Announcements!

Announcements! They are meant to catch our attention. Sometimes they startle us by their suddenness.

We hear them over loud speakers when shopping: "Clean-up on aisle 3!" "Attention shoppers! We are having a special sale today in aisle 5!"

We hear them via television and radio: "We interrupt this program to bring you breaking news. . . ."

We also come face-to-face with the announcements people make regarding their lives: "I nailed that one!" "I'm sure to cinch that promotion!" "Man, I'm good!" "You should have seen the great job I did!" "This company could not get by without me!"

More than once Jesus addressed the topic of GREATNESS because the disciples on at least two occasions ( Luke 9:46-48 and 22:24-27) argued regarding which of them was the greatest. In Mark's account we find the disciples were even a bit embarrassed to admit their own discussion on the topic. ( Mark 9:34) They seemed slow to understand. However, were they any different than us? The problem is that GREATNESS is often defined the way the world does ( Luke 22:25) rather than in accordance with our Lord's definition. ( Luke 22:26) Perhaps the slowness to understand is due to the infrequency of it being seen. And that is exactly what we need; a good visual aide for defining GREATNESS. Praise God we have been provided one!

Close to the time of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, as He was alone with His disciples to celebrate the Passover, we read. . .
"(3) Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, (4) rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. (5) Then he poured water into a basin and BEGAN TO WASH THE DISCIPLES' FEET and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him." ( John 13:3-5 ESV)

The statement has been made that "Greatness is not announced. It is demonstrated!" Is that not exactly what Jesus did? Though He was the GREATEST to ever walk the face of this earth (and GREATEST Who ever will) He did not stand before the disciples and announce, "I am the GREATEST!" Jesus demonstrated what GREATNESS is truly all about.

After having washed their feet, we read. . .
"(12) When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, 'Do you understand what I have done to you? (13) You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. (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 13:12-15 ESV)

GREATNESS often goes to people's heads. However, see how Jesus went to the disciples' feet in order to get it into their heads how GREATNESS is demonstrated, not announced! Jesus went down to reveal how to go up since it is those who humbles themselves who are exalted by God! ( James 4:10 & 1 Peter 5:6) Do we understand? If we want our life to be defined by GREATNESS, then let us simply strive to be what God wants us to be; children of God eager to glorify Him in service to others. Righteous living does not need to be announced. As we follow the example of Jesus, ultimately -- as it was with our Lord -- wisdom will be "justified by her deeds." ( Matthew 11:19 ESV)

Have a great day FINDING OUR LIFE'S GLORY IN SERVING OTHERS!
Carl

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