Embracing Diversity: God's Universal Love and Servanthood
Summary
### Summary
This morning, I shared my reflections on the beauty and diversity of all people, nations, and languages, drawing from my experiences traveling with Brent to various countries, particularly India. Our travels were not as tourists but as ministers, bringing the message of the Holy Spirit to different cultures. One memorable trip to India highlighted the vibrant and diverse ways people live and worship, emphasizing that God's love transcends all cultural and linguistic barriers.
I also drew a parallel between the Olympic Games and the Kingdom of God. The Olympics, with their display of nations coming together in unity and celebration, offer a glimpse of what eternity with God will look like. Every nation, every language, and every culture will be represented, all equally loved and valued by God. This vision aligns with the biblical truth that God does not show favoritism; His love is universal and inclusive.
Reflecting on Jesus' teachings, I recounted the scene from the Last Supper where Jesus emphasized servanthood over greatness. Jesus, the greatest among them, chose to serve, setting an example for us to follow. He taught that true greatness in His Kingdom comes from serving others, not from seeking power or authority.
I concluded by inviting everyone to consider their relationship with Jesus. Are we among those who know Him, hear His voice, and follow His teachings? Jesus promises that those who stand by Him will be granted a place at His table in His Kingdom. This promise is not just for the future but begins now as we live in fellowship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Universal Love: God's love is not limited by cultural, linguistic, or national boundaries. Every person, regardless of their background, is precious to Him. This truth challenges us to embrace and celebrate diversity, recognizing that all people are equally valued in God's eyes. [06:26]
2. Servanthood as Greatness: Jesus redefined greatness by demonstrating that true greatness comes from serving others. In a world that often values power and authority, Jesus' example calls us to adopt a posture of humility and service, following His lead in our daily lives. [13:30]
3. Unity in Diversity: The vision of the Olympic Games, with nations coming together in unity, mirrors the Kingdom of God. In eternity, every nation, tribe, and language will be represented, worshiping together. This unity in diversity is a powerful testament to God's inclusive love. [09:10]
4. Eternal Fellowship with Jesus: Jesus promises that those who follow Him will be granted a place at His table in His Kingdom. This promise is not just for the future but begins now as we live in fellowship with Him, experiencing His presence and guidance in our lives. [19:17]
5. Invitation to Know Jesus: The invitation to be part of God's Kingdom is open to all. Whether you are already a follower of Jesus or still on a journey to find Him, the promise of eternal fellowship with Him is available. This relationship with Jesus transforms our lives now and secures our place in His eternal Kingdom. [28:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:57] - Adventures in India
[06:26] - God's Love for All Cultures
[09:10] - The Olympics and Unity
[11:35] - Jesus' Last Supper
[13:30] - Servanthood Over Greatness
[15:34] - Jesus' Example of Service
[17:26] - Knowing Jesus
[19:17] - Promise of Eternal Fellowship
[21:06] - Vision of God's Kingdom
[22:59] - Revelation's Vision of Heaven
[24:50] - Multitudes in God's Kingdom
[26:40] - All Nations Together
[28:23] - Invitation to the Table
[29:52] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 22:27 - "For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."
2. Revelation 7:9-10 - "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'"
3. Acts 10:34-35 - "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about greatness and servanthood in Luke 22:27?
2. According to Revelation 7:9-10, who will be present before the throne of God?
3. How does Acts 10:34-35 describe God's view on favoritism and acceptance?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' example of servanthood in Luke 22:27 challenge our modern understanding of leadership and greatness? [13:30]
2. What does the vision of a great multitude from every nation in Revelation 7:9-10 tell us about the inclusivity of God's Kingdom? [24:50]
3. In what ways does Acts 10:34-35 reinforce the idea that God's love and acceptance are universal? [06:26]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt excluded or marginalized. How does the message of God's universal love and acceptance in Acts 10:34-35 speak to that experience? [06:26]
2. Jesus redefined greatness by serving others. What are some practical ways you can adopt a posture of servanthood in your daily life? [13:30]
3. The vision of unity in diversity in Revelation 7:9-10 is powerful. How can you celebrate and embrace diversity in your community or church? [24:50]
4. Jesus promises eternal fellowship with those who follow Him. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus in your everyday life? [19:17]
5. The sermon mentioned the Olympic Games as a metaphor for the Kingdom of God. How can you contribute to creating a sense of unity and celebration in your local church or community? [09:10]
6. Reflect on the Last Supper scene where Jesus emphasized servanthood. How can you apply this lesson in your interactions with family, friends, and colleagues? [11:35]
7. The invitation to know Jesus is open to all. If you are still on a journey to find Him, what steps can you take this week to explore a relationship with Jesus? [28:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Universal Love
God's love is not limited by cultural, linguistic, or national boundaries. Every person, regardless of their background, is precious to Him. This truth challenges us to embrace and celebrate diversity, recognizing that all people are equally valued in God's eyes. As we reflect on this, consider how our own biases and prejudices might hinder us from fully loving others as God does. Embracing God's universal love means actively seeking to understand and appreciate the richness of different cultures and languages, and seeing each person as a unique creation of God.
