As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’” vs. 33
Luke 19:28-40
When Jesus was approaching Jerusalem for the last time he made a conscious decision to enter the city riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey. That image has taken hold of our imagination almost as completely as that of the cross. His mode of transport made abundantly clear that he was coming to his end, not as a majestic and triumphant king, but as the humble servant of all.
Through the centuries men and women who have taken seriously their call to serve have chosen to identify with Jesus by adopting his spirit of humility. St. Francis of 13th century Assisi got rid of his expensive garments and wore the mantle of a beggar. Currently the pope bearing his name has chosen to live, not in the papal palace, but in a small one bedroom apartment. Imagine what it would be like if those claiming to be spiritual leaders today would have the same desire to walk humbly with the Lord! It’s astounding what an affect our decision to adopt the servant model will have on our witness to the world. What a contrast this is to the jet-set lifestyles of contemporary evangelists! Of course it’s not easy to live humbly in our consumptive culture. We’re daily bombarded with messages encouraging us to adopt the habits of the rich – and sadly, some go into debt in their reckless pursuit of luxury. What a waste!
Thought for the Day: What is luxurious living?
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