Man of God: Humble Servant (Pt. 2/3)
The year is 1847…
A soft snow falls on a town nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s. A quiet town – but not quiet because of peace. It hasn’t known peace since Flinn Lodi’s outfit took control of the mine and killed off most the good men. One day, a few riders storm into town bringing word of a lone cowboy, traveling from town to town and dealing out swift justice. A strong man - a dangerous man. Lodi’s crew set up traps and flanks to catch the Rider off guard. They were prepared for him. It was useless.
3 days later, the Rider rode into town. Broad daylight. He took out dozens of Lodi’s men, making his way to the saloon where Flinn held the mayor’s daughter, Isabella, at gunpoint. Upon hearing the Riders boots approaching, Flinn Lodi turned tail and escaped out the back, never to terrorize this town again. Isabella was smitten by the stranger, but The Rider was interested in something else. The Rider didn’t do it for the girl. Nor was there a bounty to collect. The townsfolk begged Him to stay and govern them – protect them. He agreed to stay for a week, but not to rule, nor to be served. Rather, He worked tirelessly, rebuilding the town’s mining equipment, tending to the sick and injured, and teaching. Every family in town offered what little they had as payment, but The Rider kindly refused. His mission was to serve.
———————————
That story can’t be true. Why wouldn’t the Lone Rider kiss the girl?... take the money?... enjoy the glory? It doesn’t make sense!
I’m a big fan of Louis L’amour novels. Each book is slightly different, but most include the same recurring themes. A rugged and handsome hero, a town in need of rescue, a formidable villain, a beauty to save and then marry. Most end with the cowboy riding off with the beauty to a cabin in the woods, where a chimney releases a soft and steady smoke. Near perfect. It’s what any man would do in that situation.
———————————
Then there’s Jesus. He is noble and fair, incredibly kind, incorruptible, brave and wise. He’s the Hero of the ultimate story. He’s the Firstborn of the Most High. He is worthy to reign. He is worthy to be King. He is worthy to be worshipped. Yet, when presented with countless opportunities to be served, to be praised, to be exalted, Christ chooses to humble Himself. Even to the point of death.
“ ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ ” (Mark 10:45)
Pride can be a subtle road but perhaps the most treacherous. At the heart of a prideful man is a desire to be praised. When we desire praise from others, we’re really desiring to be elevated - to be worshipped – to usurp God. We work to build our kingdom and therefore directly oppose The Kingdom. My brothers, how dangerous this road is. It’s the same road that led to Satan being cast out of Heaven and he now uses it to lead us astray.
If you’re human and pride is something you’re susceptible to, try this:
1. Pray and ask God to reveal areas of pride in your life. Ask if He would help you surrender and heal in those areas.
2. Seek to serve those in need. Find ways to apply your gifts in service to others – without expectation of anything in return.
3. Meditate on Psalm 131.
