DAY 17: SERVE ONE ANOTHER
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Sep. 17th, 2024
13 “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
DEVOTION
Imagine being there in the room that night. After three adventurous years of following Jesus, the disciples found themselves huddled around King Jesus for one last supper in the upper room. It was the week of the Passover holiday, and with anticipation rising, Jesus decided to teach one more lesson. The unique thing about this lesson is that it wouldn’t come through powerful preaching or fascinating miracles but through serving one another.
(Remember, you’re imagining yourself in the room) As Jesus brings out a basin of water and a towel, He calls each of His disciples to take off their dusty sandals. Hesitantly, they obey. He proceeds to wash their dirty and callused feet and wouldn’t take no for an answer. He came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:43-45). After finishing His feet washing, He declares: 14 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:14–15)
Jesus modeled a powerful example of servant leadership that day by washing the disciples’ feet. Shortly after, He challenged His disciples to “do just as I have done to you” (John 13:15b). Essentially, Jesus was calling His disciples to radical acts of service: not to be afraid of dirty work, not to let prestige or status get in the way of serving, but rather to be willing to serve one another even when it’s less glamorous and uncomfortable.
Paul wrote a similar message to the Galatians in our emphasized verse Gal. 5:13: “…through love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13b) As did Peter in 1 Peter 4:10, instructing, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” (1 Peter 4:10) Today, look for moments to steward God’s grace in your life by actively serving those around you. God will get the glory, you will experience His joy, and people will be attracted to your Christ-like leadership!
26 “…let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:26–27)
PRAYER
Father, thank You for serving me with Your life, death, and resurrection. I’m aware of my neediness and messiness. Yet, You have been faithful and true. I pray You would use me to make a difference through serving in my context. Show me who, where, and how to serve others best today. In Jesus’ name, amen!
CHALLENGE
Today, prayerfully consider where you can serve others. It could be in your neighborhood, church, child’s school, or workplace. It may also be in your own house, such as doing dishes, laundry, or taking out the trash. Identify areas you can serve in and allow God to use you in your acts of service.