Vacancy
Posted by Dion Todd October 12th, 2024 1,072 Views 25 Comments
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: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ 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. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.
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Dan Remley commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
Lord I have had countless humbling experiences in my life. Because of them I went from a cocky young man to a very simple, humble,and kind man. These experiences helped me grow. Thank you for the journey. It made me a way better man. Thank you for my life Amen ❤️
Sylvia Todd
4 days ago
Amen, brother, He uses it all for our good 🙏!
Dan Remley
4 days ago
He sure does Sylvia. I love the relationship that I have with the Lord. Everything that has happened in my life is responsible for it. It's wonderful ❤️
Sherry Mccosh commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
4 days ago
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! One of my favorite things to do is to serve others, to put others first before my own needs. As believers in Jesus Christ we are called to do this so I have been working on this for the last 30 years of my life. I try to always put God 1st in my life then my family and others that I can help, I try to look for things I can do to help them in their daily life.
Scott Riegelmann commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
Amen thank you Father for the humility you put in my heart to want to serve others your awesomeness 😍
Liesel aka lisa Wardle commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
Amen and Amen, Pastor! This one is for me, it's so hard at times to remain humble and have a good attitude, especially when we're trying to do good, help and serve the Lord, and yet, when provoked, we lose our temper and say something that we really don't mean! What's said is like a leaf in the wind, it's gone, and there are consequences! So, to repair the damage the next approach should be done in humility, swallowing our/my pride, and make it right! That's why I need to pray daily and ask the Lord to give me grace, His grace, to be humble, so that I can be used by Him!🙏
Burma Welber commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
I pray always for God to keep me humble and adjust any attitude that is not pleasing to Him. I am a work in progress!
Shara Abel commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
Lord please give me Your Grace and Wisdom ... I am just a messy lump of clay... help mold me, Lord, Master Potter.
Nell Neathery commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
The Pastor's prayer: 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: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13
as the song goes: "I can see clearly now!" God has give me grace to be humble. I am a servant, and I am also an Ambassador for Christ!
Wanda Pennington commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
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!
Yvette York commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
Amen Good Morning Everyone Have A Bless weekend 😀
Debi Burton commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
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! 🤟🏻❤️
Lynn Brown commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
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!
Bella Colliander commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
Heavenly Father, please give me the grace to be a good servant and to keep the right attitude in every situation. Thank you for blessing me with another day to show you I love you. Amen!🕊️
Kevin J. Eck commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Vacancy
5 days ago
Heavenly Father, I will keep pride from entering my Heart and if it does please forgive me! I will be Humble before you and you will lead me as a Good Shepard would, I will hold on to that promise. In Jesus name, Amen!
