Pastor Ronny Russell

Blog:  http://paparon.wordpress.com/

Messenger – 2010 Summer Edition

 This summer I’ve been reading through the gospels.  Matthew 20 begins with the parable of the workers in the vineyard.  The parable ends with this teaching:  So the last shall be first, and the first last (v. 16).  The whole chapter is about humility, putting ourselves last.  It is NOT about us after all.   

Then Jesus foretells his death and resurrection.  He speaks of being condemned to death, scourged and crucified.  Almost parenthetically he adds, and on the third day He will be raised up…

Oddly, the mother of James & John asks for preferential treatment for her boys in Jesus’ Kingdom.  Jesus implies that she doesn’t know what she is asking.  Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink (v. 22), he asks.   

            The other ten become indignant at the two, chastising them for asking for special treatment.  Jesus takes the opportunity to expound on the whole subject of humble, servant leadership.  Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:26-28). 

In following Jesus, we should never expect to be applauded for what we do.  Sometimes it comes, sometimes it doesn’t.  There will always be opposition when we step out and try to lead.  After all, following Jesus is a radical way of life.  Too radical for some. 

We are asked to be workers in His vineyard.  Sometimes the reward is fair and as we expected.  Sometimes it seems grossly unfair. 

I have learned over the years that being a pastor is not a “favored status” position.  There are rewards, to be sure, but there are also hurts.  Jesus reminds us repeatedly that we did not come to be served but to serve and to give up Self for the greater good. 

That means practicing forgiveness, which is the pinnacle of humility.  On the cross, Jesus

forgave His tormentors and crucifiers and they didn’t even ask for it. 

Sometimes being a leader just hurts.  Our pride gets hurt.  Our feelings get hurt.  People say things and they say them harshly.  I have learned that unforgiveness can be a huge obstacle.  We have to deal with it quickly or else we will be stuck in a bad place.

God led the children of Israel to the Promised Land with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.  It is always important that we not lose sight of our vision.

In the last part of Matthew 20 two blind men were calling out to Jesus as he was leaving Jericho.  The crowd tried to silence them.  Jesus turned His attention to them.  He asked, What do you want me to do for you?  They replied in essence, that all they wanted was to be able to see.  Jesus was moved with compassion, touched their eyes, and healed them. 

That’s our mission.  Not to get caught up in church politics.  Not to be people pleasers.  But to restore sight to the blind.  Give hope to the poor.  Help the lame to walk.  Don’t lose sight of the vision.  Keep your eyes on the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.  They are both very visible. 

But clouds and fiery pillows in the sky can only be seen when we look up!