February 26

I am among you as he that serveth.—Luke 22:27.

CHRIST possessed in himself all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. By him all things consist; and before his great and lofty throne, all the intelligencies of glory, worship and adore. How deeply humiliating then, must that station appear, which the Saviour cheerfully assumed for us men, and for our salvation. He became a man, a poor man, a man despised and rejected; yea, he became the servant of man, was with us, "as he that serveth." Christ's whole life, was one prolonged scene of servitude. He was emphatically Jehovah's servant, and to honour and glorify him, was his great delight, his meat and drink. But he was also the servant of man; and he was found constantly ministering to his necessities. He served man by his daily instructions, communicating the knowledge of life and salvation. In word and doctrine, he laboured with incessant care and toil. Look at the numerous sermons and parables which he delivered to the people. Then he served amongst us by the exercise of his miraculous powers, constantly going about doing good, healing the sick, restoring the blind, and making the hearts of the wretched and miserable to dance for joy. As a servant he displayed the greatest possible cheerfulness and delight. His

11 whole soul rejoiced in ministering to the children of men. As a servant, he was distinguished for faithfulness and constancy. He never turned aside from his work; and at all seasons, and in all places, he was amongst us, as one that serveth. Then as a servant he was distinguished for great humility and self-denial. Consider the disparity between him that served, and those to whom he ministered. It was dignity serving the degraded; Greatness serving the low; the King serving, not only his subjects, but rebels. It was the God of heaven, serving the creatures of earth. As a servant, he was ever meek and lowly; when reviled and calumniated, he either was silent, or opened his lips to pronounce blessings on his revilers. What a model for Christian imitation. How un-christ-like to seek great things for ourselves; to seek a preeminence over our brethren. In love, we should serve one another, and bear one another's burdens; and thus fulfil not only the law, but also copy the example of Christ.