Service Not Position!
“What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” Matthew 20:21
The sons of Zebedee and their mother came to meet Jesus to discuss their pension package — a guaranteed life of power and affluence in the kingdom of Jesus. Like our world is made up, everyone scampers, hustle and jostle for position, whether political, educational, traditionally.
People are ready to do anything regardless of the sacrifice for power and position. This kind of mindset was what these disciples and their mother brought before the Lord. They wanted to get there first before the others (ten) since it was thought to be on a first-come, first-served basis. Showing their interest before others indicated theirs would play to their benefit.
Hebrews 3:14 says, “For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.”
Little did they know that the highest is the most excellent servant in the kingdom they have been called to. There were cups to be drunk, sacrifices to be made, and standards to be met. It was not an all-comers affair. We are called to serve and not the other way. Even if it’s God’s prerogative to give out positions like He gave a name to Jesus, that is, above other names. Jesus got this after completing the task given Him.
Everyone who seeks such a feat must also be willing to pay prices for the kingdom’s work, not by lobbying, buying of a mandate, or any means sinister to the church and the body of Christ. Workers in the vineyard must be ready for the sacrifice; it is not called razzmatazz or showbiz. It’s a call that intends to bring God’s kingdom to earth. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, since ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Prayer:
1. Lord, help me to have my priority placed rightly. I receive grace and power to put You in front.
2. Psalm 68:19; Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God of our salvation in Jesus’ name. Amen.
