Published 11/28/19
Read Luke 10:5-8
"Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!' And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you."
Reflect
Why is it sometimes easier to serve than to be served?
Have you ever seen a "servant's battle"? This happens, for instance, when the bill arrives for dinner and two people suddenly reach for it. The first say, "I've got it, it's fine." The second says, "No, I insist." By this time the first is pulling out his credit card and flagging down the waiter while the second is trying to stuff some money in the pocket of the other.
There's nothing wrong, and everything right with serving others. It's an attitude that Jesus praised even saying that the servants on earth will be the leaders in heaven (Matthew 20:26-27). But servants need to be served.
The situation in today's passage about the seventy-two disciples is very similar to a story out of the life of Elisha. Elisha was a prophet who lived about 800 years before Jesus was born. A prophet spent most of his time traveling, reminding people to always follow God's law and warning them of the consequences. In the town of Shunem that Elisha passed through often, a wealthy woman and her husband invited him to dinner every time he was in town, and even built a small apartment where he could stay. Elisha accepted both graciously (2 Kings 4:8-10).
Do you find yourself ever refusing to let another person serve you? Consider that in refusing, you're actually refusing someone else the honor of serving. There's a balance to be struck here but also much joy to be had. Joy both from being able to provide for someone else, but also joy from having one of your needs met by a faithful friend.
Pray
Lord, help me to follow Your example of what it means to be a servant. And let me be joyful when I am served by others. Amen.