New York Times columnist David Brooks says there are two kinds of virtues: Those that look good on your resume; and those you want said at your funeral. So, what’s the difference?
Why am I STILL surprised, how excellent is God’s timing?
In my devotional time this morning, I was reading in Mark 10. Two stories Jesus shares there illustrate the two virtues that David Brooks referred to. Let’s take a closer look together…
1. The blind beggar man
It must have been a horribly lonely life for him. Begging for a living. Not seeing. Yet, somehow, he knew WHO was nearby. And suddenly he had hope probably for the first time in a long time! “Son of David, have mercy on me,” he cries out.
Jesus is specific in His response: “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind beggar’s response: “Rabboni (my Master) I want to regain my sight!” So, he had been able to see in the past apparently, because he said “regain”. As in: I saw once, and I want to see again. How has he kept from being bitter and angry? (He seems to be humble and respectful of Jesus. Calling Him the “Master”. Not at all demanding like our 2nd illustration.)
And Jesus says, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.”
And then we read: “And immediately he received his sight and began following Him down the road.”
HE got what he asked for.
2. James and John
They came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” (That word “whatever” especially stood out to me. Sounds a bit arrogant, and demanding, don’t you think?)
Jesus is specific in His response to them, too: “What do you want me to do for you?” Just like He asked the blind man.
They responded: “Grant that we may sit in your glory, one on your right and one on your left.”
Jesus told them they didn’t know what they were asking for, and that it is GOD’S decision to make. AND that He (God) had already decided anyway.
THEY did NOT get what they asked for.
That’s when Jesus decides to teach them the upside down God version:
** Want to be great? Then, be a servant to others. Like Jesus did. He reminds them that He, too, came to serve.
** Want to be first? Then, be a slave of all.
That’s not exactly what James and John had in mind. They were thinking more like “top dog” rather than “lowly servant”.
In both instances, they wanted something from Jesus.
And in both of the illustrations, Jesus asked the same question. “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind beggar man got what he asked for. James and John did not. Rather, they got a rebuke and an object lesson.
Back to the David Brooks quote about two kinds of virtue.
You know, like you, I’ve read this chapter in Mark many times, but it never stood out to me that both the blind man and the two disciples had asked Jesus for something very different (one wanted healing, the other power) and yet, He had responded with the same question for each. It’s actually what Life Coaches call a “powerful question”. A question that requires you to think deeper. What DO you actually want? Better yet, what does GOD want FOR you?
So, in our two illustrations,
1. James and John wanted their “resume” to look good. They wanted notoriety and power. It back-fired on them because the rest of the disciples heard about their request, (YIKES!) and the others were indignant. (Can you remember a time when you saw someone try to “push ahead in line” so to speak? And how did YOU feel about it? How did you react?)
It WAS a very prideful thing to ask for. Actually they TOLD Jesus more than requesting. *SIGH* Aren’t you glad, like me, that Jesus didn’t leave them and walk away, but He continued to teach and disciple them. Like He does for you and me. Gratefully, Jesus is a very patient teacher and MASTER.
2. The blind beggar man was not thinking of fame or power. He merely went to the MASTER and asked to see. And then he followed Jesus. I want to learn to be more like the beggar man. To realize and understand my REAL need, and then to ask the MASTER specifically for the help I need.
Maybe you and I can even get so comfortable being that specific, that we can then say like Paul in I Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Jesus had reminded James and John that He Himself had come to serve, and to GIVE HIS LIFE “as a ransom for many.” Following Jesus’ example is radical!
So, dear one, which of the two virtues describes your life? Do you want to stay there?
What do YOU want Jesus to do for you? Be specific.
Until next time…
God bless you bunches!
Awaiting His shout,
The MomCourager™
