Today’s Encouragement is Matthew 19:27-28 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” [28] Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
What then will we have –
Jesus said the disciples will sit on twelve thrones, then a very short while later the mother of James and John came to Jesus in Matthew 20:21 “And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’”
Evidently being one of twelve, sitting on heavenly thrones, with Jesus!, just wasn’t enough for James and John! So, they asked mommy to intercede for them? Or maybe mommy just hadn’t gotten the earlier message? Either way, we are struck by this remarkable self-serving pursuit by the disciples. And in Matthew 20:24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.
Indignant, self-serving, jealous, focused on rewards (v27), like a greedy child at Christmas… “what do WE get???” My friends, the disciples of Jesus were ordinary selfish little men!!! Even after spending 3 years with Jesus! There are numerous other (rather embarrassing) examples of their human frailties.
They were ordinary and selfish – that is… Until Pentecost, described in Acts 2. When they were filled with God’s power!
Thank You Lord that you have chosen us, just like the disciples – the weak, the fearful, the uncertain… to manifest Your Power and Proclaim Your Word to this lost and dying world! Help us Lord… Fill us with Your Power that we might be true ambassadors of Christ!
Yet Not I but through Christ in Me
Selah
Today’s Encouragement 