Greatest of These

Scripture--Mark 7-9


Observation--Having spent the week at Annual Conference, Mark 9:33-37 really stood out to me.  This was the place where the disciples were fighting over who was greatest.  Sometimes we do that too, don't we?  As Methodists we say we are better than the Baptists.  Or as Kennesaw UMC we say we are better than Acworth UMC or Emerson.  Or as pastors we say we are better than others.  This year at Annual Conference we voted in delegates to represent us at General Conference.  In many ways, it ends up being a big contest to see who is the greatest.  I wonder if that's how the disciples were.  Trying to be best.  Its human nature isn't it.  But Jesus has a better way.  In 9:35b Jesus says, "If you want the place of honor, you must become a slave and serve others!"  Who are you serving?


Application:  Sometimes in trying to be the best, we lose sight of whats important.  Let us all concentrate on serving others, loving God, and finding ways to change the world.  That's better than being the greatest anyway! 


Prayer: Wesley's Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

thou art mine, and I am thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven.

Amen.


Blessings!
Pastor Emily