Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:33)
Their mother was looking for a promotion for her boys. Like all mothers, she wanted the best for her sons. But misunderstanding the context and allowing her emotions to cloud her judgment, she asked the Master to allow her boys, James and John, to sit on his right hand and left hand when Jesus’ kingdom was established.
She was neither the first nor the last parent who sought promotions for their offspring. Many parents want their child to be first in line—perhaps in relationships, perhaps in unrealistic views of potential, raw politics, or even hope for power, prestige, and influence. What these reasons don’t always consider is merit.
But the promotion this mother sought for her sons—to be “exalted to the right hand of God”—was strictly based on merit and reserved for another. Jesus had condescended to become a mere human, taking on the form of a man. He obeyed a human father. He lived in the common concourse of the street. He ministered with a motley crew that included fishermen and tax collectors. He suffered, died, was buried, and defied death by rising from the grave. His mission was complete.
If ever a promotion was in order, this was it. If ever a promotion was worthy, this was it. If ever a promotion of another empowered us, this was it.
Seek to promote the name of Jesus above all else.
H. C. Wilson is General Superintendent Emeritus of The Wesleyan Church.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
