Whatever We Ask

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Song: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

“Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” How many have wished the same from God? The disciples wanted a commitment from Jesus before He heard their request. Not even to the sons of Zebedee would Jesus make this open-ended promise. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. Think of what condition we would be in if God, like some genie, honored every wish we had at various points in our life. We would be spoiled in every sense. It’s far better to pray, “If it be Thy will,” and lean on God’s wisdom than to make demands from our own limited perspective.

“You do not know what you ask,” Jesus responded to their petitions for seats on His right and left in glory. Jesus’ glory would not come without the cross. That was the “cup” and the “baptism” that Jesus asked the brothers if they were able to handle. Sitting beside Him in glory would demand walking the same path of suffering and service that He was trodding. “We are able,” they boasted. A few days later they would abandon Jesus to the arresting officers. They were not able. Not yet. Sometimes the Lord may know that we can’t handle the thing we ask for. It’s far better to pray, “If it’s best,” than to be so sure in our hearts that we are as able and willing as we claim to be.

Perhaps we could learn as well that the Lord is interested in providing opportunities for serving, not reigning. It’s the servant that will sit with Him in glory. More prayers should begin and end with “Here am I, send me” than “Here am I, give me.”

Jason Moore