Psalm19.7-10│Isaiah 41.9b-13│1 Corinthians 1.18-25│Luke 22.24-30
Psaumes 19.7-10|Ésaïe 41.9b-13|1 Corinthiens 1.18-25 |Luc 22.24-30
Greatness in God’s Kingdom│ La grandeur dans le royaume de Dieu
'St Ambrose barring Theodosius from Milan Cathedral by Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641), National Gallery, London.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/anthony-van-dyck-st-ambrose-barring-theodosius-from-milan-cathedral, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150526
We
all sometimes have the tendency to look at others in terms of their position,
profession, education, race and social background. But we learn from these
passage that to be a good leader, we must have a humble spirit. Greatness comes
through serving and humility.
The
disciples were likely arguing about who should sit at the place of honour at
the table.
We
all want a place of honour and recognition, especially when others will have to
give notice and refer to us. Everybody would like to be on the high table and feel
very important.
But
the way of Greatness in God’s Kingdom is the way of servanthood and humility,
putting others first in our care and concern. Jesus willing laid down his life
for our sake because He loved us first (John 3.16). He calls us to love as he
did, by laying down our lives in sacrificial services for the good of others.
We share in God’s reign by laying down our lives in humble service of one
another as Jesus did for our sake. Greatness in God’s Kingdom is through a life
of service to others, let us give thanks to God that we have been chosen. As we
prepare and wait this advent, let us think of how we can serve others in love
and joy.
Are
we willing to put others first in our care and concern, to love them with the
same sacrificial and merciful love that Jesus has for us?
Lord
Jesus, make me a servant of love for your Kingdom, that I may seek to serve
rather than to be served. Inflame my heart with love that I may give generously
and serve joyfully for your sake. Amen.
Les disciples se disputaient probablement pour savoir
qui devrait s'asseoir à la place d'honneur à table.
Nous voulons tous une place d'honneur et de
reconnaissance, surtout lorsque d'autres devront nous aviser et nous référer.
Tout le monde aimerait être sur la table haute et se sentir très important.
Mais la voie de la grandeur dans le royaume de Dieu
est la voie du service et de l'humilité, mettant les autres en premier dans nos
soins et notre préoccupation. Jésus voulant donner sa vie pour nous parce qu'il
nous a aimés le premier (Jean 3.16). Il nous appelle à aimer comme il l'a fait,
en sacrifiant nos vies dans des services sacrificiels pour le bien des autres.
Nous partageons le règne de Dieu en consacrant notre vie à un humble service
les uns pour les autres, comme Jésus l'a fait pour nous.
Sommes-nous disposés à accorder la priorité aux autres
dans notre souci et notre préoccupation, à les aimer avec le même amour
sacrificiel et miséricordieux que Jésus a pour nous?
Seigneur Jésus, fais de moi un serviteur d'amour pour
ton Royaume, afin que je cherche à servir plutôt qu'à être servi. Enflamme mon
cœur d'amour afin que je puisse donner généreusement et servir joyeusement pour
toi. Amen.
Grace West Adeneken
Collect
for Ambrose: God of hosts, who called Ambrose from the governor’s throne to
be a bishop in your Church and an intrepid champion of your faithful people: mercifully
grant that, as he did not fear to rebuke rulers, so we, with like courage, may
contend for the faith we have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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