ESOCS Devotional 23 March 2024 – Inordinate Ambition Taken Too Far
MEMORY VERSE: “And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.” Matthew 20:24
TEXT: MATTHEW 20:17-28
And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside along the way and said to them,
18 Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes; and they will sentence Him to death
19 And deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and whipped and crucified, and He will be raised [to life] on the third day.
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s children came up to Him with her sons and, kneeling, worshiped Him and asked a favor of Him.
21 And He asked her, What do you wish? She answered Him, Give orders that these two sons of mine may sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left in Your kingdom.
22 But Jesus replied, You do not realize what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink [a]and to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? They answered, We are able.
23 He said to them, You will drink My cup, but seats at My right hand and at My left are not Mine to give, but they are for those for whom they have been [b]ordained andprepared by My Father.
24 But when the ten [other disciples] heard this, they were indignant at the two brothers.
25 And Jesus called them to Him and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men hold them in subjection [tyrannizing over them].
26 Not so shall it be among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant,
27 And whoever desires to be first among you must be your slave—
28 Just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [the price paid to set them free].
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
Inordinate ambition is a form of covetousness. It is the immoderate desire and quest for superiority and recognition above one’s colleagues. A desire to be preferred, honored and given power to rule over one’s brethren. Most wars that have ruined nations and kingdoms came to be because some leaders were not contented with their national space and wanted to expand their territories. Some second-in-command were no more contented with that and would have their master’s position, whether dead or alive.
Unfortunately, this act of the Zebedees is playing out in churches today. In eight out ten cases of disintegration of churches, we find that the root cause is tussle for leadership. Some have fought and caused crisis that killed both their opponents and followers, just to get to the top even in church. Don’t look too far away because even in churches where there are no salaries nor allowances for the leadership at different level, there is still much scheming. Elders currying favor and position to be appointed over the leader, etc. Some will even dare very unspiritual and diabolical means to achieve their inordinate ambition.
The reaction of the ten was expected: “They were moved with indignation against the two brethren” (Matt. 10:24b). It is rewarding to allow the system of things to evolve naturally for your appointment into any position you desire. Such appointments are the gift and calling of God. Such appointees are usually imbued with the grace and spirit to work effectively, peaceably, honorably, consciously and energetically for God. It is not acceptable to God for anyone to manipulate or lobby himself into a position He has not prepared for such a person. Such a personal will not work with the Spirit of God. Therefore, he would not work appropriately, and he will fail.
Whenever you try to out-smart others as the Zebedees did, be sure that they will not take it kindly with you. Whatever offices there are in the kingdom, there are those they are meant for by God in that season. Do not cause disaffection in the church by your inordinate ambition to rule.
- What is that position or rank that you are so eager to out scheme others and get? Be careful. Wait for God’s appointed time.
- Almighty God, I pray thee cleanse me of all inordinate ambition and endow me with waiting patience and grace to serve, in Jesus name.
Further Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-4
ESOCS Devotional 23 March 2024
