He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father” (Matthew 20:23).

Even Jesus knew when to submit, trust, and obey. He told the disciples that only the Father knew when He would return. Jesus did not know when He was coming back. He also did not get to decide who would obtain the seats of honor in His kingdom: that is also up to the Father.

Sometimes we serve God with strings attached. “Lord, I will serve You: but I want to be the senior pastor, have a prominent position or a big church, or have a large salary and nationally-recognized ministry. If not, I’ll take my talents to corporate America.” “Lord, I will go out and share my faith with strangers. Just don’t let anybody say anything that hurts my feelings or I won’t do it again!” “Lord, they’re looking for Sunday school teachers at church, so I think I will give it a try. Just don’t let anybody send any bratty children into my classroom!”

Jesus told James and John that they would drink His cup of suffering. They would receive their rewards in eternity but had to serve Him with no strings attached. We also should follow Jesus wherever He leads us, even if it involves discomfort. (Many of us have enough trouble with discomfort—we’re not holy enough for actual suffering!) God will give us the blessings we need. He bestows even greater blessings than we deserve. He provides eternal life if we walk by faith in His Son.

He has already given us more than enough and better than we deserve. Let us give Him whatever time, talents, and treasures we can spare because He deserves more than we can imagine.

Have you ever held back from God or placed demands on how He should bless you?

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.