Here I Am Lord, Send Me

We find ourselves confronted with a powerful paradox at the heart of Christian discipleship: the call to serve in a world that celebrates being served. Drawing from Jesus's declaration in Matthew 20:28 that He came not to be served but to serve, we're challenged to examine whether our faith is merely about consuming religious experiences or truly transforming who we are becoming. The sermon unpacks a striking moment when Jesus predicts His suffering and crucifixion, only to have the disciples immediately argue about who will have the best positions in His kingdom. This reveals our human tendency to miss the point entirely. Service isn't about filling volunteer slots or earning God's approval—we're reminded through Ephesians 2:8-10 that we're saved by grace, not works, but we're saved FOR good works. The distinction is crucial: serving isn't payment for salvation, it's the purpose of salvation. When we truly grasp God's grace, service stops being obligation and becomes gratitude with work boots on. We're invited to pray a dangerous prayer: 'Lord, interrupt us.' Because Jesus was constantly interrupted by people in need, and He never viewed them as inconveniences. The challenge before us is whether we'll ask 'Is it I, Lord?' when we see needs around us, or whether we'll wait for someone else to step up. True service changes the servant, chipping away at selfishness and reminding us the world doesn't revolve around us.