NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is prepared by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica, is currently serving in Japan as a missionary. Jason is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Small, Menial Ways”
John 1:26–28 (ESV)
John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, [27] even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” [28] These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
John the Baptist is very aware of who he is. He knows he is a prophet, the very fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. He calls the Israelites to repentance, baptizes them, and rebukes the Jewish leaders with boldness.
John the Baptist is also very aware of who he is not. When the Jewish leaders ask him who he is, John is clear in His response. “He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ’” (John 1:20). He tells them he is not the prophet Elijah, brought back into the world. He is also not the Prophet who is to be like Moses. John knows he is not the Word, the Life, and the Light. He declares that he is, in fact, unworthy to untie the Messiah’s sandals.
In the Ancient Near East, disciples were expected to do everything for their rabbi that a slave would do. There was one exception. He did not need to clean his rabbi’s feet, for this was considered the lowest possible task. John the Baptist states that not only would he do this menial job, but he is actually unworthy to do so. It would be a great privilege and an unexpected blessing to be able to serve his Lord in this humiliating way.
In Japan, the gospel is going forth but its progress is often slow and appears small. Spiritual warfare is real and the ministry is not very glamorous. However, it is not a burden, but the Lord’s blessing and favor to allow His people to serve Him in a difficult place.
In our workplaces, churches, and homes, the Lord is daily giving us opportunities to serve Him in small, menial ways. There are tasks to do and people to love that that the world says are beneath us. May we not miss these opportunities to bring Him great glory.
Prayer: Father, may I know who I am in You – a beloved child of God. And may I know who I am not – the King of glory. You are worthy of my daily, hourly worship and obedience. Give me the joy of serving You well. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 20
Lunch Break Study
Read 1 Corinthians 4:1–4 (ESV): “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. [3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. [4] For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.”
Question to Consider
- Paul is an apostle, yet how does he call us to regard him?
- What is required of servants and stewards?
- Who judges the faithfulness of Christ’s servants?
Notes
- Paul wants his readers to consider him to be a servant and steward of Christ.
- Faithfulness is the most important characteristic of a servant or steward.
- God alone judges. The world and even the servants themselves do not determine who is faithful and who is not.
Evening Reflection
Reflect on your day. What opportunities were there to serve the Lord in humble ways? Did you take advantage of those opportunities? Why or why not? Ask the Lord for forgiveness for missed opportunities and thank Him that He will give you more tomorrow.