124. The Prayer Of A Mother For Her Sons.

The Prayer Of A Mother For Her Sons. The Prayer as recorded.—Matthew 20:20-21. The Lord’s Answer.—Matthew 20:22-23.

There is a dream of ambition in that mother’s heart as, with her sons, James and John, she comes to the Savior. Her petition is full of worldly ambition. She asks for a high seat for her sons among the wealthy and powerful of earth’s children. And what mother, as she reads this, will not say—I, too, have made this prayer. Let them read it carefully, with its connection and circumstances, as well as the rebuking answer of our precious Lord, for it will teach a lesson that involves the eternal happiness of those so near and dear to them. This mother thought, with many others, that our Savior’s reign on earth would be one of worldly triumph, of pomp and power, and with a heart filled with pride would exalt her sons to a high seat in Christ’s earthly kingdom. Their temporal position is filling her heart, and is the burden of her prayer. Our Savior mildly rebukes her, and gently tells her she knows not what she is asking. And does not this, too, teach us how short-sighted and feeble is our knowledge in regard to our own best interests? When we have this or that desire, and flee to the great Giver, should we not say “Not my will by thine be done?” Attempt not to make out your own path, for you will stumble on many a dark landing-place, when all seemed light before you. Mothers dedicate your little ones to God, guide them to his mercy- seat, let him do whatsoever seemeth good in his sight, let their spiritual interests be your great end in training them, and God will be the arbiter of their destiny, both for time and eternity.