December 4

Sometimes we can’t help but marvel at the individuals who gain the seat of power. Within companies, top executives defy employees’ understanding of how they came to their lofty positions. Governmental representatives seem wholly out of touch with their constituents and are elected—sometimes over and over again—despite being unresponsive to the will of the people.

Even more mind boggling is that God has opened the gates of Heaven and invited people like us to gain entry simply by receiving Jesus as our Savior. He hasn’t required an elaborate time of preparation on our part. He doesn’t demand that we fulfill stringent requirements for entry. We simply must believe in Jesus.

And when we have come to faith in the God-Man who left His home in glory to sojourn as one of us, we do not need to expect to be elevated above those around us who have not yet come to faith. In fact, the Word tells us that the opposite will be the case. Once we have given ourselves to the Lord, we will be like Him—humble in spirit, not grasping at what we have, but releasing all we possess to be used for His purpose.

Matthew 20:26-28 says, “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant; whoever desires to be first among you must be your slave, as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and gave His life a ransom for many.” The key to greatness in God’s Kingdom begins with surrender and continues with relinquishing—with giving up our rights, with giving up our resources—and relying totally upon His promise that through Jesus we shall prevail.