Do For Us Whatever We Ask

Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.
Mark 10:35

These words came from James and John. They wanted the Lord to give them positions of power in the kingdom of God; one at the right hand the other at the left (Mk. 10:37). Jesus inquired whether or not they were ready to truly follow Him and be in prominent positions in His kingdom. They declared they were, but we know they were not at that time. James and John would both be in prominent positions in the kingdom, but not as they here envisioned.

In the account, Jesus went on to rebuke them for their carnal view of things. He told them to be first, become a slave; become like Him (Mk. 10:44, 45).

Here is a lesson for us in addition to what Jesus taught: we need to watch the attitude that says, “Do for us whatever WE ask.”

It is easy to be self-centered and think “what’s in it for me;” “Lord, do what I want you to do,” not “Lord help me see and do what You want me to do.”

Some people want the Lord to help them win the lottery or a sporting event. Others want the Lord to save them they way they want to be saved. Many demand the Lord accept their worship the way they want to offer it. This attitude is simply unacceptable to the Lord. He commands us to deny ourselves and follow Him (Lk. 9:23). We are to hear Him (Matt. 17:5). He is our Lord and Master.

James and John were blessed when they submitted to the Lord. We will be blessed in the same way, not by demanding, “Do for us whatever we ask.”