Prayer Journal

Saturday, February 28, 2004

After speaking, I'll often conclude with the words, "I'm done; I've already told you more than I know." I'm not certain where I heard that phrase, but sometimes I feel it might be true and not just a funny concluding remark. I try to give the facts as I know them, but sometimes my embellishment may go outside the line, so to speak. But, let's credit it to speaker's prerogative, shall we?

Some people however, make going outside the line in conversation a regular event. The apostle Peter was like that; you might say he had "foot-in-mouth" disease. That is, when he opened his mouth to speak, his foot wasn't far behind.

According to Mark 9, Peter and the other disciples walked down the road slightly behind Jesus talking beneath the radar of the Lord about who was the greatest in the kingdom of God. I believe the disciples followed Christ literally, even though they sometime failed to do it spiritually.

I see Jesus headed briskly down that road as if on mission to get there and begin the work. His followers bunched behind him were quietly arguing amongst themselves like overachievers deciding who was worthy of more honor. They spoke softly because they must have surmised what Jesus would say if he overheard them.

No harm - the disciples were merely speculating - just having fun, quietly comparing their qualifications to see who among them was more impressive. What's wrong with that? I imagine it may have been Peter who spoke a little too emphatically to draw Jesus' attention. "What's that Peter; what'd you say," as the Lord stopped the procession in the middle of the road to get an answer. Jesus probably didn't wait for the conclusion of Peter's seemingly never ending "Ahhh" to teach the disciples about who God honors.

We're really no different from the disciples, you know. So why not turn our propensity to misuse our mouth into words that honor God? For example, all too often we in leadership positions regard ourselves as somthing. We fail to pay respect to those who deserve recognition but seldom get it. Why don't we determine to search for someone worthy of honor in God's sight and thank them for their service. I believe that might result in God blessing us for opening our mouth and we can keep both feet on the ground to boot!

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru (Lv. 22:21-23:44 Mk. 9:30-10:12 Ps. 44:1-7 Pr. 10:19 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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