Great Saints
February 24, 2011
The Bible uses the
word
great, in its various forms, to
describe many items. In the Book of
Matthew alone, great describes:
multitudes, faith, joy, fear, darkness, mourning, tribulation, signs, and glory.
Great also describes: a
fall, a tempest, a calm, an earthquake, a stone, a sound, and a commandment.
But the use this author is most interested is when scripture uses great
to describe a saint. In God’s eyes,
what makes a saint great?
Three
qualities come to mind when reading Matt 20:20-34.
-
Humility
- James, John, and their
mother thought greatness came with power and prestige.
Jesus said the opposite was true.
Greatness comes not from exalting self; but exalting the wants,
desires, needs, and opinions of others
(Matt 11:11, 18:1-4).
-
Service
- Notice the reaction of the
disciples, they moved with indignation against James and John.
Jesus said the servant among you shall be the greatest, not the most
talented (Matt 23:11, Luke 22:24-27).
-
Giving
- Contrast Jesus’ reaction
with the disciples’ reaction to the blind men.
The disciples rebuked and hustled along, whereas Jesus stood still
and showed compassion. Time and
touch are often the most important giving one will give (Luke 10:33-34, Jam
1:27).
Yes, humility,
service, and giving make a saint great; but these qualities also make for great:
husbands, wives, parents, children, churches, members, employees,
employers … So, let’s be great!
Article
Written by Elder Dolph Painter, Moriah Primitive Baptist Church
pastordolph@aol.com
This site created by Steve McCannon.
This page last
updated 07/04/2011
