indifference. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: A CHURCH THAT REFLECTS GOD’S KINGDOM
A Sense of Urgency
Friday, July 12
Mark 6:7-13
“Take nothing for [the] journey” (v. 8).
When you have an important task to accomplish, there is no time to waste and nonessentials are put aside. Jesus instructed his disciples to take a journey without any food, bags, money, or even an extra change of clothing! Their needs would be supplied by God.
Jesus’s commands underscored the seriousness of the disciples’ mission. They were to preach repentance, and they had power to cast out demons and to heal. Trivial issues had to be minimized in order to focus on their mission.
Do we have a sense of urgency about our work for Christ? Often we behave as if we have all the time in the world to fulfill Jesus’s commands. Ordinary life issues take precedence over our calling, and the mission of Christ becomes less and less serious in our minds.
Father, stir up a sense of urgency within us for the work of your kingdom. Help us to lay aside the concerns of this life, that we might fulfill your calling in Christ Jesus. Amen.
We Serve a Great God
Saturday, July 13
Psalm 48
“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (v. 1).
Psalm 48 is a celebration of the Lord’s greatness, as exemplified in the city of Zion. Zion is the location in Jerusalem where the temple stood and where God’s presence was known by his people. Zion was synonymous with the temple and eventually came to symbolize those who worshiped the Lord.
The Lord’s attributes are extolled throughout this psalm: greatness, protective power, lovingkindness, righteousness, and faithfulness. What wonderful attributes for us to imitate! Often we think of the Lord’s greatness as it relates to our needs, and we forget that as his servants we are called to imitate our master.
Let us praise the Lord for who he is and not only for what he has done for us. The Lord’s greatness is related to all of his creation.
Lord, we are grateful for your lovingkindness, righteousness, and faithfulness. You are great and greatly to be praised! Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: CHILDREN SPONSORED BY COVENANT KIDS CONGO
