{The following is an entry from my personal journal dated January 9, 2020, and is sort of a free flow of thought that came to me after reading Matthew 20:28.}
Matthew
20:28
Jesus was
all powerful before the incarnation. Even in the flesh He was powerful. He
could have used His power for His own gain. He could have demonstrated His
power in order to make people bow before Him. Instead, He used His power to
serve, coming as a servant by His own declaration. This has implications for
how I understand fear as it is used in verses like Psalm 145:19. It has
implications for how I should see my relationship with Him. It also has
implications for how I see my own relationship with others.
Is the
fear spoken of in Psalm 145:19 really the trembling kind? I think of the pillar
that led Israel through the wilderness. To the Egyptians it was something to be
feared to the point where they stopped in God’s presence and did not advance
upon the people. To Israel it was something that brought comfort and
leadership, though they feared it when they rebelled. Salvation makes a big
difference in how I stand before God. I can stand in reverence and need not
shake from fear. This seems like what the servant Jesus wanted.
I revere
God but do I see that He wants to use His power for my good? This is where
things get tough. A servant-God sounds like an oxymoron. Yet, that is the
picture painted of Christ by His words and deeds. He could call down a legion
of angels to destroy all mankind, yet He came to serve mankind. I only exist at
His pleasure, yet He wants to work all things for my good. I understand Peter’s
hesitation when Jesus wanted to wash his feet. God is awesome and wonderful and
powerful, and it would freak me out to no end if He suddenly wanted to wash my
feet. This is the best description of my daily faith struggle. God could crush
me in a blink of an eye. He deserves my praise and worship. He wants that but
He also wants to serve me.
Because
God wants to serve, I likewise should want to serve others. Any power God gives
me is intended for this very cause. Any gift He gives me is so that I can serve
those around me. Even His love is intended for service in the lives of others.
I need to follow my Lord and serve those whom He brings into my life.
I pray the
Holy Spirit helps me come to terms with the oxymoron: the servant-God. I pray
the Holy Spirit helps me follow in His shoes.
