The Bible is a Book of Contrastsby Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger 01 Mar 2009 07:39 PM
In the first, John and James, after learning about the impending death of Jesus in Jerusalem, reacted perhaps not as we might have expected. Rather than concern for Jesus, their focus was on themselves and what might happen to them and what they wanted to happen. They tried to coerce Jesus into answering their request before he even knew what it was, verse 35. Jesus makes it clear he needs to know what they want him to do, verse 36. They wanted in glory to sit on either side of Jesus, they informed him, verse 37. Jesus knew they really had no idea what they were asking or what such a request entailed. He also told them the decision was not his to make, verses 38-40. These two men along with the other disciples, it seemed still needed to learn a lot about the heart of a servant, verse 41-45. The other person who came to Jesus with a request was the blind beggar, Bartimaeus. How different is his request! He asked Jesus not for glory and position but for mercy, verse 47. He persisted despite opposition and would not be quieted, verse 48. Jesus asked what he did want, exactly as he did with James and John. Bartimaeus asked Jesus to restore his sight. which implies that he obviously could see at point. Jesus granted this request. This request and the man's subsequent healing brought glory to God rather than the request of James and John which was more about glory for them. We might ask ourselves these questions. In whatever work, ministry or service we are involved in, are we looking for self glory or for God's glory? In our prayer life, will our request bring glory to God if they are answered? Bible verses from the New American Standard version Please visit these related blogs Jesus Served the Church as an Example of How Husbands Should Serve Their Wife How to Find the Secret of Contentment Learn more about Dale Harcombe  Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults. Relevantchristian tags User Comments  Realtalktime (170) 09 Mar 2009 01:00 PMI feel that through our prayer request we show God's glory by giving Him the praises for how things happen for us. Just an example if we pray for our marriage to work when it finally does get good we have to thank god and let all know, when possible, that it was God who got us there and not just the counseling or books or things of that nature. Also we must share with others how truly seeking God's will in our lives contributed to the blessings we received. Just give Him the Glory at all times because without Him we have nothing and we are nothing!  Dale Harcombe |
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