Laboring for the King

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God
Romans 1:1 (ESV)

Any menial task, when given by the king of heaven, becomes a heavenly trust.

Paul opens his most significant letter with a most insignificant title: servant. In any circumstance, most of us would be hesitant to proudly proclaim such a title. It is of the humblest of positions. The lowliest of all posts. To be the servant is to have the least agency, the least freedom, the least opportunity for creativity, the least honor, the least recognition, the least chance of promotion, the least, the least, the least.

It is curious, that in a society such as Rome, a society that placed such value on position and honor, that Paul would begin his letter by taking on a title of shame. He is immediately subverting the cultural mores.

Why? Because for Paul, to be a servant of Christ Jesus supersedes any earthly title or post. Later, he makes it explicit: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel,” he says (Romans 1:16). In Paul’s mind, even the lowest place in Christ’s kingdom eclipses the highest throne on earth (compare to Psalm 84:10).

What are your tasks today? What is your obligation? Whatever your job, Jesus calls you not to just do it on behalf of you or your organization, but to do it on behalf of his kingdom. In any and every position, our ultimate work is to be done unto the Lord and in his service. To do it with excellence and to do it for his glory (Colossians 3:23).

This trust is a sweet gift in a world of tiring toil. Our labor is not for ourselves, but for the King. What could be better than that?

As You Loved Us

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
John 15:12 (ESV)

Oh Lord, how heavy I find the weight of this statement! You do not ask for little––you ask for it all. To love as you have loved me, that is to lift a skyscraper. To pull down a mountain. To brush away an ocean.

For your love is sublime. Yes, Lord, you gave it all. How could I ever match your passion and sacrifice? How might I follow you to the cross? You gave it all, how could I manage the same?

But on the other hand, how could I offer anything less?

In honest view of your compassion, what could I ever keep back for myself? To hide away even a trinket, like a morsel of self-interest, seems utterly foolish in light of your bounty given at the cross. The blood of the God-man was spilled for sin. All the Universe’s riches poured into the deep wouldn’t compare to even the first ounce of heavenly blood spilled from your side. What could I keep in comparison to what I have already gained?

Help your servants give of their lives and love each other––as you loved us.

To Rule Justly

The God of Israel has spoken;
the Rock of Israel has said to me:
When one rules justly over men,
ruling in the fear of God,
he dawns on them like the morning light,
like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.
2 Samuel 23:3-4 (ESV)

Who do you lead? Who is under your influence? Might they be in your workplace? In your family? In your church, or even among your friends? Everyone is given opportunities for leadership in life. What is yours?

David’s last words recorded in 2 Samuel 23 reflect on his own life, career, and the value of godly leadership. He hears a word from the Lord about ruling “justly;” that is, ruling with righteous dealings with people. In short, applying law with just and fair leadership.

When David considers the history of his own house (2 Sam 23:5), he sees a living example of God’s favor and faithfulness to just ruling. He feels as if he is living in the morning light of God’s blessing.

And so are we. While King David ruled with justice, King Jesus is ruling now with justice all the more. On his throne, Jesus offers to blameworthy man a path of cleansing and restoration. Life springs forth from the rule of Jesus. Grass sprouts from the earth as sinners rise to repentance and freedom. The downtrodden and ashamed lift their gaze with radiant faces. They are living in the bright of a cloudless dawn.

Extend the just rule of Jesus throughout your life. Offer grace, forgiveness, and justice to those under your leadership. May his light shine.