Title: The Confident Servant / Topic: Identity

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 7; Jeremiah 8; Jeremiah 9; John 13

Scripture: John 13:3-5
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Observation: The construction of these verses reveals a lot. Jesus knew who he was, where he was from and where he was going. His purpose and his identity were clear to him. Verse 3 makes this clear and is followed by the word SO. The so could be replaced by "because of this" he got up... and he served his disciples. Being secure in his identity is what allowed him to serve his fellow man with no sense of being demeaned or feeling inferior. It is also why he could be in perfect submission to his Father without feeling like a lackey. It is essential to know who we are in God if we want to serve the Church, His Body, without feeling "less than" someone else who may be called to serve in what we perceive to be a more important position. If we don't have a secure identity in God, we will find it almost impossible to submit to the human authorities God has placed in our lives and serve where He calls us to.

Application: I must seek to fully grasp and understand my worth and purpose in God. I am His creation and I must learn to rejoice in what He has created and say to my Creator, "Well done!". Only then will I feel honored to serve in any capacity and to submit to others without foolishly comparing myself to them.

Prayer: Father, there have certainly been times when I felt inferior to others in the Church and resented them "telling me what to do" as a result. Forgive me for that. I say to You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You did well. Help me to honor You by submitting to others in the Body and by serving in the areas You have gifted me in, without envying the call and gifting of others. May I fully apprehend my identity in You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.