September 5th

September 5th

Read: Philippians 2:5-8 and the references following each stanza.

THE SERVANT
The Servant left His home for me
to ‘try on’ my humanity.
He suffered in the wilderness, Mark 1:9-13
but never once did He transgress
‘though He was tempted sore.

The Servant walked in Galilee,
talking, teaching near the sea,
wearing simple, humble clothes,  Mark 1:16
sleeping where the olive grows,
and eating on the shore.

The Servant saw the smallest need
and understood the wayward deed.
His hands wrought healing in a touch  Mark 2:1-12
that halt and lame might leave the crutch
to leap as ne’er before.

The Servant wept at others’ grief
and suffered taunts of unbelief.
His eyes laid bare the hidden sin, John 4:6-18
then drew hearts to new life within
if they would sin no more.

The Servant o’er His city wept,
in sorrow prayed while His friends slept.
When friend betrayed, He just stood by. Mark 14:35-42
His people shouted, “Crucify!  Mark  15:7-15
“We want Barabbas more!”

The Servant wore a crown of thorn
and bore a cross that dreadful morn.
On Calvary He hung and bled;  Mark 15:17-25
It was for me His blood was shed,   Mark 14:22-24
for me the cross He bore.

When I would Jesus’ servant be
and follow Him in charity,
the spirit wills, but flesh is frail.  Mark 14:38
He understands that I might fail; Heb. 4:15
He’s been this way before.

And yet He whispers in my ear,
“Begin again … and do not fear;
If you but trust me and obey,
I’ll walk beside you all the way  John 14:16-18
My Spirit will outpour.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to trust You all the way.