God Applauds The Stage Hands

SCRIPTURE:  MARK 10:35-37 & 41-45

“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...’

...When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

OBSERVATION:

The Kingdom of God really is counter cultural in every way.  In this life status and clout are achieved through networking and schmoozing.  The biggest decisions and best deals are usually made in the meeting after the meeting (when the schmoozer pulls the boss off to the side to  bring to the boss’s attention his many talents and experience that should move him to the top of the list for the next promotion).

It is no wonder the other disciples were upset.  What right did James and John have to ask such a request?

Jesus pulls them back into the Kingdom reality and reminds them that things work very different in the Kingdom of God.  Status and clout have less to do with leading and ruling and more to do with serving.  It has less to do with authority and more to do with giving.  

APPLICATION:

When looking for the attention and approval of God I get further with humility, servitude, and sacrifice than I do with authority, skill, and quick talking.  I need to remember in all situations that I am performing for an audience of 1 and he applauds the stage hands more than he applauds the lead actor.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you that you love us enough to listen to our desires, even the selfish ones.  You are patient.  Thanks even more, that you don’t let us settle for our shallow desires but you pull us back to your Kingdoms rule and purpose.  You remind us of the things that really matter.  Help me to have your heart and the remember my anchor in your kingdom rather than default to the ways of this world.  In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!