HIGH PLACES AND LOW MOTIVES

MARK 10:3

A. "GRANT UNTO US THAT WE MAY SIT, ONE ON THY RIGHT HAND, AND THE OTHER ON THY LEFT HAND, IN THY GLORY."
  1. A little while before this, the Lord was speaking of some sitting on the twelve thrones to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel: Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:30
  2. This brought strife among the disciples; each one wanted to have the seat of honor: Luke 22:24
B. LET US NOTE
  1. A false conception of spiritual truth:
    1. The disciples entertained the idea that the promotion in God's kingdom depended upon favoritism.
    2. But the Bible reveals that such promotion is based upon character - Dan. 12:3, 13
    3. The concept of the disciples was based upon the same desires that caused Lucifer to rebel against the government of Christ - Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:12-18
  2. It should be noted:
    1. That selfishness is one of the main obstacles to greatness in God's kingdom.
    2. "Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." - Matt. 23:12
    3. The requested advancement of the two disciples would have been, if granted, at the expense of others.
    4. That is not according to the golden rule - Matt. 7:12
  3. The request failed:
    1. Because it lacked fitness for such a high place.
    2. Moses felt different when he was asked to lead Israel - Ex. 3:11
    3. Saul, too, felt unworthy to be king over Israel - 1 Sam. 9:21
    4. Normally, he who is best qualified for duty feels least fit for it.
  4. Experience teaches that the way to high places means:
    1. Large investments -
      1. Time - it belongs to the position.
      2. Energy belongs to the position.
      3. Sacrifice is a part of the position.
      4. Loyalty belongs to the position.
    2. Choosing the hard places -
      1. The form and the place of a servant.
      2. Do what others refuse to do.
      3. Be in front in time of danger.
    3. Serving instead of ruling -
      1. Our Lord set the pace.
      2. They who serve best will be best qualified to sit with our Lord in the kingdom.
C. HIGH PLACES AND LOW MOTIVES
  1. We have already pointed out that the motives of the two disciples was the same as that of Lucifer:
    1. At first he aimed to be next to God. That is as high as anyone can aim.
    2. Then he went a step further, he wanted to be equal with God; that was aiming higher than was possible for him.
    3. In all this he sought to advance his ego and not the glory of the Creator - Isa. 14:12-18
  2. Those who aim for high places in the kingdom of God forget:
    1. That the place of any is the sole prerogative of God the Father alone.
    2. This was made clear by the Son of God, "But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared." - Mark 10:40
    3. "Lift not your horns on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another." Ps. 75:5-7
    4. It would be a calamity to be in high places and follow low motives.


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