23 June 2010
Psalm 105:1-22; Num. 17:1-11; Rom. 5:1-11; Matt. 20:17-28

A simple test to determine who was God’s man to be the leader of the people. God will reveal through the budding of the staff of the ancestral house who is to lead them and Aaron’s staff buds overnight. This was the Lord’s way of ending the incessant challenges to Moses and Aaron’s leadership. It is sad commentary that this was required given all the signs that had already been given to vindicate and validate them as God’s chosen ones. The staff is then placed in the ark as a remembrance of this choice.

Everyone wants to be the leader. The mother of James and John comes down and asks that her sons be given the prime seats in the kingdom, at the right and left of the throne. Jesus has just told them what will soon happen to him and yet they are still thinking of thrones and such from an earthly perspective, still seeking after earthly reward and power. At this point they still don’t realize the full truth about Jesus and the great condescension of God to become man and subject Himself to His creation in order to save us. The time for that understanding comes later. The level at which Jesus humbled himself and served fallen humanity is staggering when we realize that this one is God incarnate. How can we say our goal is to emulate Him while still seeking to do anything but serve?

Jesus died for us while we were weak, unable to help ourselves, and sinners or enemies of God. While we were in rebellion against Him, Jesus, in love, took on flesh and came to die for us to have eternal life. In spite of that we are still seeking earthly reward as though we somehow deserve it. That is the reason the health and wealth gospel that is not a true Gospel continues to have a following. Are we willing to join Paul in suffering? Is sharing in the glory of God our chief aim? Where is it that we need to be purified as the disciples needed to be purified? Do we truly understand the glory of Jesus? Do we see Him standing alone and so far above us that we understand the difference and the love that is required to bridge the gap?

O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wonderful works.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually.