Monday, December l6, 2002

Luke 22:24-27

With an important teaching, Jesus stopped an argument among his inner band of disciples. He defined true greatness by the use of 2 negatives and 2 positives. Kings and political leaders, Jesus said, have power over people and boast about their service to the people. Jesus warns his disciples not to be like them: arrogant oppressors. Instead, they must be like children--at the bottom of the human pecking order.

Secondly, any would-be great disciple must be the servant of others--be among people like Jesus, as one who serves others.

Here, then, are the marks of true greatness: powerlessness, humility, and willing service. In this week let us look at some persons who seem to measure up as disciples of true greatness.

Delores Herold, long-time member of Alma UMC, gets my vote as a truly great disciple. Growing up in a rural family, Delores performed her childhood chores in the house and on the family farm. After high school graduation, she continued to work mainly at home, but she also did house-cleaning and baby-sitting jobs in the community. Her services were much appreciated, her reputation was widely known.

Throughout her lifetime, Delores served her family enthusiastically. She took major responsibility for the care of her parents, and she was a much-loved sister of her brothers. Their children and grandchildren considered her a wonderful aunt/great aunt.

Delores served her church faithfully and cheerfully in many ways: Sunday School and Vacation Church School teacher, worship liturgist, mission committee chair, financial secretary, active member of the UMW, and writer of the Alma UMC news for the charge's monthly newsletter. She missed Sunday worship only for reasons of sickness or snow-covered roads.

In the l2 years that I knew her, Delores earned my respect as a disciple of true greatness. She proves to me that all of us, regardless of our academic, professional or civic achievements, can and should aspire to true greatness as disciples of our Lord Jesus.

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.

Neighbors are rich and poor, neighbors are black and white, neighbors are near and far away.
     These are the ones we should serve, these are the ones we should love,
          all these are neighbors to us and you.

Jesu. Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.
               UM Hymnal #432

Frank Kuhlman

All contents copyright 2002 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.