Word@Work 120 - Mark 10:35-37
Published: Fri, 05/09/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 10:35-37 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." (NIV)
Oh dear! They still have not got the message! Despite Jesus teaching them about the way of the cross, and the spiritual dangers of worldly values that vie with the way God runs His kingdom; they still want to be top dogs ... and are using Jesus to help further their careers! They try, albeit clumsily, to trap their Master into agreeing to do anything they ask. What did they take Him for? He who saw the heart of every question, knew exactly what they were up to! But it shows how little they had learned about the Lord.
It is not unusual for believers to want to grab the glory, but the naïve blatancy of their approach is a little shocking. Mark wants us to be appalled. The shameless use of their privileged position as 'close companions', exceeds any 'old school tie' nepotism. Especially so, when you realise that they are taking to God and trying to twist Him round their little finger, in order to cut out their fellows.
Got the picture? Now let's be serious about our own motives. Is there no glory lust? Is there competition with fellow believers, or any suggestion of 'dirty tricks'? Do we somehow (subconsciously or intentionally) use our relationship with Christ for our own ends? Is there any hint at trying to manipulate the Almighty? Such questions have more weight than may be lifted in a rushed lunch hour. But they need to be asked and resolved to God's satisfaction. This prayer may be a helpful start.
Prayer: Gracious God. Please will you show me just how honest I am being with myself and with You. I know that my acts of service for you need to be uncoupled from self interest. My heart is open for You to say whatever you want. As you have brought me this far, I want You to lead me on - so that You will be pleased, and that Your Kingdom (not mine) may be built. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Oh dear! They still have not got the message! Despite Jesus teaching them about the way of the cross, and the spiritual dangers of worldly values that vie with the way God runs His kingdom; they still want to be top dogs ... and are using Jesus to help further their careers! They try, albeit clumsily, to trap their Master into agreeing to do anything they ask. What did they take Him for? He who saw the heart of every question, knew exactly what they were up to! But it shows how little they had learned about the Lord.
It is not unusual for believers to want to grab the glory, but the naïve blatancy of their approach is a little shocking. Mark wants us to be appalled. The shameless use of their privileged position as 'close companions', exceeds any 'old school tie' nepotism. Especially so, when you realise that they are taking to God and trying to twist Him round their little finger, in order to cut out their fellows.
Got the picture? Now let's be serious about our own motives. Is there no glory lust? Is there competition with fellow believers, or any suggestion of 'dirty tricks'? Do we somehow (subconsciously or intentionally) use our relationship with Christ for our own ends? Is there any hint at trying to manipulate the Almighty? Such questions have more weight than may be lifted in a rushed lunch hour. But they need to be asked and resolved to God's satisfaction. This prayer may be a helpful start.
Prayer: Gracious God. Please will you show me just how honest I am being with myself and with You. I know that my acts of service for you need to be uncoupled from self interest. My heart is open for You to say whatever you want. As you have brought me this far, I want You to lead me on - so that You will be pleased, and that Your Kingdom (not mine) may be built. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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