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Seeking greatness!

Scripture reading for August 12th: Hosea 14, 2nd Chronicles 26-27, Psalm 61, Matthew 20

Matthew 20:20-23 “Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to Him with her sons, and kneeling before Him she asked Him for something. And He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to Him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left, in Your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink My cup, but to sit at My right hand and at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”

Jesus had just foretold His death by crucifixion and resurrection on the third day to his disciples. After this, the mother of James and John came to Jesus with a request. She, probably at her sons’ request, humbly made a plea that one son would be on Jesus’ right and the other on His left in His new kingdom. Jesus told them that they did not know what they were asking! Those places of honor were not Jesus’ to give but only were reserved by the Father for those deemed worthy. All the disciples were indignant over this request. They all wanted honor! Jesus told them the secret to greatness and honor: Become a servant of all and take the last place. Allow God the Father to exalt you!

Matthew 20:23-25 “But Jesus called them to Him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Prayer: Father God, I am humbled before You and Your Son Who showed mercy to me and all who will repent and believe. You demonstrated the path of greatness, exaltation, and eternal life and rulership through complete obedience and humble service by giving even Your life blood and body. Teach me this path to greatness and lead me in Your way of taking up my cross and following You.

Psalm 61:1-3 “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, for You have been my Refuge, a strong Tower against the enemy.”