Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Supremacy- God's Word in Black and White

 
 
I've always thought that supremacy for people was weird. 
Having studied and observed people over the years, none of us got it that way!
How do we become supreme when we all are subject to the same thing?  We all have to eat, discard waste, we all get sick and  we all can experience wealth, poverty, stupidity, happiness, loss of loved ones,  and pain.  Yet, today we are dealing with one culture v/s all others trying to define supremacy. The desire alone to be supreme shows a deficiency or need.  It is almost like having to hurt you or ridicule you to feel better about what is wrong in my own life. 
 
  
SUPREME is defined as: of authority or an office, (or someone holding it) superior to all others
 
I realize that many do not believe in Christianity....what some call the "White Man's Religion" and that is fine.  I trust Jesus and have governed my life by the bible for over 30+ years.  I have examined other thoughts and beliefs, but this is the only one that has helped me lay aside stuff and grow into who I am today.  I don't expect everyone to accept it, but I know for myself and  I am not guessing or subject to being offended by others thoughts about my bible, or Jesus. The funny thing about calling it a 'White Man's Religion' is that if you read the bible and see what God requires of everyone who follows Him,  it is an indictment against racism all together. It is as plain as black and white.
 

SUPREMACY IN THE BIBLE

Matthew 23:11
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
 
The bible is very plain about who the greatest is.  It is not found in a group of people, nor is it found just because you seek it.  The greatest is found in serving.  If you  really want to be thought of in a high fashion, it requires serving people. (but if your motive is wrong, you still miss it!)   Reaching out to those who cannot do for themselves, abolishing homelessness, feeding the hungry, loving others as Christ did, building hospitals, establishing things that can benefit everyone.  If we were serious about serving, we would make sure everyone who has the capacity to help also had the education and opportunity to.  It is about the task, reaching and touching people.  Only God should get the glory for the task being done.  If you want to be great in God's eyes.....SERVE.
 
 

DESIRING SUPREMACY

Matthew 20:20-28
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.“ What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”  “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”  When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.  Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
 
 
This story in the bible is interesting to me.  This mother really just wanted the best for her sons.  Somehow she thought that the two seats that were available should be given to her sons.  I don't know what her sons had that was so precious or powerful.. except that she was a mom who wanted the best for them.... but what about everyone else's sons?  Were they that much better than everyone else? No, many went on to serve in a much greater capacity than they did.  Again we hear, if you want to be great, be a servant... a slave.   Jesus Himself didn't come to make a name for Himself, He came as a servant,  for mankind. He took on sickness for our healing, poverty for our riches and made Himself of no reputation.   If you want to be supreme, stop trying to force it, learn to be a slave to others, (voluntarily) .. humility grants us our own seat, instead of trying to take one away from others.
 

A FINAL WORD IN THE WORD

Some things don't need narration, so I will end this right here.....In Black and White!
 
Romans 12:9-21
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
 
 

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