The letter started with, “You are hereby notified that you have been selected to serve as a
prospective juror and you are therefore commanded to report to the Riley County
Courthouse…” I’ve been eligible to
serve for 36 years and this is the first time I have gotten this far into the process.
I feel strongly about doing my part in the
community, so I was excited about the opportunity. Except for a couple of
things.
The dates for the trial were a concern, because they fell in a busy time for me. But I resolved to make it work. And then, there was one other little thing about
the letter that struck a bit of a sour note for me. It was a word in the first
sentence: “commanded.”
Really? Commanded? It seemed a bit harsh. All they had to do was
ask – I’m more than willing to help. Isn’t everyone? :)
They could have written, “We need your help with an upcoming trial, so please come to the
courthouse on 11/17/2014. We look forward to meeting you. Thank you in advance
for helping us out.” But then again,
I suppose experience has taught them that stronger “encouragement” is needed.
On the night before Jesus died, He got up from the table and
grabbed a basin of water and a towel. And then He washed every dirty foot in
the room – even the feet that were going to betray Him in a few short moments.
After washing their
feet, He put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand
what I was doing? You
call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your
Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as
I have done to you. (John 13:12-15)
The Son of God, left a throne, to come and serve – to offer
an example that encourages and commands us to follow His lead. We have been selected to serve!
Today, in my daily scripture reading I read the following
verse, “A spiritual gift is given to each
of us so we can help each other.” (1 Cor. 12:7) Moments before reading, a friend had invited
me out to his house – I needed some air for a low tire. He had the air compressor
and tire gauge I lacked, so he checked and filled all four of my tires.
Today I witnessed Jesus’ example and Paul’s encouragement!
Friends, “…don’t get
tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of
blessing if we don’t give up.” (Gal. 6:9)
Be excited to follow Christ’s lead. Take what He has given you and use
it to help someone else. Serve with joy – not out of duty!
Selected to Serve,
Ron
