Do you think you have someone figured out?  Do you ever tell them how predictable they are after they have done what you thought they might do?  Of course if you told them before hand they would not do it just to prove that they were not as predictable as you said they were!  This weekend is Palm Sunday and while it is a big deal to have the Lord come through the Eastern Gate to the cheering throngs, it is easy to forget what Jesus said and did while on the Mt of Olives before He entered the city.  He wept.  God's people (and they are reflective of all people) have a rather predictable pattern of choosing the second best option.  What the people wanted on Palm Sunday was a Deliverer...from Roman oppression.  What they needed was a Savior to deliver them from sin.  In God's amazing grace even their rejection of Him as Savior provided what mankind really needed...but most of the ones present that day missed it.  At least one of the big lessons for Palm Sunday is that God sometimes gives us what we want instead of what we need...and sometimes in spite of what we need.  Let's trust Him to describe what we need...and receive what He has provided for our need.

When I read those words in Mark 10:45 I am amazed that I would ever wonder if there is value in serving others.  Selfishness, egocentrism, I, me, mine... yuck.  That is the stuff we fight as regularly as flies in the summertime.  God designed the universe for humble interdependence not for selfish individualism.  Just imagine what the world would be like if everyone did what was right in his/her own eyes.  Oh, wait, there's a whole book of the Bible that describes that; (if your stomach is not already upset read Judges.)  The world will simply not work if we are selfish.  Let's bring it down from the macro "world" to church and home.  Our homes will not work, our church will not work if we are all about "me."  The consumer mentality may drive an economy but the bottom line in the economy is the bottom line. The money makes it work.  Who will serve if no money is involved?  Who will see the worth of serving others because of the value of others?  Who will be content with the smile of the Father and the prospect of "Well done good and faithful servant?" If people do not set aside their own agenda and think of others more highly than themselves the wheels will come off our little car in a hurry.  I'm preaching a short sermon this week.  This concept doesn't need a lot of explanation.  Let's celebrate and thank those who serve.  Let's provoke one another to love and good works.  As we think of one another in the context of service, let's say with Paul, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you!"