Late

Late

0:00

“But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all,”

Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭34-35‬, ‭NIV‬‬.

My foot hovered between the accelerator and brake as my eyes darted from the road to the clock. The speed sign read 20 MPH, but my speedometer said 35. I knew I could make the turn.

But then it dawned on me what was more important? To arrive at my destination with reputation intact or to arrive on time?

I just heard someone say, “both.”

Yes, that is ideal, but once in a while, the clock doesn’t match the road sign.

On those occasions, I struggle with doing what’s right, and what others think about my choices.

The disciples cared about what others thought, too. They argued with each other over their parking spaces. Not literally—but their ranking, nonetheless.

Who will be first? Who gets noticed? Who gets public appreciation? Who stands out amongst their peers?

These are timeless arguments. Unless we truly make Jesus our audience of One, we fret.

Jesus would say the same thing to presidents, kings, or to children, be a servant. Mark 9 says to be the very last. Not just last, but the very last.

The RSV and the ESV both say, “be last of all and servant of all.”

Not just very last—but last in importance—a servant to all above them, which would be everyone else:

-The condescending friend

-The self-righteous sibling

-The nagging parent or spouse

We are to be a servant to all.

(Just to be clear—I have been the condescending friend, the self-righteous sibling, and the nagging mom, not the other way around.)

Whether we seek to arrive on time, so others see our punctuality and bless us for our efforts—that broke six traffic laws to obtain. Or we desire to have someone else’s position, because we never understood how they could have achieved so much, with so little. We see ourselves as the ones whom others should serve.

Then Jesus. He changed everything. Or at least gave us the opportunity to change. We still compete with others in an unhealthy way, due to our sinful nature. But now God’s children have a way of escaping that lifestyle. We actually can serve others because we ultimately serve the One. Our King Jesus, and this is what He has asked us to do. A big ask from a big God.

Do you speed to be seen by others as punctual? Do you pretend to be something you are not? Do you still seek the front parking spot?

(Let’s grow together—feel free to comment below.)

Father,

The struggle begins with my way versus Your way. Do I actually trust You enough to be a servant to those who are truly annoying? I need to. Because I know I am annoying to someone else. I want to love as You do. However, I need Your help to do so.

Again, I pray, “Not my will, Yours be done. I surrender all.”

For Your glory, honor and praise—I surrender all.

For Your sake and the building up of Your kingdom, I surrender all.

I have chosen a life with You, there are no regrets.

Amen.