Our scripture this week is Matthew 10:24-31.
The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters.” Jesus begins this lesson with a statement that should be obvious to us but we sometimes lose sight of – we are not God. I don’t believe any of us think or say this, but sometimes we act as if it were true.
Our behavior should be a reflection of the loving Creator, for as we read in Genesis 1:26, we are made in His image. The world should see in us the care God has for all His children. Instead, we often act in our own interest, putting our desires first instead of what God would have us do.
Jesus reminds us the servant is not above his master, that God is not mocked by our efforts to be in control. We must repent of our selfishness and submit to God’s plan for us. In His service we find our highest purpose and only in obedience we can be truly free.
Gracious God, we ask forgiveness for our willful ways. Help us to see the way You would have us go, help us to be the people You intend us to be. Amen.