 Do you want to be the best on your team? the best in your class? the first in line? We learn competition and striving to be the best from teachers, coaches and parents. What does Jesus say? The answer is in Matthew 20:20-28.
Mrs. Zebedee, James and John's mom, came to Jesus and asked if her sons could sit on the right and left of Jesus in His kingdom. She was in for a surprise, and her sons were too. Jesus said, "You know that leaders and rulers like to exercise their power over people. It must not be that way among you. Whoever wants to be great, must be your servant." What? A servant? That's right. Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life--a ransom for many." Think About It Jesus was humble and gentle instead of proud and arrogant. I am glad He came to ransom our souls from hell, to save us from our tendency to sin and live for ourselves instead of Him. I am thankful He died for our sin so we wouldn't have to and so we can spend eternity with Him. Pray About It Holy God, thank you for your marvelous plan to redeem us from sin, Satan and death. Teach us your ways and empower us to carry out your will. Help us to be like Jesus. Amen.
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 A young man who did good all his life and kept the commandments came to Jesus and asked Him what good thing he had to do to gain eternal life.
Jesus said, "Keep the commandments." "Which ones?" asked the young man. "Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself," Jesus said. "I have kept all these," the young man responded. "If you want to be perfect," Jesus said, "go, sell all your possessions and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me," said Jesus. The young man walked away sad because he had lots of money and stuff (Matthew 19:16-22). Think About It The rich young man was good and had a sincere heart, but he knew something was still missing. That's why he came to Jesus. He had depended on his wealth but it deceived him and left him hungering for more. 1 Timothy 6:17 says, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." It is not a sin to be rich, but if we have wealth, God wants us to share generously and to trust Him and not our money. If we put our hope in money, we will be like the young man who came to Jesus, empty in our hearts and looking for satisfaction in things and not God. Pray About It Lord Jesus, it is so easy for us to trust in things we can see and touch. Help us to find hope in You alone. Keep us from letting money or things rob us of the joy of knowing You and being with You forever. Amen. Do you find yourself packing more into a day than seems humanly possible? Do you feel guilty when you rest? Do you make lists of things to do and feel a great sense of accomplishment when you get to check each off? I have to admit I do all these.
We live in a hurry up, stress-driven society. But when I look at Jesus, it doesn't appear to me that He had a "to-do" list. He allowed interruptions wherever He went. He was on a mission to save souls, but I can't imagine Him hurrying around like I do. My favorite Scripture has become Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Think About It What would happen if we slowed our pace? I'm afraid to think about it. How about you? Maybe, like Jesus, we need to lighten up on our calendar. Maybe we need to plan for interruptions like Jesus did on the way to raise Jairus' daughter and stopped to heal a woman of twelve years of bleeding. We are blessed to be a blessing. How can we bless anyone when we are racing here and there? Pray About It Thank you, Jesus, for setting an example of rest. Thank you for Your gentle Spirit and humble heart. Although you were not in a hurry, you accomplished a lot. Help us set priorities and arrange our schedules to glorify you with our time, talents and resources. Amen. Dressed in his armor, a Roman Centurion,
Called on Jesus in the town of Capernaum. He said, “My servant lies sick, at home in his bed, Please come and heal him from his toes to his head.” Well, the compassionate Lord Jesus got ready to go, When suddenly the Centurion said, “Oh, Jesus no! “I’m not worthy for you to come where I dwell; Just say the word and my servant will be well. “For I myself am a boss in command, Of hundreds of soldiers at my right hand. “I say to this one 'come' and he comes; And I say to another, 'Do this' and he does.” Well, the Centurion’s words amazed the Lord Jesus; He said to His followers, “Such faith I’ve not witnessed. “Many will come from the east and the west, To stand in their places at my heavenly fest. “Some, surprisingly, will be left outside, Where from pain and suffering they cannot hide. Jesus said to the Roman Centurion, “Go! Just as you asked, it will be done.” Each one of us has a choice to believe, Or to be left outside with hurting and grief. So follow the faith of the Roman Centurion, Believe in the Father, His Spirit and Son. (Matthew 8:5-13) Think About It The Roman Centurion knew Jesus didn't have to be present for his servant to get well. He knew all Jesus needed to do, was say the word and it would be done. His faith surprised Jesus. We can surprise Him too with our faith. Just talk to Him and believe. Pray About It Lord Jesus, thank you for stories of faith in your word that help us know better how to talk to you in prayer. Amen. (This is a repost from May 2012) Add Comment |
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