The upending of expectations is the theme for our reflection. An upend is when something is turned upside down. An expectation is a feeling or belief about the way something should be. The upending of expectation is when a person’s anticipation about the way something should be is totally different from reality. In other words, the upending of expectations is when one’s desire or anticipation is totally different from that which has taken place. We shall deliberate on the fact that we experience the upending of expectations when our desire for greatness is opposed to the perfect example of Jesus’ humility and service.
Dear friend, the upending of expectations is not a pleasurable feeling for most people because our expectation in life is what brings us joy and fulfillment. Who does not have the expectation to become great? The world has taught us that to become great, we must possess power, wealth, and command followers who will be at our beck and call. However, in ministry or when we are called to follow Jesus, we experience the upending of our expectations of greatness by rather humbling ourselves and serving others. Jesus teaches us that ““You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28). In other words, the world sees greatness in being served, but a believer who desires or has the expectation to become great must rather serve others. Jesus is our perfect example of achieving greatness through service. It is the total upending of society’s expectation and understanding of greatness. Paul also encourages us to follow the example of Jesus on how to can become great through service when he wrote that “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11). Jesus was elevated because He came to serve but not to be served. Dear friend, we are also being called upon to eschew all forms of the expectations of greatness according to worldly standards even as we completely embrace the Christ-centered principles oe virtues greatness. Humility and service to others are the seeds of greatness. However, if we lack humility and service, we shall not experience the true greatness Jesus promises us. The greatness of the world is founded on pride and wealth and the unfettered exercise of authority over others. This kind of greatness is ephemeral. It does not last, but the greatness that comes from humility and service to others is fulfilling and eternal. It is eternal because it pleases God, and it is rewarded by God. No matter who we are and our achievements in life, we must humble ourselves and always be ready to serve others regardless of our race, class, academic qualification, political affiliation, and tribe. James 4:10 admonishes us to “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
In summary, we have deliberated on the theme ” The upbending of expectations” We have discovered that we experience the upending of expectations when our desire for greatness is opposed to the perfect example of Jesus’ humility and service to others. Shalom.
PRAYER
1. Let us pray for your hearts to be inclined to humility and service so that the Lord will grant us true greatness.
2. Let us pray for our leaders to have the nature of Christ in them so that they will lead us with integrity, humility, and service.
Dear Lord, upend our expectations if it is not aligned according to your will. We totally surrender ourselves to serve You and humanity towards the fulfillment of Your mission on earth. May we find fulfillment and greatness through humility and service. Amen.
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