ForgottenWoman

Out of the Way!

Paul said, “He must increase. I must decrease.”

Mary, the mother of Jesus endured the social stigma of her situation saying, “I am the Lord’s servant!”

The boy with the lunch gave up what he had for the multitudes to be fed.

Joseph endured the betrayal of his own family and kept his eyes focused on what God would do with his life.

The widow with the two mites gave all that she had.

Jesus Himself remained on a cross that He could have certainly left because He knew that His suffering was for us!

These are just a few of the examples in the Bible of those who set aside self and served.

Jesus. Our ultimate example. Let’s think together for a few minutes about the depth of what He endured. Not physically – most of us have been reminded of His physical suffering this week as we’ve looked at the cross and look forward to celebrating His resurrection.

It’s so important to meditate on these things because it gives us a perspective that we need when we are tempted to moan and groan and feel sorry for ourselves. When we are betrayed or abandoned by those close to us, family members or dear friends, it’s a blow that is often more than we think we can bear. But then… I’m reminded of how those closest to Jesus on this earth betrayed Him… it wasn’t a stranger, but a disciple who denied even knowing Him! It wasn’t a stranger but His disciples whom He invited to pray with Him, but they cared so little that they fell asleep! It was not a stranger, but His disciple who betrayed Him for money just before His crucifixion. It wasn’t strangers, but His disciples who doubted His word when He said He would rise again! Jesus, Who loved without error, Who lived without sin, Who gave without boundaries, Who healed and taught and encouraged and yes, Who would die for the sins of the entire world. He KNEW that He would be betrayed. He knew that He would be denied. He knew that He would be doubted. And He still loved and served without restraint.

This week, during our Forgiveness Study, I was talking to the ladies about walking in humility and selflessness in our daily lives. We had been discussing those irritating things that we too often allow to ruin our days (traffic, rude people, inconveniences) and those small offences that sometimes destroy relationships – you know, the sharp words or the lack of a smile and greeting, or someone not acknowledging us. The truth is that when we are truly walking in humility and selflessness, it is impossible to offend us! We understand that we are not what is important. Our feelings are not what matters. When we die to self, as Scripture teaches, regularly (and yes, we have to intentionally do this) we can walk in the joy of the Lord; focusing on Him and others regardless of our circumstances.

It was just a few hours after this study that I was watching an interview with a dear lady who is a caregiver for a woman with dementia. She was asked how she remains so steady, so patient, so calm, despite the difficulties of her job. She smiled and said sincerely, “I say each morning, Self, get out of the way!” What a perfect reminder for you and me today!

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,  but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

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