A.W. Tozer once shared an illustration in which he referred to the first Palm Sunday and the donkey on which Jesus rode into Jerusalem. The crowds began to shout “Hosanna!” The young donkey pricked up his ears. Some in the crowd threw their coats on the road; others spread out palm branches. “Well,” the donkey thought to himself, “I had no idea they really appreciated me like this! Listen to those hosannas, would you. I must really be something!”
How often do I catch myself after a sermon I especially am pleased to have delivered waiting, expecting to hear those leaving the sanctuary say, “Wow! That was terrific! You are the best preacher ever at this church.” Then, in a more sobering moment, I hear that quiet Voice reminding me: “Those hosannas are not about you. All you did was bring them to Jesus, like that donkey on Palm Sunday.”
“All you did was bring them to Jesus.” How often we preachers and other servants of Jesus need to be reminded of this. If we could see all we do, both our great moments and our worst moments, as simply bringing Jesus to people, it would add a whole new dimension about our service.
Our finest moments are when we are taking Jesus to someone, in some way. However that occurs, whenever it occurs, it is the deepest and most meaningful service anyone can do. Any of us preachers who try to top such serving with an eye on receiving more “strokes” or soliciting more praise and glory will only be disappointed and frustrated. Self-service has only a fleeting moment of glory, and an empty feeling follows. But serving in the name of Jesus, for whatever the reason or need, brings a satisfaction that exceeds all other moments.
Strange thing about serving Jesus. The more unselfishly we do it, the more he affirms us with grace and peace. And the most affirming peace that can be ours is that final reminder of the heart that tells us we have taken Jesus to someone. May that be our story every day.