The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 6)

JESUS CHRIST WAS GOD'S SERVANT.

Understand that Jesus isn't asking you to do anything He didn't model.

• In the Old Testament, Jesus was called the Servant.
• There are portions in Isaiah that are referred to as “The Servant Songs.”
• In the New Testament, Jesus called Himself “Servant” (Mk. 10:45; Lu. 22:27).
•  He was God's chosen servant (Lu. 9:35).
•  He was a humble servant (Mt. 11:29).
• He was an obedient servant (Mt. 26:39; Phil. 2:8).
• He was a focused servant.
• He was a silent servant (Isa. 53:7; Mt. 26:62-63a).
• He was a reliable servant (Jn. 17:4).

Jesus fulfilled the task – “drove the donkey” – that He was called to.

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin 4:22-24) (Part 5)

Conclusion:

Both the world and the church could do with fewer self-appointed superstars and more donkey-

drivers (more servants). Which would you rather be – Elisha, who does the miracle, or the unnamed servant, who drives the donkey? If we were honest, most of us would not choose to drive the donkey. It's not as exciting as raising the dead!

Here is God's invitation today: Will you drive the donkey? What do you mean, Pastor? Think of a “donkey” as a simple, non-glamorous task, for which you will receive little thanks, yet its completion is essential to the ongoing testimony of our church's story. You will champion this task by taking it on yourself.

Here are a few donkeys that need to be driven.

• The nursery needs to be re-done and brought up to daycare standards.
• The fellowship hall roof needs to be replaced immediately.
• The annual Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach needs to be coordinated.

Quote: "Christianity “is an intensely practical thing.”¹ (William Barclay) Without the practical things being done, the spiritual things don't seem to work as well.

If you want to “drive the donkey”, then you must embrace the traits of a servant.

1Barclay, William. The Letters To The Corinthians. Revised Edition. Daily Study Bible Series. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1975. p. 116. (Barclay is commenting on 1 Cor. 12:28 re: “helps.”)

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 4)

5. THE SERVANT WAS RELIABLE.

HE WAS TRUSTED WITH THE WELFARE OF HIS MASTER'S BRIDE. All of a sudden, such a “menial” task took on great seriousness. The servant wasn't just driving a donkey; he was providing needed assistance for his master's wife and would be responsible for her welfare.

Instead of labeling what you are doing as “insignificant” or “menial”, consider Who it is that called you to do it. The “Who” must always frame the “what.”

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 3)

3. THE SERVANT WAS OBEDIENT.

WHEN ASKED TO DRIVE THE DONKEY, THE SERVANT DIDN'T COMPLAIN OR REBEL.

• He wasn't put out nor was he put down by being asked to do such a menial task.
• He didn't cop an attitude: “Now you're going to tell me how to drive the donkey?”
• He just wanted to do what he could with excellence and skill, while pleasing his authority.

4. THE SERVANT WAS FOCUSED.

HE DIDN'T SEE THE NEED TO TALK.  In the story, the servant didn't say one word to anyone. He made no small talk and gave no advice. 

How easily talk can sidetrack or distract people!  I travel Route 66 south often. Usually my intended destination is Monroeville, and my intended stops there are bookstores or specialty food stores. I know, what a narrow life, right?  Occasionally I have to go to Greensburg. I can't tell you how many times I've started towards Greensburg, only to find myself halfway up the ramp to Route 380 towards Monroeville.

No, my memory isn't slipping – at least I don't think so. Rather, it is that sometimes I can't drive and talk. If I don't concentrate on where I am going, I will end up somewhere else. It is not uncommon for my co-pilot to remind me, “Remember, you're not getting off here.”

In my situation, I turned around and got back on track towards Greensburg. I wasted a little time, but I still arrived at my destination.  In today's story, the servant couldn't afford to waste any time. Getting to Elisha sooner than later was essential. Had he made one wrong turn, perhaps the story doesn't end well.

You can talk yourself right into incompetency! When you need to act, talking something to death won't get the job done.

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 2)

FIVE OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE UNNAMED SERVANT

1. THE SERVANT WAS CHOSEN. 

THE MASTER SELECTED HIM FROM AMONG HIS MANY WORKERS. What a privilege when the Master calls you to serve! Remember that He could've called someone else. Since He didn't, that makes you both necessary and special.

2. THE SERVANT WAS HUMBLE. 

HE KNEW WHAT HE COULDN'T DO. He couldn't resurrect the boy or comfort the mother. Either one would've been a “big” deal – highly noticed and much appreciated.

HE KNEW WHAT HE COULD DO. He could drive the donkey. That doesn't sound glamorous, does it? After all, when someone wants to make a contribution, he wants to make one that counts. Don't serve Jesus out of the capabilities you wish you had; serve Jesus out of the capability and opportunity that you do have.

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 1)

Introduction:

Society tends to put down those who are lowly, meek or quiet. Often they are considered “second class”. Some prefer that they be neither seen nor heard.

Society often values the wrong things.

• There is an emphasis on greatness, not humility.
• There is an emphasis on fame, not duty.
• There is an emphasis on rights, not responsibility.
• There is an emphasis on notoriety, not obscurity.
• There is an emphasis on aptitude, not attitude.
• There is an emphasis on leading, not serving.

