Who is the Greatest Among You
By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
A servant according to the Bible is a devoted and helpful follower of Christ who is humble enough before God, to be ready to act as God leads and inspires to help meet the needs of others.
Why does Jesus Say,
The servant is the greatest?
- A servant submits his/her will to the master
Daniel 3:18
Luke 5:5
- A servant obeys without questioning
Isaiah 1119, Isaiah 6:8
Matthew 26:39
A servant submits his/her will to the master
Daniel 3:18
But if not, be it known unto thee, a king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
The three Hebrew boys, Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego had made it publicly known through they were servants of the Most High God.
A person in exile is just like a slave and has no right to disobey a king. It was very dangerous. Yet since they had submitted their will to God, they had to do only what God expected them to do even when it was dangerous.
Christians as servants of God should be ready to go the extra mile to glorify the name of god.
A servant is great in this sense because submitting your will, is a great sacrifice, Furthermore, without the servant’s submissiveness or submissive deeds his/her master cannot be glorified.
It was through their willingness to submit to God, that god was glorified. They were put in a burning furnace that had been heated seven times above its normal heat but they came to act unharmed. What a great testimony, even the king wanted to serve their God.
In real life, servants clean our shoes, wash and iron our clothing and cook our food. Without them, we cannot perform. You should see the confusion in some homes when the servant is sick or off duty.
Luke 5:5
And Simon answering said unto Him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have nothing. Nevertheless, at thy word, I will let down the net.
Simon Peter and his men were tired, they had worked all night with no success. But, master says cast your net once more. They had to put their tiredness and discomfort aside and obey the master when they did, they caught so much fist they could not draw their net. God was glorified; He can make the impossible, possible. They caught fish at the same place they had toiled all night without success.
A Servant is Loyal
The Oxford English Minidictionary defines “loyal” as firm and faithful in your support.
In other words, the servant is firm and faithful in his support of the master to excel.
Daniel 3:17 (The rest can be read later)
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of their hand, O king.
There was a film some time ago, with the title “Wanted, dead or alive” This was the story of the three young men, but they remained firm and faithful to their God. And God proved Himself on their behalf
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards (servants) of the mysteries of God.
Moreover, it is required in steward, that a man be found faithful.
The passage above clearly defines a steward or a servant’s requirement in the eyes of the Lord, you should be faithful or loyal. It is very important to God. other verses to confirm this are:
- Matthew 6:24-26
No man can serve two master’s for either he will hate the one, and love the other! Or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon…
2. Revelation 3:15-16
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot. Would that thou were cold or hot, so then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.
A Servant Obeys Without Questioning
This is rule number one for soldiers, obey before questioning. You might not see what the commander is seeing or might not know the information he has. Asking questions at the time the command is given instead of obeying might cost you, your life.
Isaiah 1:19
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land
Isaiah 6:8
Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am 1; send me.
The first verse quoted above says if you are ready to obey without questioning (willing and obedient) you shall be greatly rewarded or you shall eat the good of the Land.
The second verse describes the prophet.
Isaiah’s response to God’s call. He answered without questioning or thinking twice (this was the Most High). He was the master, He knew what he could do once, He calls you, and He will equip you with whatever you need to fulfill your ministry.
Just obey and step out in faith to do His will.
The hymn below says
- Master, speak! They are servant heareth.
Waiting for thy gracious word
Longing for the voice that cheereth
Master, let it now be heard.
I am listening, Lord for thee;
What hast thou to say to me?
2. Master, speak! And make me ready
When thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady,
Still to follow every word.
I am listening, Lord for thee
Master, speak, oh speak to me
This should be our song and prayer each day.
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