Called To Serve

by WEBSTER, D.J. | Category: The Call Of Christ | Feb 2009

Have you ever wondered what Peter's wife said when he told her he was giving up his job to follow Jesus of Nazareth? Or what Zebedee thought when James and John announced that they were leaving the family business? Maybe they went with their family's blessing, or perhaps they went despite their opposition. We don't know, of course, but Peter and John were both certain that they had received a real 'call' (something like a summons or invitation) from the Lord Jesus to serve and they were aware of something of the cost of that, as well as of the excitement and opportunity.

There would inevitably be excitement and no doubt a real 'buzz' from being with the Lord Jesus! The disciples would savour those good days when the crowds were coming in their droves and they witnessed 'a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all' (Luke 6:17-19). It was Peter and John, together with James, who were privileged to see things that others only heard about: they witnessed the Lord Jesus raising up the daughter of Jairus the synagogue ruler even while the mourners were wailing for her! They were present when the Lord Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law, who was in bed with a fever; and Peter wrote about being 'eye-witnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying,' 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain' (2 Pet. 1:16-18).

But it wasn't all excitement and enjoying the approval of the crowds when the disciples of the Lord Jesus were called to serve. The Lord Jesus never promised the disciples that they would get an easy life, or that they would become celebrities! In the three years they spent with the Master they discovered how hard it was to be associated with the man from Nazareth (see John 1:46), the teacher who would not conform to the accepted ways (see Mat. 9:11) or the 'stone you builders rejected', as Peter, later, charged the Jewish leaders (Acts 4:11). But, of course, the Lord Jesus reminded them of this: 'Remember the words I spoke to you: No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also' (John 15:20).

Getting too excited

The Lord Jesus had sent His disciples out with authority to 'Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you'' (Luke 10:9). It seems they had a good time and the mission was a success. They returned to the Lord in buoyant mood, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name' (Luke 10:17). But the Lord sensed that their excitement was in danger of taking over so that what they could see and feel might gain more importance than fundamental spiritual truths. 'Rejoice,' said the Master, chat your names are written in heaven' (Luke 10:20). We must never become so involved in service that we forget to say 'Thanks' to our Lord for our salvation. Service begins with recognising what the Lord has done for us in reaching out to save us.

Getting too self-absorbed

I wonder if Peter was having a bad day!

The Lord Jesus was talking about how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God and the conversation progressed to whether anyone could be saved. 'Is it an impossibility? some wondered. Maybe Peter thought the Lord's message was too much, so he blurted out, 'We have left all we had to follow you!' (Luke 18:28). Was he comparing the way the disciples had responded to the lack of response of the wealthy man? Or was he feeling sorry for himself? The Lord expects would-be disciples to count the cost, but those already on the disciple path should not be looking back to opportunities lost or consoling themselves with the thought that they can impress the Lord with the things they have given up. Service continues with a willingness to give up everything and not to look back with disappointment at what we have given up.

Getting too self-centred

Jockeying for position, getting your request in first, staking a claim to the best seat or just presenting a logical case for your own advancement! We see it all the time in politics, the business world, and in celebrities as they seek publicity. Disciples of the Lord Jesus are different, of course - or are we? James and John's agent in this was their mother! Her request was as stark as it was inappropriate! 'Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom' (Mat. 20:21). The Lord saw the naked ambition of the two brothers and challenged them with a question they barely understood, 'Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?' (Mat. 20:22). Having made their claim there was no backing down. 'We can.' Was it bravado? Was it an attempt to impress? They had no idea what the cup the Lord Jesus was about to drink was; thankfully they could never drink that - nor can any of us. The Lord Jesus had a path of service assigned to Him and it was His very food to stick to it (John 4:34). Service is fulfilled by accepting the place to which the Lord has assigned us and not trying to outmanoeuvre others.

Getting too concerned about others

'What about him?' We are often not satisfied until we've found out what everyone else has been assigned to do. That's natural, but it must not get in the way of our service for the Master. Peter, having let the Lord down, was graciously reinstated. The Lord had probed him about his love, told him some details about where his service would take him, indicated service through to old age and even indicated the manner of his death. Perhaps Peter was overwhelmed by it all and just wanted to know what the Lord intended for his friend John.

'Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, 'Lord, who is going to betray you?') When Peter saw him, he asked, 'Lord, what about him?' (John 21:20-21)

The Lord's reply was a call to focus on what we are called to do. As Master, the Lord Jesus has the right to assign any of us to any role. 'Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me' (John 21:22). Real service for the Master involves us taking instructions from the Lord Jesus without concerning ourselves with what others are called to do.

Ambition

Although the Lord Jesus showed His disappointment at the self-seeking of James and John, He did not disapprove of ambition altogether. It depends what we are ambitious for. The Lord contrasted the worldly desire for power and to get higher than those around by saying:

'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave � just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many' (Mat. 20:25-28).

Followers of the Master must have these attitudes, ambitions and aspirations, as they put God's kingdom first (Mat. 6:33) and with deeply thankful hearts offer themselves in service to the King.

Bible quotes from NIV

WEBSTER, D.J. | Feb 2009
The Call Of Christ