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11 Apr 2020 - Humility


Todays passages are Job 14:1-14 and Matthew 20:17-28

In Job 14:1-6 Job expands on the idea of the frailty of men in general and his own fragility in particular. He considers that the days of man on this earth are short, often full of distress. (Vs 7-10) Casting his eye upon the familiar scenes of nature, Job observes that a tree, when it is cut down to the root, dies, but will, sprout again. But as far as Job could see, death ends the existence of man. Vs11-13.

So, he reflects the dismal opinion asking, “If someone dies, will they live again?”, however he concludes with hope “All the days of my hard service, I will wait for my renewal to come”

WHEN SOMEONE DIES, WILL THEY LIVE AGAIN?

The answer to this question comes in the second passage in today’s devotion (Mathew 20:17-28), When Jesus passionately predicts his impending death for the third time to his disciples. He gives them the assurance that “On the third day He will be raised to life!” (Vs.19).

John 11:25, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live.  However, the disciples could not refocus sufficiently to hear or comprehend Him obviously.

Let’s pause to think DO I HAVE THIS ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE?

Then, came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children — asking if her sons could take the right and left position to Him in the Kingdom. Some expositors comment that the sons, James and John, instigated her to ask. Sadly, the disciples are competing for honors and are offended because James and John are trying to steal the prize from under their noses.

How these disciples did still dream of Christ's temporal kingdom! (although Jesus had so often told them, That His kingdom was not of this world) they ambitiously seek to have preference and positions in the kingdom. 

Nevertheless, we should be careful not to judge the disciples too harshly for their failure to understand. For, if we examine our own prayers, we will find much that parallels the request of these two brothers. It consists primarily of asking for material benefits, worldly positions and riches.

HAVE WE FAILED TO UNDERSTAND THAT JESUS IS TALKING TO US ABOUT CROSS BEARING, SERVICE AND SACRIFICE? Sometimes, we display the same spirit and motive as the request of the sons of Zebedee.

Finally, (Vs28) Jesus told the disciple, “… the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus demonstrated humility; that’s why He obeyed THE FATHER and took the cross. Knowing, very well, He will resurrect IN GLORY!

Humility is depending on the sovereignty of God. Humility is choosing to align our lives with the will of God. Humility is trusting God’s ability to lead and direct us.

DO WE WANT TO EMBRACE HUMILITY in trusting and obeying Him?

Let us refresh our minds this morning about the terrible price Jesus paid as a RANSOM for you and me. If we believe in our heart that Jesus died for us and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, we instantly are destined for an eternity in Heaven with this KING!

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