“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him….”
Luke 12:35-36 (NIV)
This morning as I meditated on the verse above, and looking at the context of Luke’s gospel (where he depicts a picture Kingdom of God as an upside world to our imagination), I thought what if that’s the upright reality, and we are living in upside down world instead?
I heard many teachings, sermons, books, even courses on leaderships. But it’s very rare or not selling to talk and preach of servanthood, let alone conduct 3-5 days courses on servanthood.
Just a short meditation (could draw a long study considering the context of that passage above from the verses before) on those verses alone, what stands out for me is the mindset or mentality of a servant that Jesus is calling for. A servant is always thinking about his/her master; how to please the master. That is his/her utmost calling.
In this example, the master went for a wedding banquet. As a servant, he put himself for the service of his master, such that when the master comes and knocks at the door, he could immediately open the door. The readiness of opening the door shows me the dedication of this servant to his master. All his attitude and conduct is to do his best for his master’s pleasure / enjoyment. A simple task of opening the door was seen and placed so highly because it regards the basic need of the master who comes back from a long and happy day. The small minute task was given so much detail attention, and anticipated with such care to show the devotion of this servant at the heart. And to me that is the attitude or mentality of a good servant. How many of us giving thought to good servanthood compared to good leadership?
I am wondering what does God is looking when he examines our hearts. Would he find the humility and servanthood in our hearts? Or would he find the forgetfulness of our thoughts to consider servanthood as second grade virtue? And that shows that our mind still need to be transformed not to follow the standard of this world.
To end this short meditation, I “happened” to read this verse too:
Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master. ~ Proverbs 25:13 (NIV)
It promises servants who’re faithful to the task his/her master given, they refreshes the spirit or soul (ESV) of their master. How wonderful that truth. We bring God refreshment or joy or satisfaction or delight or happiness through our humble serving, not through our big achievements.
As in many parts of Scripture that says God delights not in the strength of horse or leg of men, but on those who wait on His steadfast love. And no wonder that God esteems Jesus so much because of His humility. Perhaps it’s time to look at our own hearts & attitude, if we had this servantheart who seek the joy of The Master.
Father God, please help me to aspire servanthood and servitude that brings joy and delight to Your soul. Drill into me that mindset of a servant.