On a recent flight, as I was at the end of the passenger ramp and close to stepping into the aircraft, a man slipped in front of me and said, “Excuse me. I want to make sure I get a good seat.” My response was, “I appreciate that.” Why did I respond in such a manner? Because he was the pilot. It was to my greatest benefit he get that “good seat”; his rightful place. He had his assigned seat in the cockpit while I had mine in the main cabin. Though I had planned for my destination, it was the one in the cockpit I trusted to safely get me there. Better he be in that “good seat” than me.
I must acknowledge how this is to be the same significant focus for my life! Who am I allowing to sit in that “good seat”? How can I be led by God if I place myself in that seat? To be led while trying to direct would create conflict and impede my following.
There was an occasion when Peter seemed to step into that seat where we read. . .
“(21) From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (22) And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” (23) But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”” (Matthew 16:21-23 ESV)
Peter did not understand the pathway the Lord was traveling. However, Jesus knew Who was in the driver’s seat of the Divine plan. Jesus surrendered to that plan as I also need to surrender to the leading of God. In this light Jesus went on to state. . .
“(24) Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (25) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25 ESV)
Yes, there is the picture of the right one in the “good seat” capably leading me safely to my Divine destination. Though I see Peter struggling in that moment, he did surrender to what the Lord revealed was ahead for him. (John 21:18-19) May I also continue to surrender the “good seat” to the One Who will transport me safely (as Paul also trusted, 2 Timothy 4:18) through the journey in this realm to the ultimate destiny above!
Have a great day TRUSTING THE “GOOD SEAT” TO THE ONE WHO WILL SAFELY GET US HOME!
Carl
