Promoted to Servant
In the business
world, a good job title and description can be very valuable. We
often evaluate one another and evaluate our own level of “success”
by the significance of our title and the importance of our
description. We seem to have a great need to be esteemed, and
employees have even been known to trade an increase in pay for a
more important title.
The
Apostle Paul received his call into God's service in a very dramatic
fashion. While traveling on the road to Damascus, "A light from
Heaven flashed around him" (Acts 9:3). Jesus spoke directly to Paul
and told him exactly who He was. A few days later Jesus said Paul
was "My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and
their kings and before the people of Israel" (Acts 9:15).
With
this endorsement, Paul could have chosen any title he wished - maybe
"God's Chosen Instrument" or "Chief Name Bearer of The Almighty."
After all, Paul's new boss was the Creator of the Universe.
But
once Paul developed a close relationship with Jesus, he saw Him as
one who was, "In very nature God" (Philippians 2:6). But at the same
time, Paul saw Jesus as one who "made Himself nothing, taking on the
very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). With this type of role
model, Paul was proud to receive his new title.
Romans 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus,
called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God."
There
is no greater title in God's Kingdom than "Servant of Christ
Jesus" - no more significant job description than "Set Apart
for the Gospel." Once Paul understood how Jesus lived and
obediently served all the way to the cross, he rejoiced and devoted
himself to serving with every last breath; "I will very gladly spend
for you everything I have and expend myself as well" (2 Corinthians
12:15).
It's
understandably difficult to maintain the walk of a servant. All our
worldly training tells us to climb higher and achieve more; but God
calls us to love Him and humbly serve as His Spirit leads - nothing
more, nothing less. We have been set apart for the gospel, and our
lives are to be lived as Christ living through us. We always fall
short of God's plan when we attempt to promote ourselves and take
control.
Our
Heavenly Father has called and offered a permanent promotion which
far surpasses anything this world could ever offer. Let’s accept
this promotion and take advantage of the many opportunities to serve
here at Beautiful Savior. Let’s serve together as we Boldly Share
the Love of Christ.
In His mighty grip,
Tim Koehler, DCE
May Events
Men’s group
every
Saturday morning from 8-10am. All men are invited to join us as we
eat breakfast and talk about what it means to be a man of God. That
means you!
HELPING HARVESTERS
JAM, our 3rd-5th grade group,
will be going to
help our city by going to Harvesters Food Network to help sort and
package food for the needy. This is great opportunity to share God’s
love with the metro area, plus it is a lot of fun. More
information will follow with dates and times.
May 10th
from
8:00am-2:00pm is our Church Rummage Sale. All proceeds will
go to help send our adults and youth to do mission work in
Wisconsin.
Some of the items
for sale in the past have been: washers, dryers, stoves, toys, tables, chairs, couches, easy chairs,
lawn equipment, clothes for ALL ages, and MUCH, MUCH MORE!
You can deliver
your rummage sale items at these times:
Saturday, May 3,
10:00AM – 2:00PM
Sunday, May 4,
until 2:00PM
Monday, May 5, to
Thursday, May 8. Please call to make sure someone is at the
church. We can pick up large items if you are unable to deliver
them yourself.
May 11th Eighth Grade Welcome (5:30-8 pm):
To all 8th
graders, you are encouraged and invited to join us for a special
youth event just for you. We would like to welcome you to the
Senior High ministry and TAG. It will be a lot of fun and well
worth your time. Be looking for your personal invitations!
MAY 18th LVR PARENTS MEETING:
All youth going on the trip and one or both parents/guardians
must attend. The meeting will be at Christ Lutheran in
Overland Park at 7pm.
May 18th
Mandatory Mission Trip Meeting.
Following second service. Lunch will be provided.
