Jesus came as a servant to accomplish God’s will in the redemption of humanity. Here are two classic verses regarding the obedient servanthood of Jesus:
- Philippians 2:5-8 (servant, humility, obedience)
- Matthew 20:26-28 (greatness, service, example of Jesus)
As the Father had sent Jesus, he also sends us (John 20:21). The master never allows the servant to run out on his own to do whatever the servant wants to do for the Master. That is not a biblical servant.
Here are two concepts regarding a servant (Jeremiah 18:1-6).
- The clay must be molded.
- The clay must be in the potter’s hand.
A clay pot or cup cannot do anything on its own; it must submit to the will of the potter. So, a servant can do nothing on his own, when God works through a servant he can do anything… as long as he is moldable and remains in the potter’s hands. The Master alone makes the clay into the vessel he chooses (John 15:5).
Use Elijah as an example (1 Kings 18:15-39) when he was going to prove once and for all who was the greater God. He was outnumbered 850 to one. Had Elijah run in and did all this on his own, he would have failed.
- At whose initiative did Elijah offer this challenge (1 Kings 18:15)?
- Who brought the fire down from heaven (1 Kings 18:38)?
- After is is all said and done, what did Elijah have to do? He was to be obedient to God and focus on the task or mission he was given.
Sometimes we think that we should NOT just stand there, but do SOMETHING. This is not the way it is with God. He often wants us to stand still until he leads, then we go and do the work he has for us. God wants us to adjust our lives to him, and then he will accomplish great things through his servants.