Hovering over something Jesus told His disciples in Mark 10. And it has me wondering what all lies before us when we see Jesus’ glory given that we know there’ll be prearranged seating.

And [Jesus] said to [James and John], “What do 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.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. . . . but to sit at My right hand or at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

(Mark 10:36-37, 38a, 40 ESV)

The main point of the passage in front of me isn’t about heavenly preparation, it’s about the upside down-ness of heavenly exaltation — “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (10:43). But I’m in awe this morning that whoever sits at Jesus’ right or left hand in the kingdom isn’t something still to be figured out but that it is for whom it has been prepared.

Seating at the head table, as it were, has already been determined. Name plates (if we’ll need such things) already set out for the marriage supper of the Lamb. Individual robes of righteousness and garments of praise already cloaking the backs of chairs waiting for their specific recipients to take their seats for the wedding celebrations.

So, if the seating has already been prearranged, what else is being prepared?

I know there’s a city prepared (Heb. 11:16). I know there’s a house with many rooms being prepared (Jn. 14:2). But if details such as seating are already determined, what else has been planned for us? I can only imagine! Or, maybe I can’t.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”.

(1Corinthians 2:9 NKJV)

Hmm, prearranged seating . . .

Prepared according to God’s grace. To be occupied one day soon for God’s glory.

Kind of awe invoking!

Amen?