Mark 10:35-40

“And he said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’” vss. 36-37

James and John presumably assumed that, since they had been among the first to follow Jesus, they should get the seats of power in the coming messianic kingdom. So, while on the way to Jerusalem they make their bold and unseemly request. They obviously didn’t have a clue about Jesus’ aims or priorities. They didn’t know that in a few weeks their lives would be turned upside down in ways that they couldn’t even imagine, and it wasn’t going to be a pleasant journey. Actually that’s the way it is for most of us as we follow Jesus. Most of us assume things are going to go pretty much as they have been going, and we’d love to soak up as many blessings as possible–maybe a promotion or a pay hike, or a new job more in line with what we deserve. But we really don’t know what lies ahead! And with nations seriously preparing for wars the likes of which we’ve never seen, there could be explosive changes for every one of us. And at the same time we face uncertainties as individuals. We all know people whose lives have been irrevocably changed through accidents or illnesses–and many never ever saw it coming. Our only hope is that, no matter what happens, Jesus will never desert us.

Thought for the Day: How am I preparing for the future?