FAITH PERSPECTIVES: God’s fullness vs. our being full of ourselves

There are times when all of us can be full of ourselves.

Sometimes I can write a longer story than is necessary. I also remember once being chosen for a job and saying I thought they had made the right choice. When I realized what I said, I was embarrassed.

I have a friend who was quite full of himself. I remember asking about his unibrow. He immediately went to check in the mirror. He came back not so full of himself.

I am sure we can all think of similar instances.

Psalm 104 tells how wonderful God is. Verse one says, “Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord, my God, you are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty.” Verse four says, “He makes winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.” Verse five says, “He set the earth on its foundation, it can never be moved.”

The Epistle is Hebrews 5:1-10. It is comparing a human High Priest to Jesus as the High Priest. Interesting ... it says that human, appointed High Priests can be gentle with people with their ignorance because the High Priest is also subject to weaknesses. In contrast God says to Jesus, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchisideck. Jesus was and is a High Priest because of His obedience to the Father through His suffering. Once back in Heaven He became our source of eternal salvation for those who obey Him. So this Epistle tells us about God’s fullness.

The Gospel is Mark 10:35-45. And we get back to being full of ourselves. James and John were part of the inner circle with Peter. Remember, Jesus took the three up the mountain where they witnessed His transfiguration. James and John asked Jesus to do whatever they asked. Silly request, don’t you think? Jesus asked, “What do you want?” They said for one to sit on His right and one on His left. Jesus told them they didn’t know what they were asking and said it was the Father’s decision.

The other Disciples became indignant with the two being so full of themselves. Jesus’ response was that whoever wants to be great had to become a servant. After all Jesus had come to serve, not to be served. Just some food for thought. AMEN!