In order to keep this short and sweet, I will try to focus on just the highlights of today's readings. Then, in a somewhat contradictory twist, I have chosen to include a couple more additional verses from my Verse-A-Day calendar that I thought would also pertain to the theme for this Sunday. I believe these verses should be self explanatory and shouldn't need too much, if any, of my elaboration. I'll let the Scripture speak for itself.
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
Proverbs 21:30
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do as it says, is like a man who looks at his face in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:21-25
Because of His affliction He shall see the light in fullness of days; through His suffering, my Servant shall justify many, and their guilt He shall bear.
Isaiah 53:11
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
Hebrews 4:15-16
For not asking, but demanding of Jesus the following in this next passage, the disciples sound a little too self-centered and frankly, are quite bold. Jesus has to set them straight, and reminds them what their true mission should be....
James and John, sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to Him, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You."
He replied, "What do you wish Me to do for you?"
They answered Him, "Grant that in Your glory we may sit one at Your right and the other at Your left."
Jesus said to them, "You do not know what your are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"
They said to Him, "We can."
Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at My right or at My left is not mine to give, but is for those for whom it has been prepared."
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.
Jesus summoned them and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles, lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so, among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:42-45
So, whoever lives a life of service to others, and does not look for any recognition, awards or adoration, is the example Jesus has set for all of us.
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