There was another empty passageway to the left with provision made for boarding but with no visible passenger waiting there at the time. The hostess was busy taking care of the next-in-line passengers, checking their boarding passes and beckoning to them to enter the aircraft.
Suddenly, a passenger was going through the empty passageway on the left and the hostess attending to the next-in-line queue suspended the operation to attend to the passenger who had just shown up. The passengers waiting in line did not like it one bit. Some started to grumble, while others openly protested that it was unfair and improper because they have been waiting all this time and a latecomer arrives and receives prompt attention.
The air hostess pleaded with them and took pains to explain to them that that lane was for PRIORITY passengers. She further underlined to the protesters that that passenger was exercising his right by virtue of the cost of the ticket which gave him a priority pass. It was not that she was breaking the rules but rather playing it by the rules.
In life, we all go through instances like these when we lose out to people who seem to have all the privileges while it looks like we have none. Certain positions some people hold in society or in their various communities accord them those privileges. It is not earned; it goes with their status.
In the Bible some privileges are specifically accorded to Jesus’ followers. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with Him and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) This is a privileged position that everyone can enjoy only if you are ready to follow the Master. It is premised on a choice we as individuals must make if we want to enjoy such status. Imagine having dinner with the Master!
The Pharisees and the Sadducees were jealous of Jesus for pulling such a large crowd because they failed to pay Him any heed. Yet He called out: “Come to me …”
Apostle John clearly indicated this in his writings, that only those who receive Him in their homes in their hearts can enjoy such a privilege. “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognise Him. He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. ” (John 1:10-13) By being followers of Jesus Christ, we automatically are elevated to a new status – children of God. It is not earned; it is given to all who accept His Lordship.
At His crucifixion, two criminals were crucified along with Him - one on His right and the other on His left. The people mocked Him: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” (Luke 23:35b) One of the criminals who hung on the cross hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” The other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God, since we are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” He continued. “Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him. “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (John 23:41-43)
Thus, special treatment was given to this criminal. He went directly to paradise. Not because he earned it, but because Jesus granted him favour for recognising who He was.
Prior to His arrest and His ultimate death, Jesus consoled His disciples thus: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you will be also.” (John 14:1-3) Priority access is equally being given to Jesus’ disciples for their faithfulness.
The Bible teaches that “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ …. raised Him from the dead and made Him sit at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1:20-21) It also reveals that He “ … raised us up with Him, and made us to sit with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus…..for by grace you have been saved through faith; and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no one will boast.” (Ephesians 2:6-9) We are privileged to be seated next to Christ in the heavenly realms just because we recognise Him as the Son of God. Only believe!
Jesus left Jerusalem one day on foot heading for Samaria just to save one woman whom He would meet at the well fetching water who lived in sin. This encounter enabled her to bring out a whole village that would give their lives to Christ as a result of the woman’s testimony that she had met a man who told her all that she had done – the Messiah. (John 4:7-42)
At another instant, He went across the Sea of Galilee to the Garden of the Gadarenes to save one madman who would take the message of salvation to ten cities around his area. These two people received priority attention because they had greater roles to play in the kingdom.
To further illustrate priority and privilege; King Saul was being tormented by an evil spirit and he required someone who could play the harp to dispel the demons. They could not find any; later on the name of David came up. “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is brave and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with Him.” (1 Samuel 16:18) Saul liked David and later His father Jesse approved of his release to remain in the King’s service.” (1 Samuel 16:22)
Salvation – giving your life to Christ -- comes with uncountable benefits to all who answer this call.