Read: Psalm 40:1–8
The Servant’s Entrance
Psalm 40:7 – “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me.”
Sometimes we like to make an entrance. We come into a crowded room and we hope that everyone will notice us, even do something to welcome us. Making an entrance is about our pride being maintained, our image getting a polish. But when Jesus came into the world, his entrance was noticed by only a few. For he entered in a modest way, clothed in human flesh and found in the form of a servant.
Hebrews 10:5–7 says that when he entered the world, Jesus took David’s words from Psalm 40 as his own: “Behold, I have come . . . I delight to do your will, O my God” (Ps. 40:7–8). David first said this about a time when God delivered him fr
om death. He’d been sinking into the pit of destruction, and God heard his cries. Now David vows in gratitude to obey the Lord from the heart. As a king, David could’ve been tempted by the prestige and honour of his position. Instead, he sees it as a special opportunity to live in God’s service. His calling in Israel was to put the law of the LORD into effect, living by “the scroll of the book.” Saved from death, he will be the grateful servant of God, obedient to his word.
Before his incarnation, the Son of God could’ve held onto his high place in heaven, but he was willing to be humbled. He accepted lowly service as his calling and purpose. Like David his father, Jesus would submit to the will of God, living according to the law of the LORD and teaching others to do the same. Jesus’ single-minded concern when he was on earth was to obey the Father’s commands. Even when this calling brought him to the cross, Jesus prayed that not his will but the Father’s will would be done (Luke 22:42). And so Christ went to the death for sinners.
Because of Jesus’ humble obedience, God exalted him and gave him glory at his right hand. Saved by his death, now it’s our privilege to be servants of the Saviour. We’re still tempted to seek honour and recognition for ourselves, even when we’re busy with work in the church and kingdom. But like Christ, let us be lowly servants of God. Today may it be your single-minded purpose and whole-hearted desire to do the will of your Master in all things, obedient to his word.