READING: Numbers 16-18, Mark 9:30-10:12
It’s really quite amazing to me that the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest as they made their way to Capernaum. They had failed to learn about Jesus with the feeding of the 5000; in fact, their hearts were hardened. They missed the opportunity to say, “Lord, work a miracle again” when another 4000 men stood before them hungry. They fretted over the fact they had no bread when the group was in the boat – after they had seen Jesus miraculously provide bread twice.
Now, they had just failed to cast out a demon. Were it not for Jesus’ intervention, they would have left in their wake a possessed son and a deeply dejected father. Still, they argued over who was the greatest.
And, to be honest, perhaps I take back my first sentence in this devotion. We human beings are so prone to pride that we sometimes whitewash our failures, look beyond our mistakes, and still jockey for position on the basis of our own perceived value. The seductive lure of recognition and honor is so great that we see only the failures of others and choose to ignore our own. Meanwhile, the demons win, at least temporarily.
PRAYER: “Lord, make me humble today.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Take some time to evaluate your own heart today. Do you ever want to be recognized above others?
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 19-21, Mark 10:13-34