There Is Only One Throne In The Kingdom Of God Mark 10:25-35 July 20, 1997

Mark 10:25-35

James and John are on the Disciple fast track. Yet the self sneaks back in; humans by nature want to be the center of things. They want to feel important. College...Roger...he could go a whole day without sinning. The self always finds a way of sneaking into the equation. The automobile illustration: it takes maintenance, and there is always something that is not quite right. The pool illustration: there is always something in there that does not belong. The self always finds a way of sneaking into the equation.

About the time you think you have arrived as a Christian, beware! I want what I want when I want it...I'm ok, you're ok. Characteristic of the child...characteristic of the base human selfishness.

Chairs in the Kingdom of God...in your life. There is only one...only one person can sit in it at a time. Before we become a Christian, we by nature take control. Many of the struggles of life are over control. In an airplane, there is only one seat for the pilot. Do you want to take over the airplane? No -- let the pilot fly it.

Downer -- there is only one throne.

Upper -- there is a place for us. Become a servant. How can I serve you? What can I do to help you feel fulfilled? It doesn't work all the time; people don't always want to be fulfilled. Not with children -- not your job to make them happy, but to serve them by raising them to find responsible living. Not with friends and neighbors; one must have boundaries.

Must set boundaries. Must serve self from time to time, so that you are refreshed and ready to serve. Beware of the self sneaking in here. Always serve the Lord. What is Your will? What is Your calling on me? What is Your assignment for me today?

In the Kingdom of God, there is a place for God and there is a place for us. There is only one throne, only one leader, only one Lord. It is our job to serve. Let us be open and willing to do so, that God may be glorified, that his Kingdom may grow. I invite you to consider today where you would have been in this discussion. I invite you to submit yourself again to the leadership of God, to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.