Category: Serving

Introduction When I first left my employment in the National Health Service, where I was leading a research team in Rehabilitation Engineering that included designing artificial limbs for Thalidomide-damaged children, in order to work for Terry Virgo, my role was to serve him and what came to be known as Newfrontiers as his administrator. When he invited me he said "I don't know what an administrator does but I know I need one". My response was "I don't know either but ‘yes' "! So I then needed to look into the scriptures to find out what Biblical Administration is and how an administrator operates. Biblical Administration There are of course many scriptures demonstrating the administrative gift, particularly in the Old Testament - Nehemiah, Daniel, Joseph etc. In the New Testament…

Serving helps others. Serving is primarily about relationship. If we do not care about other people we will not be motivated to serve. Underlying all serving is the desire to bless someone - either directly by a selfless act, or indirectly by serving a situation from which they will benefit. Serving accomplishes tasks. Serving is not, of course, in a vacuum; it must have tangible expression. So Jesus served us by emptying himself and becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross. Why? To serve us and open up the way back to God the Father, something we could not do in our own strength. Joseph served faithfully by caring for Potiphar's household affairs and then, in prison, for his fellow prisoners. Ultimately he was promoted to serve…

What is a servant? For most people in the so-called ‘West' house-servants are not part of our daily experience. But when I visit India or Africa servants are very evident and indeed are often treated as part of the family. They live in the home of the family they serve or in a house in the surrounding grounds, and are trusted to look after the children as if they were their own. Yet, however well treated, they know their place at the beck and call of the master. When seeking to hire a servant what characteristics might an employer look for? Let's take our cue from Joseph. Joseph - a model After his brothers had sold Joseph into Egypt out of jealousy for the favour he was shown by his…

Bringing good news What was Jesus called to do on earth? According to the Kingdom mandate of Is 61:1-3 (ie his job description), which he ‘owned' in Lk 4:17-21, he was called • To preach good news to the poor (we all are) • To proclaim release to the captives • To heal • To free the down-trodden • To proclaim the year of favour i.e. to bring justice by releasing people from bondage How was he to do this? As a servant. People thought Messiah would come as a King or General but God the Father had other ideas (see Is 42:1-4): ‘Behold my servant...'. God put His Spirit on Jesus • To bring forth justice • To support a bruised reed • To fan a smouldering wick Did…