The Higher You Go, the Lower You Should Be
The Higher You Go, the Lower You Should Be
“Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!” – Isaiah 10:1-2
What do you think is the greatest thing about having power?
If you were king of the world, what would you like best?
- Not having to cook?
- Not having to do laundry?
- Being able to tell people what to do?
- Commanding armies?
These can sound pretty good. I know I wouldn’t mind never cleaning a toilet again, but what if I told you there was something better?
The Rich and Powerful Are Blessed, Right?
We tend to look up to those with wealth, fame, and power. We figure they are the ones who are blessed because they have what so many desire. The disciples seemed to think this way. After an encounter with a young rich man, Jesus told His disciples that it is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:17-31).
This threw the disciples for a loop.
“And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, ‘Then who can be saved?’” – Mark 10:26
It’s not that having money is evil, it’s just that we tend to put money above God. That young rich man wasn’t willing to give up his wealth for eternal life!
Similarly, when the disciples were arguing over who would be the greatest among themselves in the Kingdom of God, Jesus told them that if they want to be great, they must become the least (Matthew 20:20-28). Even Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords, came to serve.
“even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28
There’s nothing inherently wrong with fame, wealth, and power. It’s how we use it.
- Do we put it above God or do we use it to serve God?
- Do we use it to selfishly lord over people or do we use it to serve others, especially those who can’t return the favor?
You and I may never be a president or congressman, but we may be put in positions of authority, perhaps at work, perhaps as parents, perhaps as a coach, etc. Let’s use the authority to serve justly.
Thankfully, we have a God who is just, who cares for the poor and oppressed, and who died for us sinners.
Dear Jesus,
You are the King of kings and Lord of Lords. You are the almighty God. Your glory extends to the heavens. Who is man that you should be mindful of him? Yet, you are. You are holy and just, yet gracious and merciful. Thank you for caring for the least. Help me to also serve the least and seek justice for the oppressed.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
