AUGUST 23, Romans 14:8

“Are you as smart as a donkey?” asked Mr. Lim, the Junior Worship teacher. The kids laughed,and Mr.Lim continued.“If you are,you can serve Jesus. The donkey in today’s lesson did.”

“I don’t get it,” said Trevor. “Jesus ever rode on a donkey’s back, didn’t He? You mean we’re supposed to give people rides on our backs?” Trevor liked to ask questions that might make the kids laugh. And the kids laughed. Mr. Lim smiled. “No,” he said, “but the donkey gives us a great picture of a servant. First of all, he was where God wanted him to be - he was available. We should ask ourselves, ‘Am I in a place where God can use me? Am I available to Him?’”

Trevor shrugged. “I am,” he said. “I’m here all the time - whether I want to be or not.” Some of the kids laughed, and he looked pleased with himself. “But I’m not good at singing or speaking,” he added, “and I don’t have any money to give, either.”

“I’ve sat in front of you in church, Trevor,” said Mr. Lim. “I happen to know you actually have a very good singing voice.” He smiled as he added, “Perhaps you have fear of singing in public. You can seek the Lord Jesus’ help to overcome your fear.”

Trevor frowned. He couldn’t think of any smart reply, and Mr. Lim continued the lesson. “Also, the donkey was willing to let Jesus control him,” said Mr. Lim, and he explained that even though the donkey had never been ridden before, he did what Jesus wanted him to do. “Have you truly let Jesus control you, or have you been stubborn?” asked Mr. Lim. Trevor began to feel more uncomfortable.

“How about it, class?” asked Mr. Lim at the end of the lesson. “Will you ask God to take control of your life, to untie your fears and to loosen your tongue to speak a word for Him or sing praises unto him? Will you be a servant just like the little donkey was?”

Thought: Are you afraid to sing or play an instrument to serve Jesus? Do you think kids will laugh if you make a mistake? Are you willing to give a testimony or share a Scripture verse if you sense God wants you to do that?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be available for whatever task, great or small, You have for me. I also pray that You’d please remove any fear, and let Jesus control my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.