We are living in extraordinary times that have not been experienced in the Western world for several generations. We have been used to a broadly unlimited supply of food and the basic necessities of life. The extreme situations, for example, of famine in Ethiopia that resulted in the huge public response to aid agencies in this country in 1984 was a turning point as modern media could now convey images of suffering and disaster around the world. Humankind now lives in a global village and could not be unaware of what was happening in other parts of the planet.
In former centuries governments and other major institutions made little or no attempts to address these crises. In part due to a lack of resources to do anything. It was a Welsh Baptist missionary in China, Timothy Richard, who in 1876-1878 appealed to anyone who would listen to his cries for aid for vast numbers of starving Chinese. The accounts of the suffering are easily as bad as Ethiopia in the 1980s. With limited means and volunteers and a complete absence of modern technology Richard and his team were credited with saving nearly 160,000 lives (B. Reeve, Timothy Richard D.D. China Missionary Statesman and Reformer, p. 53).
Millions of other lives had been lost but Richard demonstrated to governments and other agencies that decisive collective action can avert appalling tragedies (William E. Soothill, Timothy Richard of China, pp, 99-105). His name is largely forgotten today, but because of his vision others grasped what could be done to ensure suffering was minimised when ‘natural disasters’ occur. Humanity owes a debt of gratitude to Timothy Richard.
Our Bible passage today is Luke 22:24-27: A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. What does it teach us today?
1.Individuals missing the point (Luke 22:24) A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. It is the Last Supper the night before Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus has told His closest disciples that this would be their last meal together as a ministry team and then lead them in the first service of communion as they broke bread and drank wine together. This had to be a most solemn occasion. Did they all get it that they needed to work together to stand with Jesus? It is hard to believe that some of those grown men were arguing as to which of them was considered to be greatest. It is easy to see the mistakes of other people. Under pressure sometimes people do crazy things so out of character. We can all be tempted to act inappropriately at times. In our current crisis – how are you and I handling the pressure? Am I focussed on what is most important or am I distracted by some unimportant things?
2. A model not to be followed (Luke 22: 25) Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.Jesus highlighted that there are always people who think of themselves and forget about others in a time of need. In moments of crisis there are always ordinary people who rise magnificently to the challenge and do a great job in assisting those in need; and others who reveal the less appealing side of human nature. The important thing when we want to criticise others for their choices is to look honestly into our own hearts and ask what would I have done and how can I be better in my conduct than the behavioural choices I reject? Other people may agree or disagree with the choices we make. Their opinions may be ill-informed or well-grounded, but what matters most is our heart motivation which God sees.
3. An example to imitate (Luke 22:26-27) But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. Our calling is to have a servant heart and to think of the needs of others not just ourselves. I want to thank God for the many examples I have seen in this congregation of people serving others in so many different ways. It is one of my greatest joys as the pastor to be so proud of individuals who have served with distinction in care for others. I want to say from my heart a big thank you even now for what has been done in this crisis so far and in anticipation of further acts of generosity and kindness to those in need in the coming days.
Brian Talbot