Least to the Greatest

For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.

—Luke 9:48b NIV

Sometimes the last thing we understand is the importance of taking care of small things. We may tell ourselves that we are ready to die for Christ, but then we don't live for Him in the small details. A real disciple takes care of every area of his life. He surrenders everything in his life which separates Him from God's love—his actions, his thoughts, his motives, the small details. He makes himself least so that Jesus might become more.

Christ became the least for you, and the least for me. He made himself the least in His father's eyes when He took on my sin. He was perfect in every way. Spotless, without deceit or jealousy or hate or bitterness or greed or His own agenda, He said “yes” to His father's plan for saving my life. That acceptance meant the perfect love Jesus had with His own father would be broken, and His father would be unable to look upon the ugliness of my sin in His son. But Jesus made himself least, and gave His life so that sin's ability to destroy my life would be broken. Sin that had forever separated me from God's perfect love was crucified on that cross—completely, finally, once and for all.

From the least He became the greatest. He was raised from the dead into newness of life. He lives with His father in heaven forever exalted for His sacrificial gift that promises abundant life now and eternal life forever. He may be with His father, but I am not alone here on earth! I have the promise of the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and empower my life. Daily He asks me to be least so that he might be the greatest.

Jesus asks me to lay down all that I am, so that I can receive all that He is. Just as He freely gave His life, I am called to make myself least for the sake of others. I am called to learn sacrifice of my own desires. I am called to overcome prideful wants, agendas, plans, and purposes. It is my decision to lay all of these down. In choosing His will above my own, I learn to be His servant in the least thing. Because He became the least for me, my heart rejoices in whatever He asks. Then perhaps I may learn one day the humility to be His servant in the greatest.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com