Humility

We live in a “me first” world.  It’s human nature to want to be first in line, first in the class, first pick for the team, first choice for that promotion.  Our survivalist instinct wants to dominate others, control the situation, manipulate outcomes, and be “on top” of things and others.  We see this kind of competition between siblings, partners, family members, friends, on the team, in churches, and in politics.  It’s built into our culture, our society, our psyche.  Be number one!

How radical and counter-cultural it was, then, when Jesus appeared on the scene and modeled things like humility, humbleness, meekness, putting others first, servant leadership, and giving preference to the poor, needy, lowly, and outcasts of society!  The Beatitudes of Matthew 5 are an inversion of power.  The concern of Jesus for women and children violated social norms.  Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem on a donkey seemed like a joke.  Jesus’ death on a cross felt like a defeat.

Then there came a resurrection.  There came an exaltation and ascension.  There was a victory over sin, death, and the Devil himself.  Jesus forged a new way of living life.  A way that looks not to the interests of self, but to the interests of others.  Putting others first, before oneself.  Serving people in love.  Dying to self and in order to find true abundant life.  And this is our focus for this fifth Sunday of Lent!  We consider Jesus the humble servant and what this means for how we live.

Worship begins at 10:00 AM with a blend of traditional and contemporary music.  The message will be inspiring and challenging.  The worship will be lively and heartfelt.  The fellowship will be authentic and real.  And, the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst will be healing and empowering.  A Children’s Church and Nursery are provided.  Refreshments will be served for all following worship.  God is calling you to Grace Church this Sunday!  Will you be present?