“Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John. Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them” (Mark 10:41-42).
This world has the habit of encouraging us to crawl over each other to get ahead and be on the top of the heap. Some want to be number one and when they get there, others become indignant. Jesus strips the nonsense of this world away to reveal that we are not to exercise our authority unjustly, one over the other. Yes, Jesus gives authority, but it is for His purpose and not for our own. We are called to serve both the Lord, and our neighbor.
Lord, the infection of self-centeredness runs deep in me. I want to get ahead and I am jealous of others who have more authority than me. You have come to redeem me from the pit of this wickedness. There is only One who is Lord and that is You. Come into my heart and clean out all the false things that are in there. Let me understand that You appoint whom You appoint to all positions.
Lord Jesus, You have come to redeem all who believe. You are the Lord of my life. You have appointed me to the place where I am to do what You give me to do. Lead me in the way of everlasting life so that I may humbly walk in the way You are leading me. Guide me according to Your goodness and mercy to know that in You alone will I be led in the right direction to do what is right according to the Father. Amen.
