A Servant of Servants

Who can you serve today? What I mean is, is there a faithful saint of God you can encourage or help in the ministry God has called them to? Can you think of someone who serves the people of God who may be in need of an act of service themselves? Taking the position of a servant serving a servant might seem less than desirable and can often be undervalued. Living behind the scenes isn't always appealing, but being a servant of servants is very important.

I believe the prophet Jeremiah, being a servant of God himself, understood the value of being attended by a fellow servant. Baruch (whose name means "blessed") was a blessing to the weeping prophet. He was a scribe and true friend, a faithful assistant and obedient servant to God’s prophet. He faced great risk to self in supporting Jeremiah’s ministry to the people of God.

His goal was not to be first among seconds or to find his spot in the spotlight. He was called to simply carry out his calling in service to God’s called, to take the backseat and set aside any desire for accolades. What humility. Can we learn from that?

Baruch wasn't the only person to play a support role in Jeremiah's calling. Jeremiah also found much needed support while in a desperate place from Ebed-Melek, a Cushite official in the royal palace under King Zedekiah of Judah. Jeremiah had been dumped into a muddy well because of his service to the Lord, and Ebed-Melek, whose name means “servant of the king”, pulled resources and rescued the prophet from the depths of his muddy pit. Imagine the gratitude that rose in the prophet’s heart as he rose from his hopeless situation!

Ebed-Melek would be rewarded for his service to Jeremiah with his life - he would not be killed when the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem. Without a doubt, sub-servants play an import role in biblical history - and not unintentionally.

Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthian church, called himself a servant of God. And Paul knew the treasure and worth of being attended to by faithful fellow servants. Tichycus, Timothy, Epaphroditus - these were all men Paul valued and saw his need for. Perhaps you know a minister or faithful Christian brother or sister who could use a servant of servants.

Your service to others may seem small (but is likely greater than you realize). That consistent smile and word of encouragement you bring to the pastor; your availability to pray for others on a weekly basis; using your talents in worship and words of exhortation, all have a strengthening impact on others. There are so many ways to faithfully serve and support those who take an "upfront" role in serving the King of Kings.

If you do serve, consider yourself a blessing (Baruch) and a servant (Ebed-Edom) as you are faithful in the small things. This service does not go unnoticed by the One who will one day reward you.