Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 231

August 18;   Matthew 20:26;   20/260(II);   ‘Down is Up’

Matthew 20:26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.

 The mother of James and John asked Jesus if her sons could sit on either side of Jesus in His kingdom.  In other words, she asked for her sons to rule and reign with Jesus.  Naturally speaking, every parent would want their children to do well, to be important and have positions of authority.  Jesus said to James and John, the rulers of the gentiles desire authority and the ability to command what others must do.  He went on to say that Christianity is very different.  Those who desire to be great in the eyes of the Lord should serve, bless and help others.  Once you become Born Again, not only has eternal life been given to you, but Jesus is faithful to meet all of your needs while you are here on the earth.  As you read the Word and draw closer to the Lord by fellowshipping in prayer, things that used to be so important to you, no longer are.  What is important to Jesus becomes important to you.  Someone could have everything his or her heart desires in life and yet, if they are not a Christian, they really have nothing.  Understanding the reality of this stirs your spirit, now spiritually alive and your desire is to do anything you can to see to it that those who are not Born Again will be.  That would include, walking in love with the selfish and the proud.  Going out of your way to help another even when it is not convenient.  Sharing the Word with them, as the opportunity arises and praying for them when it is obvious that they are hurting in some way.  To sum it up, serving others in a way that it is easy for them to see a difference in you.  That difference is Jesus.  Serve them and they will want Him too.