“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,” Mark 10:43 (NIV)
Growing up as a child I always desired to be famous, I mean who didn’t want to be like Mike or other celebrities that you’ve seen growing up. There is something about our human nature that encourages us to push for the stars, how many times did you hear growing up that you can be whatever you want to be? Skies is the limit on your possibilities, Casey Kasem said “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.” The question I ponder amid reaching for the stars and becoming great is when did they ever talk about servanthood? Did they ever speak about the road to becoming great?
In our text James and John have a conversation with Jesus saying whatever we ask, do for us. Jesus inquires of them what’s your ask? They respond give to us the left and right seat on your throne in glory; Jesus says you don’t know what you’re asking for, “can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” Mark 10:38 (NIV). You desire these seats or positions, but can you handle the cup or baptism? Even Jesus closer to the end of his fate wrestled with the cup, “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 (NIV). We must understand that becoming great requires drinking some bitter cups and being baptized in some troubling waters. Even deeper than the cup and the water, you must be a servant. A servant is one that serves others, a devoted and helpful follower or supporter. The road to greatness begins and ends with being a servant, you can only become great by serving others. Humility is key, my older brother in ministry always encouraged us that the only way up is down. So, I must ask, how great do you want to become? What cups or baptisms are you willing to encounter to reach greatness? Does what you desire align with God’s plan for your life? Are you asking for something that God will not provide you? Greatness requires realistic aspirations for spirit led servants living out Godly purpose.
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