[06:26]
Acts 10:34-35 (ESV): "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"
Reflection: Think of a person or group from a different culture or background than your own. How can you show them God's love in a tangible way this week?
Day 2: Redefining Greatness Through Servanthood
Jesus redefined greatness by demonstrating that true greatness comes from serving others. In a world that often values power and authority, Jesus' example calls us to adopt a posture of humility and service, following His lead in our daily lives. Reflecting on Jesus' actions at the Last Supper, where He washed His disciples' feet, we are reminded that greatness in God's Kingdom is measured by our willingness to serve others selflessly. This servanthood is not about seeking recognition but about genuinely caring for the needs of others.
[13:30]
Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life whom you can serve this week. What specific act of service can you perform to demonstrate Christ-like humility and love?
Day 3: Celebrating Unity in Diversity
The vision of the Olympic Games, with nations coming together in unity, mirrors the Kingdom of God. In eternity, every nation, tribe, and language will be represented, worshiping together. This unity in diversity is a powerful testament to God's inclusive love. As we look forward to this heavenly vision, we are called to foster unity and celebrate diversity in our communities today. This means breaking down barriers that divide us and building bridges of understanding and cooperation.
[09:10]
Revelation 7:9 (ESV): "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands."
Reflection: How can you promote unity and celebrate diversity in your church or community? What practical steps can you take to build relationships with people from different backgrounds?
Day 4: Experiencing Eternal Fellowship with Jesus
Jesus promises that those who follow Him will be granted a place at His table in His Kingdom. This promise is not just for the future but begins now as we live in fellowship with Him, experiencing His presence and guidance in our lives. This eternal fellowship with Jesus transforms our daily lives, giving us hope and purpose. It is an invitation to walk closely with Him, to listen to His voice, and to follow His teachings, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
[19:17]
John 14:23 (ESV): "Jesus answered him, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your daily walk with Jesus. How can you deepen your fellowship with Him today? What specific practices can you incorporate into your routine to stay connected to His presence?
Day 5: Accepting the Invitation to Know Jesus
The invitation to be part of God's Kingdom is open to all. Whether you are already a follower of Jesus or still on a journey to find Him, the promise of eternal fellowship with Him is available. This relationship with Jesus transforms our lives now and secures our place in His eternal Kingdom. Accepting this invitation means committing to know Him more deeply, to hear His voice, and to follow His teachings. It is a journey of faith that brings profound joy and fulfillment.
[28:23]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Reflection: Are you ready to accept Jesus' invitation to know Him more deeply? What steps can you take today to draw closer to Him and experience the rest and peace He offers?
Quotes
1. "God does not differentiate between any of us. In New Zealand, in every country of the world, each person, each culture, each place they're born, each language they speak is as precious to him. And his love for his people is just not, not favoured to anybody." [06:26] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So basically, this conversation happened to point out that universal truth that when we know Jesus, we are the ones who serve. We never think of ourselves and can't afford to think of ourselves as the greatest. And if you want to be the greatest, Jesus said, you must serve. You have got to have that attitude of serving." [15:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Are you one of the ones who are with Jesus? Are you one of the ones who know him? Are you one of the ones who know his voice? Are you one of the ones who know his teachings? Are you one of the ones who hear his voice? Or are you still on a journey to find it?" [17:26] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to be there. I want to be at that table in the kingdom of God. I don't want to miss out on a thing up there. I don't want to miss out on the food, or the drink, whatever it is, or anything Jesus says, or any fellowship from anyone else around that table." [19:17] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I tell people I've given my life to Jesus. I love Jesus. I tell people even who are arguing to me about the Bible or the church or whatever, because that is true. I want to be at his table. I want to eat and drink there. I want to do it now." [21:06] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "This is God's kingdom. This is the kingdom that is given to Jesus. This is the place where all peoples, all cultures, all nations are one day together. And there will be such a multitude of us that it cannot be counted." [24:50] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I want to see all of those colours, all of those different clothes. I don't know if we'll have them, but I imagine them there and the flags and the whatever that distinguishes people, the cultures from each other, the nations from each other, the languages and the people from each other. But we are all there together as one." [26:40] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "America is not the favourite in God's eyes. Like we sometimes think every nation is precious to him. Everyone, all nations, all people, all cultures, all languages." [26:40] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Am I at that table? Am I at it now with Jesus? Am I worthy to be there? Is the stuff in my life where I'm messed up and I feel unworthy to be in Jesus's presence? Or do I not quite believe that he's so real?" [28:23] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Lord, you call us all because you love us all and you want every person to know the fellowship and the friendship and the wonder of being with you at your table, so to speak." [29:52] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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