Matthew 10:24-25 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters.”

This is a powerful truth. Humanly speaking, sometimes we try to violate it, but the “above” is only in achievement, not in net worth. Jesus Himself said that those who believe in Him would do greater things than He did on this earth. (John 14:12) However, we have no claim to an easier life than He had, and He was scourged and crucified! This was the specific area Jesus was referring to here. As He said very clearly in the Upper Room Discourse, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In places like Japan and the US, we tend to expect things to be easy, and indeed, we live in what would have been unimaginable luxury not so many years ago. However, we need to recognize that is strictly by God’s grace, and not something we are due, because of how wonderful we are. Gratitude is definitely the name of the game when it comes to successful living. In terms of Jesus’ immediate audience when He said this, the only one of the 12 apostles to die a natural death was John, and he had it much rougher than his brother James, who was the first to be martyred. (Acts 12:2) In places like mainland China, a commitment to follow Christ includes an expectation of persecution. We tend to express “accepting Jesus” as all sweetness and light, but that is a disservice to those to whom we minister. If they expect “easy street,” they are likely to fall away as soon as things get difficult. This again is part of Jesus’ famous parable of the seed and the soil. (Matthew 13:3-23) Paul likewise compared it to an athlete, who commits everything in order to win the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:25 and more) In our case, however, the prize is more than worth anything we could go through in this life. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

I have always liked the little chorus, To Be Like Jesus. However, I need to remember all that means. I can never be the Savior, but I can reflect His character and express His truth, whatever is going on in and around me. Jesus talked about that in the Upper Room Discourse, too. As a pastor, it is my desire to instill that desire, that expectation, in each of the believers under my care. They see my imperfections, certainly. I desire that they understand that when God can use me in spite of my imperfections, He can use them in spite of theirs, too – and maybe, far more than He uses me. I do proclaim the truth God speaks to me, but I don’t want the believers dependent on me. I want each one connected directly to the Source, hearing what He is saying to them, regularly and consistently, through the Bible and otherwise, so that together we may all rise up as a mighty army in His hands, destroying the works of the devil and setting people free, (1 John 3:8) for His glory alone.

Father, thank You for this powerful reminder. Thank You for how things are falling into place for our trip to the US. I ask for Your continued guidance in that, and particularly in the preparations that need to be made right here, for this congregation, so that our 3-week absence will be a growing time for everyone, moving us further along in Your plans, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!