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Saturday, May 22, 2010

What's in It for Me?

Two brothers, cheered on by their mother, asked Jesus for prominent positions in His kingdom. James and John had their hearts set on the messianic kingdom. However, Jesus was focused on the cross. The brothers wanted to reign, but Jesus planned to redeem. They wanted to be served, but He wanted to serve. When they made the request, they hoped Jesus would give them what would make them happy, famous, and powerful, but Jesus wanted them to follow Him in humble ministry on behalf of others. You can read about this incident in Mark 10:35-45.

Many things have changed since James and John asked for prominent positions in the kingdom, but the human heart hasn’t changed. Unless individuals submit to Jesus’ lordship, they will try to exchange roles with Him, wanting Him to grant whatever they wish: happiness or fame or wealth or . . . . What’s in it for me? Self-centered individuals ask, while consumer-focused churches offer a menu list of options.

Jesus’ response to James and John seems out of tune with modern Christian thought and practice, but it is as relevant now as ever. He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Sitting at the Master's Table

“Don’t let your dog come near the table when you are eating. Plan to eat first and then feed your dog. Yadda, yadda, yadda!”

If you can follow these rules, more power to you. I tried, failed, and threw away the training manual. I guess I’m softhearted. My willpower melted the first time Molly looked at me with begging eyes as I stuck my fork into a scrambled egg. She has enjoyed scrambled eggs since that defining moment. I can’t share everything I eat with her because it would likely make her ill, but I slip small portions of food to her whenever she sits at my feet and stares at me.

What’s her favorite food? Eggs, beef, bacon, cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, and ice cream. Since she is a Maltese, she would probably prefer a Mediterranean diet, but I wouldn’t. So she will have to be content with my food choices.

GOOD DOGMA

King David wanted to show kindness to former King Saul’s family members. Saul had tried to kill David, but Saul’s son Jonathan had befriended David and even saved his life. Now both Saul and Jonathan were dead, victims of a fierce assault by Israel’s archenemy, the Philistines.

But David learned Jonathan had a crippled son Mephibosheth, who was living in a desert place. Apparently Mephibosheth was hiding from David. He must have thought David would take revenge on him because his grandfather Saul had tried to kill David. But David had kindness, not killing, on his mind, and he dispatched a servant to bring Mephibosheth to his palace.

Second Samuel 9 tells what happened next.

When Mephibosheth entered David’s presence, he bowed low and asked David, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” (v. 8). David responded by giving Mephibosheth property, servants, and the privilege of eating at the king’s table as one of his own sons (vv. 9-13).

What David did for Mephibosheth demonstrates what Jesus, the King of kings, has done for believers. He has shown kindness to us by bringing us to Him from a desolate place in life, He has graced us with gifts and a title deed to a mansion in heaven, and He allows us to sit at His table, where we fellowship with Him daily and feast on His Word.

Give thanks today for all the good things you enjoy at the Master’s table!


A BIBLE TREAT

“He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love” (Song of Sol. 2:4).


—From Meditations for Dog Lovers by Jim Dyet © 2005, AMG Publishers/Living Ink Books