Friday, 29^th September 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: WHO IS TRULY THE GREATEST

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And He sat down, and called the twelve, and said unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” – Mark 9:35

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why do men desire to be great and chief among their equals?

 

Regardless of the country, after every presidential election, all seats in high office are up for grabs by people with varying ambitions. Everyone is scratching their heads, drooling, or lusting after a political position. But selfish ambition has an insatiable appetite.

As the disciples followed Jesus, their flaws were gradually exposed, and the Master took advantage of the opportunity to straighten them on the anvil of divine principles. 

On their way to Capernaum, these disciples were arguing with one another. Arriving in Capernaum, Jesus asked these disciples what the subject of their dispute was (Mark 9:33). Anytime people are not doing the right thing and you ask them about it, either they will not answer or they will say "nothing in particular". Shame will keep us silent. This was true of the disciples. When Jesus inquired about their discussion on the way, the disciples held their peace.

They were debating who would be the greatest of the disciples (Mark 9:34). 

First, why do we engage in things we know are inappropriate—things we cannot share in the open because it will bring us shame? If what we do, think, or are involved in will bring us shame when made public, we have strayed from the path of righteousness. It is called "the newspaper test". Yet Jesus hears and knows all we do in secret. He sees the imagination of our thoughts. 

It is in man to always compete for first place. We are never content to see ourselves on the same level as everyone else.

We feel important when we are given first place or the top position. People compete to be seen as the best, the most intelligent, the richest, the most important, the wisest, the most capable, the eloquent, the most beautiful (or handsome), or the best among equals in schools, offices, and even among siblings. Hence, comparing ourselves with one another never ceases. We keep seducing one another purposely to increase our sense of significance. Yeah, significance. But significant to who? 

As a leader, Jesus knew how to turn his followers' mistakes into learning opportunities. So He gathered His disciples around Him and began teaching them about true greatness. "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all," he explained (Mark 9:35). Thus, the greatest is the one who has overcome the desire to be significant in the eyes of others and embraced service to all. Yeah, to him, life is not about awards, recognition, or how much he has in comparison to others.

Beloved, life is not about what you can get for yourself but what you can give to your generation. It is not about how much you can amass, but how much you can bless others. It is not to have won, but to have fought well.

The greatest is the one who serves the most. So, today, ponder on this: "How much am I influencing and affecting lives around me positively? How much of a blessing am I to my generation? Am I amassing or blessing? If you awaken to God's way of greatness, beloved, you will never steal from others because you live to bless. You will not cut others down or throw people under the bus to secure success because you live to make lives better through the power of God. From today going forward, choose to live in the consciousness of God's greatness, and your life will be a praise and honour to our Father in heaven. Glory to God!

 

FURTHER READING – Mark 9:33-37

 Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How conscious are you in being of a service to others?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Father, in Christ  I am complete. Therefore I seek no other significance. Rather I seek to bring to bear on my generation what you have made me. Precious Lord, I receive grace to be conscious of who I am in Christ and what I can do through the power of the Holy Spirit. Glory to your name.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

1 Chronicle 12; Ezekiel 25; Luke 22