WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN CONCERNS?

BIBLE TEXT: Luke 9:43b - 50

In this journey of faith, this question 'what are your main concerns?" Is one we should ask ourselves on a daily basis. The life we are called to live requires careful, conscious, moment by moment examination of our wills, aspirations and motives. For he who does not plan is seriously planning to fail. Bearing in mind God's proclamation in Isaiah, "my ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not your thoughts". It is imperative that we always seek to know his will.

Consider that, Jesus was here in verse 44 telling the disciples about the most important event of his life (and theirs) whereas these brothers were simply preoccupied with the usual mundane things that men break their heads over. Look at that verse 44 again: he said "Listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you... (NIV). But, did they even listen at all? Not to talk of listening carefully. Instead, see verse 46 "an argument started among them as to which of them would be the greatest". This is obviously laughable, isn't it? Yet, this is actually who we are, especially in our various churches. We are often so occupied with thoughts about physical things, positions, power authority, recognition, tables, rights, privileges etc that we are oblivious to the spiritual realities. 

Furthermore, in verse 49 we see another familiar situation;  Denominationalism. "If he doesn't belong to us then whatever he is doing is fake". Oftentimes I wander how many of us must have committed the unpardonable sin by judging some ministers of God who perform miracles, simply because they don't belong to us. Some are careful to impose their denominational doctrines upon others before they can become acceptable to them. Well, the lord himself has shown us the more excellent thing to do. He that wants to be the first must be humble like a child. And he who is not against us is with us. Let us stop getting carried away with positions in the church. If you must aspire to those positions then first bring yourself down and make yourself of no reputation. 

More over, look for Jesus in everyman. This is what makes a man a Christian. If anyone is in Christ he is a new creature. Not church, not denomination and not name. So beloved, I ask you again what are your main concerns? Is it Jesus crucified or just the benefits of the table or even fallouts from  the table.  What do you truly want? I would rather have Jesus than silver or gold. I would rather have Jesus than  worldly acclaim.

PRAYER: Father, often we get carried away by things that don't matter. As a result fail to measure up for you to reveal kingdom secrets to us. We pray today that you help us learn to lean closely to the heart of our living saviour, Jesus, to hear his heart beat and be quick to respond to what matters to him most. We ask this  in Jesus name.  Amen!