The Power of Servanthood: A Path to Redemption

I think the idea of being a servant is often not appreciated as much as it should be. I think we also overlook those who serve well. The sanitation person who picks up the trash from our homes every week does not get enough respect. Likewise, the person who washes the patient in the nursing home or rehabilitation center receives little honor. They do not get credit for their work.  

You’ve probably watched the show Dirty Jobs starring Mike Rowe. In it, he features many of the dirty jobs. We often don’t credit people for doing these jobs. Most of us would never want to do these jobs. Yet, we would regret it if no one was willing to do them. Some of those jobs are not just thankless jobs, they are also often risky and hazardous jobs. I am grateful for the men and women who serve as civil servants. Police officers and fire fighters perform vital roles. Then there are others like farmers, butchers, nurses, pastors, and teachers. They are seldom valued for much of what they face in their daily lives.

Servanthood has been a powerful force for good throughout history. The Bible presents numerous examples of individuals whose acts of selfless service led to redemption and hope for others. The courage of Esther and devotion of Ruth demonstrate this power. The integrity of Joseph and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus further underscore it. 

Esther: Courageous Advocate for Her People 

Esther's story is one of bravery and selflessness. As a young Jewish queen in a foreign land, she risked her life to save her people from annihilation. When faced with the edict to destroy the Jews, Esther could have remained silent and safe within the palace walls. Instead, she chose to advocate for her people, saying, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Her courageous act of servanthood saved the Jewish nation. It also demonstrated the profound impact that one individual's selfless actions can have on the lives of many.

It would have been so easy for her to be selfish and try to save herself by remaining quiet. However, her uncle Mordecai made it abundantly clear that such thinking was not a guarantee of safety. If people learned about her Jewish identity, she would be in danger. They would find out she tried to keep it a secret. Esther bravely faced the risks and consequences of confronting the king about the injustice imposed on her people. Her actions left an indelible mark on the king. She challenged him to see beyond his previous views and to have a change of heart. He could not change the law. However, he made a new law. This law leveled the playing field so that the children of God could save themselves.  

Ruth: Devotion and Loyalty Rewarded 

Ruth's story is one of loyalty and devotion. Her husband died. She chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi. They returned to Naomi's homeland of Israel. Ruth's decision to leave her own people and serve Naomi was an act of deep love and commitment. In Bethlehem, Ruth's hard work and faithfulness caught the attention of Boaz, a relative of Naomi. Boaz, recognizing Ruth's devotion, redeemed her by marrying her and securing her future. Through Ruth's servanthood, she found redemption for herself. She also became an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. 

Joseph: Integrity in the Face of Adversity 

Joseph's journey from slavery to a position of power in Egypt is a testament to servanthood. It also highlights the power of integrity. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph faced numerous trials, including false accusations and imprisonment. Despite these challenges, Joseph remained faithful and continued to serve others, including interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh's officials. His unwavering integrity and service eventually led to his rise as the second-in-command of Egypt. Joseph's leadership during a time of famine not only saved Egypt. It also provided for his own family, who came seeking food. Through his selfless actions, Joseph became a source of redemption for both his family and the nation. 

Jesus: The Ultimate Act of Servanthood 

The greatest example of servanthood in the Bible is found in Jesus Christ. His life and ministry were marked by acts of compassion, healing, and teaching. However, His ultimate act was His selfless sacrifice on the cross. It stands as the most profound testament to the power of serving others. Jesus' death and resurrection provided humanity with the opportunity for redemption and a path to eternal life. This act of servanthood was driven not by obligation, but by love. Jesus himself said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13). Through His sacrifice, Jesus calls us to serve others selflessly. He knows that through our service, we can bring hope. We can also bring redemption to those around us. 

Conclusion 

The stories of Esther, Ruth, Joseph, and Jesus illustrate how the incredible power of servanthood can lead to redemption. We can become so jaded at the thought of having to serve. As a result, we never consider how our service to others can pave the way to redemption. When we serve others selflessly, we can make a significant difference. Doing so with love allows us to deeply impact the lives of those around us.  

In a world that often emphasizes self-interest, these biblical examples remind us of the transformative power of putting others first. Let us embrace the call to servanthood. We know that through our acts of service, we can bring hope. We can bring healing and redemption to those in need.