Friday: Further Thought – Teaching Disciples: Part I
Daily Lesson for Friday 16th of August 2024
Read Ellen G. White, “Ministry,” Pages 426–431; “Who Is the Greatest? “Pages 432-442, in The Desire of Ages.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 436.
“By all that has given us advantage over another,—be it education and refinement, nobility of character, Christian training, religious experience,—we are in debt to those less favored; and, so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak. Angels of glory, that do always behold the face of the Father in heaven, joy in ministering to His little ones. Trembling souls, who have many objectionable traits of character, are their special charge. Angels are ever present where they are most needed, with those who have the hardest battle with self to fight, and whose surroundings are the most discouraging. And in this ministry Christ’s true followers will co-operate.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 440.
Discussion Questions
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In the Bible, God defines greatness as service and humility.Jesus states in Mark, 'Greatness and success in God's eyes are measured by service.' Furthermore, in Matthew 23:11-12, Jesus highlights the importance of humility, saying, 'He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.'
When the heart is right with God everything else comes into alignment. We must ask God to change our hearts, to create in us a clean heart and He will begin the process. We just don't have the power or ability to do it ourselves.
"Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it... Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul." - COL 159
This would be a good place to start.
I frequently recite Psalm 51 or sing the chorus based upon it, "Create in me a Clean Heart", as a prayer of repentance, revival and reformation.
"Create in me a clean heart, oh God. And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Cast me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me"
To think the thoughts of Christ we must have the mind of Christ, which is offered free for the asking. Just as our electronic devices, our computers and smartphones, have frequent updates to their operating systems so do we to ours. It's called spending time in communion with God everyday through prayer, Bible reading, If it was needful for Jesus, don't you think we have greater need still? I certainly do. Jesus went up on the mountain top to spend quality and quantity time with the Father so that He would be empowered and equipped for ministering to the needs of the multitudes and also be able to avoid the schemes and traps of the devil. He was so committed to doing the Father's Will that He would rather die than sin against Him. In fact He did, all the while bearing the guilt and shame of our sin upon Himself.
How about us? Do the things that break God's heart, break ours, or do we "entertain" ourselves with them? It all begins and ends with the heart. When the heart is right with God, everything else comes into alignment. That is the heart of the matter.
"Create in me a clean heart, oh God, And renew a right spirit within me."
Our heavenly Father cannot fill a vessel which is still filled with ‘Self’. Children, especially very young children, present to God an empty vessel waiting to be filled; they are precious to Him. When God calls one of these innocent vessel, open to receive His love, are we not to exercise extreme caution how we present God’s love to them? And equally so is it needful to be caring toward those who come to Him in repentance!
What constitutes a ‘childlike’ disciple? Is it not the disciple which denies/humbles/empties his/her ‘Self’ first, so making room for the Holy Spirit to fill him/her with the heavenly/spiritual blessings - Gal.5:22-23? As members of the human family, only humility in spirit can prompt us to recognize that all are loved; God values/loves all of mankind equally!
Does God love His spiritual children more? I would say ‘no’, though I consider Him to have a more rewarding, joyful relationship with those who love Him, as they are able to actively participate in the multitude of work when tending to the harvest ripening in His fields. With thanksgiving in their heart, they always are able to partake of His blessings – Luke 15:11-32.
This reflection on humility and service is deeply inspiring. The reminder that true honor comes from a humble heart resonates profoundly, especially in a world that often equates greatness with self-exaltation. Ellen G. White’s words beautifully capture the essence of Christ-like leadership—where the most effective disciples are those who seek not to elevate themselves but to uplift others. The call to use our blessings and strengths to support those who struggle is a powerful reminder of our responsibility as followers of Christ. Your emphasis on the importance of ministering to those with the hardest battles, supported by heavenly angels, is both comforting and motivating. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful and spiritually enriching message!
It feels good to be humble especially when people expect you to have some sort of "high life" . Christ encourages us today to be humble and hold up those who are low.
Blessed Sabbath
I thank God that my two babies who were sick are now well.Thank you to those who who helped me pray for them.Glory be to God The Most High
"It feels good to be humble."
Elsie I would say that is the honorable pride, or humility that gives you a sense of I belong to Jesus if you prefer.
What is the right balance between the mountaintop experience of communion with Christ and the down-on-the-plain or valley experience of service to others’ needs?
I would say look at Jesus working down in the valley with people, off the mountain top experience. When we go to the mountain top to get our batteries charged, we can't be their all day. I am not talking about continual connection with God, which is important I am talking about a mountain experience which gets our batteries charged that last long. I would hope you would have the new sodium ion batteries they last longer.
Mark 8:23.Jesus in the valley.
Mark 9:27. Jesus off the mountain top.
I think the balance comes when during the mountain top experience you ask God where He wants you to serve Him. And then you take Him with you as you serve.