I was at a very special event for a very special friend and there was a beautiful cake at the reception. I really wanted a piece of that cake but I had to wait patiently until it was time for it to be served. J I tried to help my friend by helping her serve cake to the people. We made sure the plates were ready for the steady stream of people eagerly grabbing cake. My friend knew that I really wanted cake and even handed me a plate. I was surely tempted to take that cake right then but I knew I couldn't keep serving if I did so I said no and kept serving. People kept coming and the cake slices kept leaving. At one point I started to regret not taking the slice I was offered because the cake slices were starting to look less appetizing. Instead of picturesque slices they were starting to look more like chunks. I thought there will only be sloppy leftovers for me when I'm done serving. My friend assured me that she was looking out for me, and said she told the servers to set aside the top layer, which was a special mocha flavor. She said that we would be able to enjoy that later. And the slices started to look pretty again; I guess they just went through a difficult part of the cake. In the end I had 2 slices of cake -one from the regular layer after most everyone was served and one from the special reserved layer, but the best part was the revelation I received.

Servants get served last. I couldn't take care of others with my mouth and hands busy with cake, just as I wouldn't be sharing messages about my mess if I were busy enjoying my blessings. The time for blessings will come when most of the encouragement and blessings have been doled out. A big part of my ministry is telling others not to give up. If I quit too soon others may miss their blessings, because they gave up. Those who are servants may at times feel left out or forgotten when everyone else seems to be getting served first. We have to have faith that just as my friend had something set aside for me God has something set aside for us. And "getting ours" shouldn't be our motivation; it's an honor to serve, for serving is being like Christ. And when you serve God's people it's a special position of intimacy with God. You and God are working together to serve His people in love.

God's Beloved please don't feel bad if you seem to be last. Parents take care of children before themselves. Clergy serve others before serving themselves; and those with a servant's heart serve others before worrying about themselves. BTW, the very top layer of that cake was pristine and delicious and special; she had saved the best for last.