Bible Studies
REFLECTIONS TO WORSHIP 2
Read Psalm 84:10-12 and Luke 22:24-27
Psalm 84: 10-12
10Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Luke 22:24-27
24 Also a dispute 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 ones 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.”
Reflect on the following questions:
- Should we aspire to greatness in God’s kingdom?
- How does the Church allow national government influence its thinking about greatness?
- When we think of doorkeepers in the house of God, what persons do we think of first?
- The word Jesus uses of himself as servant (I am among you as one who serves) is the word for deacon, often translated minister.
- Why doesn’t Jesus use the word for pastor or presbyter/elder or bishop?
- What does it mean for Church leaders that Jesus used the word for himself that originally had to do with waiting on tables?
- What are some of the symbols of deaconing that Jesus uses in his ministry?
- What does the Reformed understanding of the priesthood of all believers say to these matters?
Harry Heintz is pastor of Brunswick Presbyterian Church in Troy,
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