Towards the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, his disciples asked him a very direct and simple question. “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are not the Messiah tell us plainly.” Of courese what they wanted to hear was that Jesus was going to rescue them from the Romans and return Israel to a place of improtance like it was under King David. In no uncertain terms Jesus answered them that he was not that kind of Messiah. God in Jesus Christ was after something more than political issues and worldly victory.

The desire for current and worldly victory over against spiritual and eternal victory - pride and gain over against humility and service. Isn’t that still so much of what is facing society today. On the one hand, we have people selling out their souls, their families, their friends, their chruch, and their country in order to gain a victory that might last only until the next day, week, or year. On the other hand, we have people working hard to do that which is pleasing to God: people willing to place their souls, their families, their friends, their church, and their nation into God’s hands so that his Kingdom of love and peace might be a reality.

And, that raises a question for all of us. Do we want to be the ones known for how we played the worldly power games? Or, do we want to be known by how we lived out the promises we have made to God, our families, and to the folks that pay our saleries as we sail the open waters or inland waterways?

The message is clear: we saw it active in the ministry of Jesus. God has amazing things to accomplish through each and every one of us when we act as faithful servants of God; when we striveto bring the goodness and love into the lives of everyone we meet and for whom we work.