Good morning: Do you recognize the name Pat Tillman? He played in the NFL in the late 1990s for the Arizona Cardinals. But his name became headline news for something else. After the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Tillman stunned almost everyone by walking away from professional football, millions of dollars, and all the perks of fame in order to join the U.S. Army. Eventually, he fought and died in Afghanistan. Who would do that? Why would anyone willingly give up so much and put their life on the line for so little in visible rewards? It takes a servant’s heart which is not focused on self, but on the wellbeing of others. As extraordinary as Tillman’s sacrifice was, there is an even greater example of a servant’s heart in the Lord Jesus. He is the eternal God Himself, yet He became flesh and blood in the humblest of circumstances. He put aside the full use of His power and glory in order to be our substitute under the Law and fulfill it for us. He came to put His life on the line. He became obedient to death, even the death of the cross. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). By Jesus’ sacrificial life and death, God sees us as holy and pleasing to Him.“ When Jesus draws us to Himself in faith, the Spirit gives us a servant heart too. “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). When you go out of your way to serve your spouse, your children, your parents, those with whom you work, your neighbors, and even your enemies, it’s a way to expressing your love for the Servant who was thinking of your salvation when He hung on the cross. May we think of Him today and gladly serve in His name. Yours in Christ, Pastor Anyone is welcome to join the activity committee this morning, beginning at 10:00, in taking down the Christmas trees and putting away decorations. Services tomorrow are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. The choir will sing in first service. Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m. and adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. The Bible class study will be: “10 Lies About God: There Are Many Ways Into God’s Presence.”
