Vacancy

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd Jan 11 - Filed in Devotional - 2,612 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 10:41'45 WEB.
  
  While walking along the road to Jerusalem, the apostles James and John asked Jesus to make them his second and third in command in the coming kingdom, or vice versa. Two things were important to them: James and John, or John and James. Either choice would be fine. In His coming kingdom, one wanted to be at His right hand and the other at His left.
  
  The two apostles didn't know what they were asking. Ironically, when Jesus triumphed on the cross, a thief was crucified on either side of Him instead of an apostle (Mark 15:27). Still, the other ten apostles became angry with James and John, probably because they hadn't thought of the idea first.
  
  "Who is the greatest" has always been an important topic to the disciples of Jesus Christ (Mark 9:34). None of them was seeking to be the least or aspiring to be the servant of their Master. Even on their last night together, in the upper room at the last supper. Jesus was the One who rose to wash everyone's feet while the apostles sat in embarrassed silence.
  
  Jesus explained that to be truly great in the kingdom of God, you have to become a servant. 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, then begin to serve others. This job is usually available because everyone else is scrambling for the top. The servant position always has a vacancy. Yet, 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 recognize the doors You open 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. Amen!
  
  Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network
  
  
  

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