RE Verse reading–Mark 1:19-20, 3:13-17, 10:35-45 (day one)
“Let one of us sit at your right hand and the other at your left in glory.” (vs 10:37) The Bible does not speak critically of ambition per se. “If any man ASPIRES to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do” (1 Timothy 3:3) It does, however, speak against “SELFISH ambition” (James 3:16)–desire for recognition or privilege that benefits self, only self, primarily self. This week we will consider (hopefully with self-awareness and humility) James and John’s request to “sit at the right and left hand”. Was it selfish? Yes, at least in part. The Lord’s refusal of their request, the anger of the other disciples, and the necessary, subsequent teaching all indicate that the “sons of Thunder” were not yet mature in their desires or their prayers. They had ambitions that were not like servant-hearted or Christ-like. Friend, what do you request from Christ? Do you have godly ambitions?
