Serve!
Today’s Verse:
And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: ~Genesis 18:3
In tennis, players yell out, “Serve” to indicate that the one who has the tennis ball is about to hit it toward his opponent. I have always thought that was an awkward word to announce that the ball is being "served” to the opponent, but on the other hand, it represents a powerful image of the fervor in which we should serve our Lord.
Our service should be swift.
Abraham responded to the Lord by running to meet Him, hastening into the tent to Sarah, and running to the herd. David said, “The king’s business required haste.” Serving the Lord implies diligence and immediate action. We should not be slothful, drag our feet, or procrastinate. Paul said, “Fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
Our service should be spontaneous.
Abraham did not know that the Lord was coming to his house. In fact, the Lord came to him at the heat of the day when it was hottest and most inconvenient. That did not deter Abraham. He became a very cordial and responsive host by bringing a little water and morsel of bread. Spontaneous service requires that we are quick on our feet and deliver exceptional service. He did not ask: he brought. He did not let the Lord wait around: he made the Lord’s visit comfortable and very accommodated. Be instant in season and out of season.
Our service should subscribe.
Serving should involve others. Get other people to learn the joy of serving with you. Abraham got Sarah and one of the young servants involved. He moved them to urgency and enthusiasm for serving. It is important that others are infected with our enthusiasm for serving and giving our best to the Lord.
Our service should be standby.
“And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.” He waited and watched to see if there was anything else he could do. Exceptional service sees the need and takes the lead. It is proactive in its outlook. We must be ready to serve, regardless of when and where.
Our service should be sacrificial.
Abraham took butter and milk to dress the fatted calf. The fatted calf was reserved for special occasions, such as a wedding or large banquet celebration. Abraham gave his best when he had the calf prepared. First, make serving the Lord a big opportunity. It is the last time we get to serve the Lord in that way, and we want Him to know that we are giving our best. Second, we should give our best and our most excellent when we serve. Serving should please the Lord. Serving Him with our best prepares us for the next endeavor that He wants us to serve Him in.
This morning, just “serve!” Serve with enthusiasm. Serve with exceptional delivery! Serve effectively. Serve!
Have a service-driven God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 43-45