Diaconal work is glorious because of what it mirrors.
ISAIAH'S FORECAST
There were no deacons on earth when Jesus was here, but he exemplified what a deacon is.
The OT prophet, Isaiah, describes Israel as a servant.
In Isaiah 41:8-9 the servant is described as the chosen of God, Abraham's offspring and a friend of God. Isaiah 44:21-22 says that this servant was formed, not forgotten of God, and cleansed from sin--redeemed. Isaiah 49:6 show us that Israel's redemption was meant to extend to the nations and ends of the earth.
The OT prophet, Isaiah, also brings a special servant into view starting in chapter 42.
In Isaiah 42:1 we see a servant in whom God delights and in whom God will put His Spirit. This servant will bring forth justice to the nations. From Isaiah 52:13-53:12 we see that this exalted servant must also go through a sin-bearing humiliation. He will be crushed by God as an atonement offering as He bears sin.
Isaiah 1-37 shows a king who is a servant (Isaiah 38-55) and conqueror (Isaiah 56-57).
KING OF KINGS, DEACON OF DEACONS
Upon beginning his ministry, Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2a which contains the words of the Messianic Servant. Then Jesus declares that He is that person (Luke 4:16-21). Jesus came to do what Israel failed to do. As the ultimate servant he taught others to live a servant life (Mark 10:42-45).
People tend to think of greatness in terms of what we have, not what we give. Jesus frequently rearranged the way we think--the first shall be last, the greatest is a servant. Jesus assumed lowly posture and washed his disciples' feet. During this act of service they are jockeying for greatness. Jesus asks them about greatness and servanthood (Luke 22:27). This was all just prior to his crucifixion. With the weight of sin about to be laid upon him, he was focused on serving. We often wait until things are going well before we serve others. Jesus even served his betrayer in the midst of all this. The ancient world did not look favorably upon people that served like this. Plato once asked, "Can a man be happy who is the servant of anything?"
CHRIST'S ONGOING DIACONAL MINISTRY
Jesus was mighty in deed and in word (Luke 24:19). The church has two offices that exemplify the life of Jesus: elders and deacons. Ignasius of Antioch said that deacons were entrusted with the service of Jesus Christ. Deacons meet the needs of others just as Jesus met our deepest need. Philippians 2:3-11 shows us the humiliation of Christ and the depths of his service to us.
Deacons are the King's servants. Their model is Christ. He washes feet. He washes away our sin through his sacrifice and resurrection. Live a Christlike life. Deacons, together with all of God's servants will one day see him and worship him face-to-face (Revelation 22:3, 6).
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