DAY 28 | ALL THAT LINGERS

centering thought

“You have been compelled by the example of Christ to overcome the stench of sin, selfishness, and sorrow with the fragrant aroma of sacrifice, service, and love ...”

encouragement from God’s word 

Read: MARK 10:35-45

devotional direction

Left unchecked, our natural bent is to ask the world around us to conform to our desires and whims. We want a clear passing lane on the freeway, our latte with little to no wait, people to respond to our texts within nanoseconds, and children to do as they’re told … and now. We want to be recognized for our every achievement, we want to be rewarded for our every sacrifice, we want to be considered distinctive and special, we want know that our lives somehow count.

And yet.

Whoever wants this deferential treatment, Jesus said, must become as everyone’s slave. 

Ugh! Such a swift kick to the gut.

“Me?” we think, disenchanted. “A servant? An underling? A slave?”

Such ideas fly in the face of our illusions—for power, for elevation, for control. This drinking from a bitter cup, this baptism of suffering … is this really the life God has for us? Is this really how things must go?

God nods his head knowingly, lovingly, certainly. “This is the way of the cross.”

question to ponder

Will your bent today be toward being served, or toward graciously serving others?