Society tends to look down on, forget about or ignore the “small”, whether it is an event, a place or a person. Yet, great consequences come from small things. 

• Illustration: Tongue (Jam. 3:5)
• Illustration: O-Ring (Challenger)¹

This week's story is about a little man. No, his name is not Zacchaeus. (Only you Sunday School enthusiasts got that one.)

• We do not know his name or where he was from.
• We do not know why he was chosen for an assignment.
• We do not know anything that he might have said or thought.
• We only know that he was a servant who completed his work.

Read 2 Kin. 4:18-37 for context. This week's message is based upon verses 22-24.

What, exactly, did the servant do? He drove a donkey. That's it. What a resume builder! Can you imagine his next job interview?

“I see that you are in the domestic servant business.” Can you tell me about that?”

“I was servant for a prominent Shunammite man and his wife.”

“I see. What task did you most recently perform for that couple?”

“Well, I drove a donkey.”

In our world, there is slim chance that man gets hired because he can drive a donkey. Remember, though, that without this servant's donkey-driving expertise, there might not have been a miracle, since the woman wouldn't have gotten quickly to Elisha.

The unnamed, faithful servant is essential to this story. What can be said about him? There are five observations to consider.

1http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/explode.html (accessed 08-06-16)

Faithfulness in Little Things (2 Kin. 3:11)

Elisha's attributed claim was that he used to pour water on Elijah's hands.  That's an honorable task, else it wouldn't be mentioned.  Today we might think, "That's it?  That's your biggest accomplishment?"

Jehoshaphat knew something we easily forget.  Those who cannot faithfully administrate humble tasks cannot be trusted to bear the weight of more serious affairs.  Faithfulness in little things matters.  Those who won't be servants shouldn't be leaders.

God, help me never to be above the "little things."  Let me be a servant, like Elisha, whether or not that service leads to greater things.  The goal is faithfulness, not promotion.  Let me do what I do to please You.  That's enough.

Concerning Foot-Washing (Jn. 13:14)

We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 13:1-20.

Responsibility. Do acts of service. Don't just receive them. Don't wait to be asked. Take initiative. Volunteer.

Humility. Come down from your high horse. Lower yourself. Stoop down. Remember that you came from dust. You carry your own dust to be dealt with.

Perspective. Every traveler has dirty feet. We all struggle against sin. Outlook is important. You can look for the dirt or look for the water; you can condemn sin or celebrate the cleansing. Washing feet is your duty. You "ought" to do this -- not "ought" as in possibility or an ideal, but "ought" as in duty or debt. When you fail to serve, you are stealing; you are taking away something rightfully owed another person.

Friend of the Bridegroom (Jn. 3:22-36)

We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Yesterday's reading was John 3:22-36.
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John was not the center of attention. All attention was to go to the bride and groom. The "friend" was a servant. Our culture sends a constant message: "It's all about you." Sorry, but it ain't so. Most writers of the New Testament called themselves "servants" or "bond-servants": Paul (Rom. 1:1; 2 Cor. 6:4; Phil. 1:1; Tit. 1:1), James (Jam. 1:1), Peter (2 Pet. 1:1), Jude (Jude v. 1), and John (Rev. 1:1). Are you comfortable being a servant?

John had specific responsibilities as "friend of the bridegroom." He was to send the invitations, bring the bride and groom together, preside at the feast, and guard the bridal chamber from false lovers. Quite significant responsibilities for "just a servant," wouldn't you say? Never underestimate the impact of one faithful act of service.

John's greatest joy was to hear the bridegroom's voice. When he heard that voice, he knew his "friend" duties were completed. Jesus will keep on speaking until He comes for His bride (the Church). When that happens, He will shout (1 Thess. 4:16). Do you cherish the sound of your own voice or are you actively and patiently waiting for the Groom's voice?

The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The Church belongs to Jesus. It doesn't belong to the denomination. It doesn't belong to the founders. It doesn't belong to the board. It doesn't belong to the Pastor. The Church belongs to Jesus. He called it "My Church" (Mt. 16:18). Let's take good care of Jesus' Bride.

Observations from John 13:1-11

1. Great leaders are great servants. If you won't serve, don't even think about leadership.
2. Find the one thing not being done because it is too lowly or unglamorous; do it until someone else volunteers.
3. Beware the mental trap that suggests, "I shouldn't have to do this." Why not? Why not you? It is not a question about obligation ("I have to.") but about willingness ("Will you?").
4. Apathy isn't broken by thought or itention; apathy is only broken by action. Everyone knew the 26 feet should be washed. Everyone waited for someone to do it. Nobody moved. At least not for a while. Finally, the leader moved. Jesus became the servant. He did the job any one of the others could've done.
5. You can't wear the robe and the towel at the same time. The robe represents title, authority, position and comfort. The towel represents service, lowliness, discomfort, and humility.
6. Sometimes you don't have to create an opportunity; you just have to seize the one that is already there.

Traits of Servants (Mt 20:20-28)

Yesterday's reading was Matthew 20-21.

1. Servants don't seek greatness for themselves.
2. Servants are not concerned with title, position or power.
3. Servants should be prepared for some suffering (re: the "cup" Jesus spoke about).
4. Servants do not dominate or intimidate.
5. Servants are givers, not takers. They are others-focused.