092 Thursday, April 2, 2009

092 Judges 15 & 16; Mark 10.35 - 10.52

Relationships can kill you. Books are written about people who became friends with and then are used by people who are "takers" and not "givers." Israel was given a land that was inhabited by tribes of people who were "takers." These people were idol worshipers which is a form of self worship because the idols are made with their hands. They wanted nothing to do with Yahweh. The sad problem is to see judges, leaders of Israel to behave no better than the people they were commanded to throw out. This is Samson. Samson had issues with the opposite sex and it was his downfall. He told Delilah his secret and he was captured. All he had to do was marry an Israelite. But no, he had to be a taker. Solomon and even his dad were takers. Israel's downfall in the end was that they turned out to be takers.

A man once told me there are only two camps and they are givers and takers. Which camp are you in right now? I believe it is the battle. God is a giver and sin is all about taking what is rightfully God's. In the book of Romans we find out we are glory hogs. We are to give God all the glory.

Oh my! Now we turn to Mark and two of the disciples are wanting the highest places of honor. Jesus sets the record straight about the high places of honor they are reserved for the best givers. They are reserved for the best servants. You want to be great? Then be a servant of all. The next time someone treats you like a servant, respond like one.