A little glory here

"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." 

Jesus said to them, "What is it you want me to do for you?" 

And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory."  Mark 10

There you have it.  James and John, the Sons of Zebedee, are reserving their places in glory before all the bad stuff goes down.  The request is so outrageous that in the gospel of Matthew, the author has their mother ask the question for them.

I too would like a little glory.  Not a whole parade, or presidential proclamation.  An official 'atta girl' would be nice.  Adulation from the congregation would be more than I could expect.  An official certificate that I am beloved of God, faithful enough, loving enough, counted among God's children.

But I have such a certificate.  It's that fancy document that marked the date and place of my baptism.  There was water and God's word and promises were made, and those promises were kept by my parents, and I was given into God's care.  I have the certificate, but the truth is, most days it is hard to believe that a broken, often insufferable me could be beloved of God.

Perhaps that's why I became a preacher.  So I could tell myself the good news of Jesus over and over again.  Some days even that is not enough and I must seek out another to be preacher to me.

I'm thinking that if I need to hear it that often, you might need it too.

God loves YOU.  You are God's BELOVED.  

Perhaps that will hold you for one more day....for Easter is coming.