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May 17, 2009AM

Colossians 3:22-25

Colossal Servanthood

 

Don’t we like to skip the middle man every chance we get?

 We like it when we can “go direct to the factory” or source.

  That is the beauty of communion.

   This is a time of going directly to our Heavenly Father.

    There is no “middle man” around the communion table.

     Communion is something that happens between you and Jesus.

      It is an intense oneness with Jesus.

       You don’t need a Pastor or a Priest or Clergy to be a go-between.

        You don’t need my permission to come to this Table.

         You are one with the Lord at the Communion Table.

          That is the great privilege that Jesus’ shed blood offers to you.

And yet, it means something else that leaves us vulnerable.

 There are no secrets when we gather for the Sacrament.

  There can be no hidden agenda.

   God knows all there is to know about you.

    You can fool the people around you with outward appearances.

     But you can’t fool God by putting up a good show.

      I almost stopped our text one verse short this morning.

       I planned to stop our reading at verse 24.

        But God checked me on that.

         He made me realize the importance of the next verse.

          Verse 25 reminds us that God knows things that a middle man can’t.

           You can fool me about what is going on in your heart this morning.

            The sin you may be harbouring is not revealed to me.

            But everything is seen by God.

             That is the message of verse 25.

              God sees it all and pay day is coming.

               We need to know that as we approach this table God knows all.

                He sees all our sin.

                 He sees all our impure thoughts.

                  He sees our critical spirit and hard heart.

                   He knows when we are just going through the motions.

                    He sees what others never have the chance to see.

He doesn’t need me to be the middle man of your spiritual growth.

 I am not here to protect God from you.

  I am here to serve you.

   I am here in the Spirit of Jesus.

    John records how Jesus beautifully served His disciples.

     On the night Jesus shared the Last Supper He washed their feet.

      He took the role of the servant.

       He took the towel and basin and one by one washed them.

        He knew their thoughts and their hearts.

         But He washed their feet regardless.

          Paul wasn’t there that night.

           He still hadn’t met Jesus personally.

           But he knew exactly what took place during the Last Supper.

            He speaks of it clearly in 1 Corinthians 11.

             He saw in Jesus the Colossal Servant.

And Paul wants us to know what Colossal Servanthood is all about.

 If we aren’t a Colossal Servant we don’t know Jesus in His fullness.

  Colossal Servanthood is all about living for Christ.

   We are called to live wholeheartedly for Jesus.

    He calls us to be pure, to be genuine, to be wholehearted.

     He says don’t be two-faced.

      What the middle man sees is not important.

       What God sees is important.

        We are working directly for Jesus.

         That is when we become colossal in our workplace.

          That is when we experience Colossal Servanthood.

           The Message puts it this way.

“Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by.  Do your best.  Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance.  Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ.  The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible.  Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.”

             The New Living Translation says it this way.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”

               “Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord”.

As I reflected on Jesus taking a basin and towel, I saw Him on His knees.

 Moving from disciple to disciple, exemplifying Colossal Servanthood.

  I saw Jesus on His knees before me.

   He who is greatest became my Servant.

    Jesus, who never worried about impressing people, humbled Himself before me.

     His only interest was bringing me to the Father.

      As I pondered on this a Voice penetrated my thoughts.

       I was asked, “How often have you served from your knees?

        “How often have you served others as Jesus has served you?”

         Communion is about washing feet.

          Communion is about cross bearing and sacrifice.

           Communion is about sins forgiven.

           And this voice said, “Love as I have loved you.”

            “Serve as I have served you.”

             I felt tears swelling up in my eyes.

              Gratitude washed through my heart.

               I can be no different in my service.

                So this morning I invite you to receive communion.

                 I am before you as your servant.

                  And so I kneel before you as your servant.

                   There is no pretense here.

                    There is no showmanship during communion.

                     I do this for Jesus.

                      I am serving the Lord Christ.

“2. King of all days, Oh so highly exalted, Glorious in Heaven above,

Humbly You came to the earth You created, All for love's sake became poor.

Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You're my God.

You're altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me.

I'll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross” (repeat) D. Zschech

Sharing communion together this morning prepares you for work tomorrow.

 You receive the bread and cup as a servant whose sins are forgiven.

  You go into tomorrow following the Colossal Servant.

   When Jesus has served you, you work tomorrow and every day for Jesus.

    He is ready to wash you clean.