“Jesus knew on the evening of Passover Day that it would be his last night on earth before returning to his Father. During supper, the devil had already suggested to Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that this was the night to carry out his plan to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. And how he loved his disciples! So he got up from the supper table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his loins, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel he had around him. When he came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Master, you shouldn’t be washing our feet like this!” Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now why I am doing it; some day you will.” (John 13:1-7 The Living Bible)
This past Sunday, the person who normally plays the drums at our church was out, ill. We usually have a trio of musicians playing as the choir sings: a keyboard virtuoso, a well-known bass player, known around the country, and the professional drummer. As I approached the pulpit before service began, I informed the two musicians present that the drummer would be out. I went on to say to the bass play, with the intention of being humorous, “Looks like you will have to play them both.”
The choir starts rendering their first selection. I look over to the area reserved for the talented musicians, to the left of the choir. What do I see? I see the bass player with his bass guitar strapped around his neck, playing the drums, and let me add, playing them very well. What I had said to be humorous, really, turned out to be a heaven-sent reality, and really helpful.
Don’t just read the above as a happening, for if you do, you will overlook the meaning behind why I have shared this with you. There is a point. When we see a need; when we see the work, when we see a situation where we have the ability to help and there is no dangerous risk involved, follow the examples of the drummer and of the divine Song of God. Don’t excuse yourself because something does not fall under your job description or your main gift! Don’t say, ‘That’s not my gift!” Know that God can use you in a mighty way when you see work that needs to be done and you step out of your comfort zone or excuse yourself by limiting what you do to tasks that match your title! Yes, He can! Sometimes you will help somebody along the way. Other times you will find yourself taking on the role of a comforter. You may be the person who sees a stranded person and you at least call for help. You may be asked to fill in for someone, much like the musician did above. You may not typically pray publicly, but you might meet somebody who asks you for prayer and you will need to go blind to your surroundings and pray for that person right there on the spot. You may not be the person who cleans the church or maintains the church yard, but if you see something that needs to be picked up, straightened up, or cleaned up, go ahead and serve. Be a good steward. As it was with the bass player, where the music went on, the music of saintly living will go on and the impact of your stepping in, the impact of your stepping out of your normal role, will be incredible and impart a lesson to others. Have a great Tuesday, my friend! Be blessed!
“Serve the Lord with gladness…” Psalm 100:2a NKJV)
Mark L. King