“Who among you wants to be great, let him be your servant.” — Mark 10:43
Actress Nichelle Nichols is best known for her role as Lieutenant Uhura in the Star Trek series. Landing this role was a major achievement for Nichols. She turned out to be one of the first African-American women in a major television project. But she had an even more significant achievement ahead of her.
After the first season, Nichols wanted to leave Star Trek and return to the theater. But Martin Luther King met her and asked her not to go. According to him, African-Americans were first shown on television as intelligent people capable of anything, including space flight. Playing the role of lieutenant, Nichols showed black women and children what they could become.
This incident reminds me of how James and John asked Jesus to give them the main positions in His Kingdom (Mark 10:37). What an achievement it would be to obtain these places! In response, Jesus not only showed the brothers what difficult trials are associated with their request (vv. 38-40), but also called them to higher goals: “Whoever wants to be great among you, let him be your servant” (v. 43). His disciples must not only aspire to great achievements, but, like Himself, use these achievements to serve others (v. 45).
Nichelle Nichols stayed on Star Trek for the greater good she could bring to African Americans. Therefore, we will also use our position to serve others in the Name of Christ.
What are your personal and career goals? How can you serve people right now?
Lord Jesus, show me how I can use my position to serve others.
Author: Sheridan Voysey |
“He took our infirmities and bore our pains.” — Isaiah 53:4
As a result of the earthquake-induced accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011, a large amount of radioactive substances was released. More than one hundred and fifty thousand residents of the surrounding areas were forced to evacuate. One of them said: “It is as if invisible snow fell on Fukushima, and continues to fall, covering the ground.” High levels of radiation were recorded in plants and animals many kilometers away from the power plant. As a countermeasure, people started planting sunflowers – plants that are known to absorb radiation. More than two hundred thousand seeds were planted, and now millions of sunflowers are blooming in Fukushima.
These sunflowers are a miniature reflection of the universal feat of the Lord Jesus Christ, capable of healing the whole world. The prophet Isaiah said that He “took our infirmities and bore our pains… He was tormented for our sins, the punishment was on Him for our peace” (Is. 53:4-5). He “absorbed” our crimes. On the cross, Jesus Christ suffered not for His own, but for our iniquities (v. 5). And now, because He died for us, we receive salvation and fullness of life. “By his stripes we are healed” (v. 5).
Jesus Christ does not just stand aside and forgive us. He took upon Himself our toxic evil and is now spiritually healing us.
What sins did the Lord Jesus forgive you? How does the fact that He took them upon Himself change your view of God’s forgiveness?
God, You protected me, protected me and walked beside me. Help me now to care for others in the same way.
Author: Wynn Collier
“So think about Him who endured such a rebuke … so that you do not faint and fall on your souls.” — Hebrews 12:3
During my studies at the seminary, we had services every Sunday. At one of them, we sang the hymn “Our Great God”, and I drew attention to three teachers who performed this hymn with inspiration and enthusiasm. Their faces radiated the joy that is possible only when people sincerely and fervently believe in God. Years passed, and all three passed through an incurable disease. But faith helped them to persevere and become a good example for others.
Today, the memories of these teachers inspire me to keep moving forward against all odds. But this is only a small part of the many inspiring stories of people who lived by faith. They followed the instruction of the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews to look at Christ, “who, instead of the joy that was before Him, endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2).
When trials (persecution or life’s difficulties) prevent us from moving forward, let us remember the example of those who believed God’s Word and relied on His promises. “Let us run with patience the struggle that is before us” (v. 1), remembering the Lord and many others who have gone before us and were able to stand. “So think about the One who endured such a rebuke… so that you do not faint and fall on your souls,” the author convinces (v. 3).
My teachers, who are rejoicing in heaven today, would probably say, “The life of faith is worth it. Keep going.”
Who inspires you to be steadfast in your faith? How does their example of patience and faith help you through trials and tribulations?
Lord Jesus, help me not to take my eyes off You. Thank you for your example and the example of others who have gone before me.
Author: Karen Huang
“Because God was with him, and whatever he did, the Lord blessed him.” — Genesis 39:23
While in a refugee camp in the Middle East, Reza received a Bible from which he learned about Christ and believed in Him. His first prayer contained the following words: “Make me Your worker.” When the young man left the camp, God answered that prayer by sending him a job at an aid agency. So Reza got to the camp again, but now to serve the people he knew and loved. He organized a sports club, language courses, provided legal advice – anything that could give people hope. For him, these are ways to serve and share God’s wisdom and love.
Reading the Bible, Reza immediately saw similarities between his fate and the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. The Lord used Joseph in His work while he was in prison. The warden put him in charge of all the prisoners, and things went so well that he even stopped paying attention to what was going on. God was with Joseph and in everything he did, the Lord gave success (Genesis 39:23).
God promises to be with those who serve Him. No matter what happens to us, whether we find ourselves in prisons – literally or figuratively – facing hardships, forced displacement or heartache, He will never leave us. As He enabled Reza to minister to those in the camp, and Joseph to lead in the prison, He will be able to use us.
Has there been anything in your life similar to what happened to Joseph and Reza? How does the story of Joseph help us to trust God more?
Savior God, You never leave me, even in the most difficult circumstances. Strengthen my hope and give me the ability to see Your work in my life.
By Amy Buescher Pye
“Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” — Romans 5:8
Nicholas was driving late at night and suddenly saw a house engulfed in flames. He stopped, rushed into the burning building and brought the four children to safety. But then a teenage girl, hired to look after babies, saw that one child was missing. Without thinking, Nicholas plunged into the fiery hell again. On the second floor, he found a six-year-old girl, broke the window and, taking her in his arms, jumped down. It was at this time that rescuers arrived at the scene.
Nicholas demonstrated true heroism: he was ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of others. His act reflects the sacrificial love shown by the Lord Jesus – another voluntary “Savior” who freed us from sin and death at the cost of his life. “For Christ, when we were still infirm, in due time died for the wicked,” wrote the apostle Paul (Rom. 5:6). He emphasized that Jesus, perfect God and perfect Man, decided to pay a price for our sins that we could never pay on our own. “God proves His love for us by the fact that Christ died for us while we were still sinners” (v. 8).
We will thank Christ, our Savior, and entrust our lives to Him. He will give us the strength to show the same love to others in words and deeds.
How do you feel when you think of the price Christ paid for you? How can you put the needs of others before your own this week?
Lord Jesus, help me to trust in Your care and to value others more than myself.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
“And having opened their treasuries, they offered Him their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:11
The Epiphany is a celebration of the event sung in the Christmas carol “Behold, the wise men come from the east.” It is believed that the pagan sages visited the Baby Jesus on this day. Various legends have been made about them, for example, that they were three kings from far eastern lands. It is unlikely that they were kings and came from India or China. We also don’t know how many there were.
However, there were really three gifts, and each of them is considered in the song. The evangelist Matthew reports that the wise men found Jesus in Bethlehem and, “opening their treasuries, offered Him their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt. 2:11). These objects symbolized the future ministry of Jesus. Gold represents Him as King. The incense that was used to burn incense in the sanctuary speaks of His divinity. And on myrrh it is worth dwelling in more detail.
The fourth verse of the song says: “They gave myrrh for the sufferer and put it at his feet, they brought this gift for the future and those who are grieving.” We probably wouldn’t have included such a scene in the Christmas story, but God did. Jesus’ death is central to our salvation. Herod even tried to kill Him as a child (v. 13).
The last couplet connects all three themes into one whole: “Glory is He, the Risen Lord! The king and God suffered for the people.” It gives fullness to the Christmas story, inspiring us to respond, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Heaven sings to Him.”
How do you feel when you think that Jesus was born to die for you? What does His resurrection inspire you to do?
Heavenly Father, may Your Spirit help me to live with gratitude that Your Son gave His life for me.
Author: Tim Gustavson
“Stop on the roads… and ask about ancient paths, where there is a good road, then follow it.” — Jeremiah 6:16
After a few days of illness, a sharp deterioration began. It became clear that my husband needed urgent help. In the reception department, he was immediately offered to go to the hospital. Day by day, the patient gradually got better, but there was no talk of discharge yet. And I faced a difficult choice: to stay with my husband or go on an important business trip. The man assured that everything would be fine with him. But my heart was torn between him and work.
God’s people at the crossroads of life decisions needed help from above. That is why Moses convinced the Israelites to “choose life” by following His commandments (Deut. 30:19). Subsequently, the prophet Jeremiah called on his compatriots to follow the path revealed to them by the Creator: “Stop on the roads and look, and ask about ancient paths, where there is a good road, then follow it” (Jer. 6:16). The ancient ways of the Scriptures and God’s care in the past can help us determine the direction.
