Coffee With The Lord

I was at a banquet several years ago where I was being honored and was receiving an award… I even got to sit at the head table!  During the meal a wonderful African-American man served our table diligently, cheerfully, and graciously! 

All of that came to mind as I read this passage today during “coffee with the Lord”…

“A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them was considered to be greatest.  Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.  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.  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!” (From Luke 22:24–27)

As I read this passage today I asked myself, “Who was my Lord and Savior most like?  The guy sitting at the head table about to receive an award?  Or the one serving with diligence, cheerfulness and grace?  The words of Jesus pierced my heart today… “I AM AMONG YOU AS ONE WHO SERVES!”  Oh, I want to be done with the petty discussions of “who is considered the greatest” among us!  Instead I aspire to be like Jesus… “I AM AMONG YOU AS ONE WHO SERVES.”

Just a delicious “sip” from my time of “Coffee with the Lord” this morning!

“Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust! Make me to know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul! … Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God! May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” (From Psalm 143:8-10 ESV)

I am so grateful for a Dad who taught his sons the importance and value of a positive work ethic. For Dad Bartel (Ewalt by name) a full day’s work accomplishing physical tasks was one of the most satisfying things he enjoyed. (See the pic – I only wish I had a pic of him at work in his characteristic “bib overalls!”) Dad was a first generation son of a German immigrant. He did not speak any English until he was 12 years old and to the day of his departure from this life to heaven he spoke with a heavy German accent. I remember fondly, him sighing deeply after a full day of hard physical work on the farm saying, “Awk, dat vas a goot day!” He taught his sons to feel that way about a full day of constructive labor… “Awk, dat vas a goot day!”

Apostle Paul, felt the same way (but with a heavy Hebrew accent ! This is what he said…

“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you… keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us… follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate… We gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6–10)

So, a positive work ethic is more than just a solid social value… It is a spiritual matter and part of a practical Christian testimony! Thank you Dad (Ewalt Walter Bartel) for inculcating it in the in the lives of your sons! I’ve tried to do it in the lives of my children. Jesus knew the fatigue that came from a full day in the carpenter shop – as well as the bone weariness of a full day of ministry to others. Paul knew the exhaustion of a long day of tent-making as well as mental fatigue that concern for all the churches brought to him. Practical Christianity here! The value of a positive work ethic!!