Blessing In Service

Blessing in Service

Read: John 13:12-17

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

John 13:17

“Faithful service in a lowly place is true spiritual greatness.”

—D. Jackman

IN WORD Many of us have sought a blessing from God. In fact, most adherents of most religions seek a blessing from their deity or founder. It’s common to all humanity; we want to be blessed. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as we seek it from the right source. The Bible is full of promises that God will bless His people. He is, by nature, an extravagant giver. It is not selfish to ask His blessing according to His nature. In fact, it is expected. There are at least twenty-five references in the Gospels to Jesus offering a blessing to those who followed Him.

But many of God’s blessings carry prerequisites. We forget them easily. We ask God for His favor, but we neglect the conditions on which He has already promised it. Haven’t you noticed that? Something goes wrong and we cry out to God to fix it, or to restore His favor. But do we examine our own condition first? Jesus was very clear: His followers will be blessed—if they are poor in spirit, if they are meek, if they have ears to hear, if they have a certain attitude or obey a certain command. Here in John 13, He promises a blessing for those who follow His example of service: washing others’ feet. Those who give themselves to service in Jesus’ name will receive God’s favor. It is an inviolable spiritual law.

IN DEED Does God’s blessing seem to be far from you? First realize that you have already been blessed, and be thankful. Then examine His Word. There are conditions that will carry further blessing when fulfilled. Obedience is one of them (Luke 11:28). So is godly character (Matthew 5:3-10). And humble service, often neglected among sincere believers, never goes unrewarded by the One who sees in secret.

The Master served His disciples. We are not greater than He is; we must be servants, too. In so doing, we will bless others, and He will bless us in return.