In the seventh verse of Philippians chapter two it says Jesus emptied Himself and took on the 'form of a servant.' That word for servant would be better translated slave or bondservant. These servants did the hard and dirty tasks. This person who was comfortable in and sure of His divine status daily woke up and found Himself as a human being. He wrapped a towel around Himself and washed His disciples feet. He healed people. He went out into nowhere to talk to one woman at a well. As a lamb sent to the slaughter He opened not His mouth. We think of that verse in application of His death but He was a man acquainted with sorrow who had joy above His fellows.
You can't help but get the impression that Jesus understood the hardness of life in a very personal way. He didn't shy away from what needed to be said or done. Perhaps because He wasn't worried about the consequences of doing what was next afraid that His life might get harder. A servant is already doing what no one else wants to do. He lived in joy as He did everything to the glory of His Father in Heaven.
Is it beneath us to serve? No. It is a protection. It is being like Jesus. It is strategic. We can be brave as servants. Jesus can strengthen us in that mindset. Maybe we want strength to reign but God wants to supply us the strength to serve so that we can reign as rulers who are not afraid to roll up our sleeves and do the hard and dirty tasks.
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