I imagined myself at a crossroads and applied Jeremiah’s pattern of wisdom. My husband needed me. But I was also needed at work. And just at that time, my boss called and offered to stay at home. I sighed with relief and thanked the Lord for His help. God’s guidance is not always so clear, but it is there! When we find ourselves at the crossroads of life, let us turn to the One who can show us the way.
Where do you need God’s guidance today? How can God show you where to go?
God, when I am not sure of myself, help me to seek your advice.
Author: Eliza Morgan
“And they carefully took care to live quietly, do their own business and earn with their own hands.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:11
At first I did not pay attention to him. I spent the night in a hotel and went down for breakfast. The hall was perfectly clean. The buffet table is set with dishes, the refrigerator is full, the cutlery is carefully stacked in the container. It couldn’t have been better.
And only then did I see him. An inconspicuous employee was adding something, wiping something, while not drawing attention to himself at all. The longer I looked at it, the more I admired it. He worked quickly, noticed everything. I am a veteran in the field of public catering and therefore evaluated his work from a professional point of view. Everything was perfect, he worked conscientiously, although hardly anyone looked at him except me.
While watching the worker, I remembered the words of the Apostle Paul, who persuaded the Thessalonians to “take care to live quietly, to do their own business and earn with their own hands… to… behave decently before strangers, and not to depend on anyone” (1 Thess. 4:11-12). Pavlo knew how a conscientious worker can win the respect of those around him, being a silent testimony of a changed life. After all, the Gospel gives meaning and purpose to any ministry, even one that seems insignificant in the eyes of people.
I don’t know if the man I watched was a Christian. But I am thankful that his quiet diligence reminded me to trust in God and work quietly, reflecting His faithfulness in all things.
How does faith affect your work? Why is diligence in the workplace a strong testimony?
Heavenly Father, help me to remember that there is no small work in Your Kingdom, and to serve You faithfully every day.
Author: Adam Holtz
“May Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us when we put our hope in You.” — Psalm 32:22
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle knows first hand about the problems of coral reefs. She founded the organization “Mission Blue”, which is engaged in creating “glimpses of hope”. These are special places on the planet that are “critically important for the health of the ocean.” Thanks to the purposeful care of these places, scientists have seen how underwater ecosystems are restored and endangered species are preserved.
In Psalm 32, the author declares that everything that exists was created by God, who today cares about the preservation of His creation (Ps. 32:6-9). He reigns over the nations (vv. 11-19), preserves life and revives hope. However, the Lord also calls us to care for the world and the people He has created.
Each time, glorifying God for the rainbow that shines in the cloudy gray sky, or for the waves of the ocean breaking on the rocky shore, we will proclaim His “mercy” and put our hope in Him (v. 22).
Sometimes we are visited by despair or fear because of everything that is happening in the world, and then it seems that nothing can be changed. But if we take care of God’s creation at least in a small way, then we honor Him as the Creator and create “glimpses of hope”, seeing which people will want to trust Christ.
How has God used nature to strengthen your hope in Him? How can you participate in His work to preserve creation?
Loving Creator, help me create glimmers of hope in this dark world.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
“And the sun rises and the sun sets.” — Ecclesiastes 1:5
One of Ernest Hemingway’s novels tells about friends who abuse alcohol. Having recently survived the First World War, they are literally and figuratively scarred and try to numb the pain with drunkenness and debauchery. They are all deeply unhappy.
The title of Hemingway’s book “And the Sun Rises” is taken directly from the pages of Ecclesiastes (Eccl. 1:5). There, King Solomon states: “Everything is vanity!” (v. 2), and then asks: “What is the benefit to a person in all his work” (v. 3). Solomon sees the sun rising and setting, the wind blowing here and there, rivers endlessly flowing into the sea, which never overflows (vv. 5-7). And, in the end, everything is forgotten (v. 11).
Ecclesiastes and Hemingway in their works show the harsh reality of the meaninglessness of life. However, Solomon weaves vivid hints of another spiritual world into his book. It has permanence and real hope. Ecclesiastes shows us not only ourselves, but also God. “Everything that God does remains forever,” he says (Eccl. 3:14). And this is our hope. Because God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to us.
Without the Lord, we are adrift in an endless, insatiable sea. However, through Jesus Christ we are reconciled to the Creator, finding meaning, value and purpose.
What is your time filled with? How can you change your priorities to follow Christ?
Heavenly Father, help me to find completeness in You.
Author: Tim Gustavson
