The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Matthew 20:20-28 / Psalm 68

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God that dwell in the tents of wickedness.”
Psalm 84:10

Greatness in the service of the Lord

The Psalmist makes it clear that he would rather take a humble post in the Temple than find comfortable lodging with those who make capital by exploiting others. No doubt we find his choice a good one. We, too, would serve the Lord with gladness. Too often we strive to be great and important people, noticed and honored by others. This was how Jesus’ disciples felt, desiring to be the great ones in His kingdom. Our Lord indicated this to a mother who wanted the highest seats for her sons that honor comes not by Lording it others, but by serving. When the other disciples heard that the mother of these two sons asked for preferential treatment, they became jealous. Our Lord cleared up the matter by stating that they are great in the Kingdom who out of love for Him serve one another. Christ said: “as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to me” [Matthew 25:40].

Dear Lord, may our service always be filled with Your love, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

February 21, 1969