Vacancy

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd July 9, 2019 - Filed in Devotional - 6,368 views
  When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant toward James and John. Jesus summoned them, and said to them, 'You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' Mark 10:41 WEB
  
  While walking along the road to Jerusalem with Jesus, James and John came up and asked Him to make them his second and third in command in the coming kingdom, or vice versa. There were two things that were important to them: James and John, or John and James. Either choice would be fine. One wanted to be at His right hand, and the other at His left in His coming kingdom.
  
  The disciples did not know what they were asking. Ironically, when Jesus triumphed on the cross, there was a thief crucified on either side of Him (Mark 15:27). The other ten disciples became angry, probably because they had not thought of asking Him first. 'Who is the greatest' was an important topic to them (Mark 9:34). Either way, none of them was seeking to be the last, or aspiring to be a servant. Even when they were in the upper room at the last supper, Jesus was the One that rose to wash everyone's feet, while they sat and watched.
  
  Jesus explained that to be truly great in the kingdom of God, you have to become the servant, and that this position was currently vacant among them. Remember, Moses was not used by God until his selfish ambition was dead (Exodus 4:13). Then Moses became the most humble (Numbers 12:3) and the most powerful man on earth, but something in him had to die first.
  
  If you want to be great in the sight of God, serve others. This job is always available because everyone else is scrambling for the top. The servant position always has a vacancy. When you humble yourself, God will raise you up and no man can stop it, for humility comes before honor (Proverbs 18:12). God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for this day. Help me see Your path clearly and to understand the opportunities that You provide for me. Please give me Your grace to be a servant and to keep the right attitude in every situation, wherever I find myself, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: For those following our Creation Photographers group, here is the theme of the week: Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - 'Handcrafted' will be our theme for this week and is open for creative interpretation as always! You are also encouraged to post anything else inspiring, too. My photos this week (in the group) are a couple of things I've handcrafted, the blackberries we picked yesterday that will be home made jam, and some of our Grand Creator's handiwork as well! May you take moments each day to enjoy the handcrafted splendor of creation, and find ways each day to share that splendor with others <3! Here is the link: Creation Photographers
  
  
  

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