Designs for Hope Uganda Devotional 10 of 12: The Servant's Heart

John 13:3-5, 14-15

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.  (ESV)

In one of our earlier devotions, we focused on the glory and majesty of the risen savior.  However, when he was on earth, his mission was that of a lowly servant - even a slave.  Jesus himself said that he came not to be served, but to serve.  It was not until he rose from the grave that his mission changed from lowly servant to magnified King of Kings.  While he was here on earth he gave of himself completely to others, showing compassion on them and meeting their needs.  He demonstrated his servant's heart to his disciples on his last night with them by humbling himself to perform the task that was typically the responsibility of the lowliest servant in the house - washing the feet of the guests.

Jesus has promised that one day we will experience a resurrection as well.  On that day, Paul says in Romans 8 that we too will be glorified. Our bodies will be made perfect like his body and we will reign with him for eternity.  Until that time, though, our mission here on earth is essentially an extension of Jesus' mission while he was here on earth.  As Christ drew others to himself by showing kindness, compassion, and mercy on others, so he commands us to do likewise.  We are to have a servant’s heart, looking to the interests of others even more so than we look to our own interests.

Sometimes the most difficult thing in the world to do is the "dirty" job.  Sometimes we feel that we are too dignified for such responsibilities or that such menial tasks are beneath us.  Jesus calls us to repent of that kind of prideful thinking and to humble ourselves for the cause of the gospel. 

Whenever a mission team sets out on a journey like ours, one can never really know what kind of things may be expected of us.  Anything can happen.  Be willing to do whatever The Lord impresses on your heart to do in those times of need.  Humble yourself and allow your servant's heart to shine brightly.  It may very well be that in those times of selflessness you will experience your greatest - even life changing - blessings.

In your quiet time today, meditate on the ways in which Jesus - the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the Second Person of the Trinity - God incarnate - humbled himself and became a servant.  Examine your own heart and your willingness to be Christ-like in your service to others.  Pray that God would help you have a servant's heart and show you when to become a leader by being a servant.

Father, I pray that you will give me a servant's heart.  I pray that we all will humble ourselves before you so that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven.