Human Desire & Heavenly Compassion

Matthew chapter twenty details three different parties that desired something of the Lord. Unlike the rich young ruler of the previous chapter, these people did not ask, "What good thing shall I do...". Jesus asked of them. "And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, 'What will ye that I shall do unto you?" (Matt. 20:32). Life is not about what we can do for Him. It is about what He has done and will do for us and His Father.

The first party was hired to labor a full day for a days wage. Overjoyed to have work, they set out to the vineyard. When seeing the other workers' pay they expected much more; for they had labored longer. Their joy was lost. The master paid them what they all had earlier agreed on. We should not compare our circumstances with others, expect more than God wills, or think that our work deserves more than He rewards. The vineyard master was just in paying them what they had agreed to work for.

The second party was the family of James and John, two of Jesus' disciples. They desired to sit on either side of the Almighty's Throne in eternity. Did they fully know what they were requesting? They were bold in asking, but prideful in their motives. It was for their own glory, not the furtherance of God's Kingdom. Not even the Son of God could grant them this position in God's authority.

The final party knew exactly what they desired. They had the faith to ask and the grace to receive. They were physically blind and wanted to see. Their desire was natural. In being blind they humbly realized God's authority over them and their lives' purposes. Although perhaps difficult to understand, these blind men did not deserve their sight --it was of Jesus' compassion alone that they received what they desired.

We all have desires. Before we take them to the Lord we should evaluate them in the light of truth. What is the root of your desire? Dig deep. Are they only self-centered? While we have many carnal desires, God Himself creates desires in people too. The Lord is standing still. He is calling you, asking, what do you desire? Even though reigning above armies of angels, He lovingly continues to serve us. We should not be afraid to ask, only do know why you ask. The Lord understands human desire. "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt," (Matt. 26:39). Lastly, if your desire was fulfilled, would it have drawn to following the Lord more closely than before? "So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him," (Matt. 20:34). We should take our desire to Him, only not if it is apart from His glory.

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundant above all that which we ask or think, according to the power which worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20;21).