Ultimate service...

I often am jolted into awareness, when thinking about Jesus, of how extraordinary he is: clear about his mission, both delightful in his gentleness and merciful in his justice, hard but honest on the proud and legalistic, full of fun and stories, empathic with those who suffer and always, at all times, the servant of both his Father and us whom he came to save.Jesus’ ultimate service was dying for us so sin could be forgiven for all time. He gave everything for us. No greater love is there than laying down your life for your friends. Jesus calls all who receive his death and resurrection victory ‘friends’. That's selfless service. That's God's way.We learned last week that Paul had been educated and formed to be ‘right’. It must be hard not to become self-righteous when ‘I think I am right’. The book of Job teaches us that. Job did nothing wrong, yet such misery was visited on him. The more he protested his innocence before his accusing friends, the more self-righteous he became and so became ‘wrong’ in the process. The model citizen and servant becomes the self-justifying sinner.As Paul walked on the road to Damascus he would have done so alone. He still would have expected to be served. Everything in Paul's day was hierarchical. Humility was not valued. Pharisees were so into ritual cleanliness that they wouldn't associate with their attending guards. When Jesus met Paul he changed him.The judge of others became the servant of Christ and the Gentiles wherever he could find them. Imagine that? Paul was so changed he spent the rest of his life serving those he otherwise would not have associated with. Part of his greatness is the extent he goes to in service.Cheryl shared last week about our opportunity to refresh our commitment to simply ‘serve’ in church this year. Every week I enjoy a cuppa - thank you morning tea teams. Every week we have excellent music - thanks musos. Every week invisible but generous people make the church neat and full of colour - thank you. Servants encourage our children every week with the love and salvation of Jesus - you are amazing - thankyou. And thank you dozens of others who serve in dozens of other ways. You are all imitators of Christ as you serve in his Spirit's power. Insomuch as you serve the least person, you serve him.There are forms with 2013 service opportunities at the back of the church. Please take time to prayerfully consider how you will contribute in service this year.Return the forms into the grey container near the door.Thank you and God Bless YouMalcolm