March 2
Lev 25:47-27:13 | PS 45:1-17 | Prov 10:22 | Mark 10:32-52
God's plan and the world's plan for success are polar opposites. Those following the world's pattern seek significance using any and all means, believing that if one "makes it", then "the end justifies the means". Many churches have even adopted this mentality. Some megachurches have sided with those like Tony Robbins and others who have formulas for business growth and success in order to garner more and more followers. If success is determined by revenue and numbers, then they have succeeded. When one considers the beginning of the Calvary Chapel movement under the direction of Pastor Chuck Smith, something completely the opposite is evident. This simple servant of God simply loved God and loved his flock. He never sought personal exaltation or significance, but humbled himself under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This movement grew because the Holy Spirit enabled its growth, rather than following any formula. Whether the Calvary Chapel movement or the "Jesus movement", as this revival was called, continues to grow will depend on whether the shepherds gathered under this banner choose to move forward following this same servant model, or whether they step out in their own strength.
James and John approach Jesus and ask in Mark 10:17, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory". After Jesus asks them if they understand the suffering that will be involved if their request were to be heeded, along with explaining that this will be determined by the Father, we see the story and the teaching continue in Mark 10:41-45, "And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Jesus turned the power structure upside down. Jesus taught in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." He is saying that those who move forward in the opposite of pride, humbling themselves in light of their proper position before a holy God, will be blessed.
But this is not what we see in society. Society scratches its way to be recognized, to gain significance. It has been said, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." We see this in the world of politics. This has never been as evident as it is now in this social media consumed world. There are now those who have gained notoriety by being "influencers" to the world by how they are propped up in social media. Often these individuals have done nothing to better society. My group of physicians have been blessed. We are always full and there is a couple of months wait in order to make an appointment. We have tried to practice this servant model. We have grown by word of mouth over the years. We have been approached on multiple occasions by those who know how to manipulate rankings on the internet, or how quickly our group gets placed on a generic search on the internet. Of course this formula for success would come at a price. We have rejected those who have offered this to us. Personally, I don't want a formula. If the Holy Spirit chooses to help our group grow, then it will grow. If we provide a service that serves our communities then we will continue to move forward. Interestingly, I had never been on social media, until I began this ministry, The One Year Bible Challenge, a few years ago. Completely naive, even how to post something, I started. What I write daily is under the influence of the Holy Spirit. As this ministry has grown, it has been under the influence of the Holy Spirit. My desire is to never lag behind His leading and to never to move ahead without His leading. If it is to grow, then may it be because He desires it to grow. Whatever capacity the Lord has for any of us, may we move forward as thankful servants, seeking His glory and never our own.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: