Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 9:30-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"
Verse 34But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest.
Verse 35He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."
Verse 36Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them,
Verse 37"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."
Devotion
I was privileged to serve on the staff of a storied university church from which had come many great leaders. Over the years members and staff had become leaders in the wider church, the academy, and a variety of local and state political offices.
Walking into the building on my first day, I was filled with both awe and trepidation. On Friday of that week, the lead pastor came to my office with a note. It contained two names and addresses. I was asked if I could pick these people up and bring them to the early service. The lead was picking up two other people. So began my ministry in this renowned congregation.
I served with two of the most gifted lead pastors in the entire church during my tenure there. In simple, powerful ways they shaped my understanding of leadership as service born of compassion.
Prayer
Compassionate One, open the eyes of our hearts to all in need around us. Move us beyond ourselves. Give us courage to walk humbly with you so that we may learn to love mercy and do justice in all the places we inhabit. Amen.