Why Not Tell?
Mark 5:43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
JESUS has resurrected a young girl from her death bed. Call back the mourners. Call back the family waiting outside the house. Run to the streets and proclaim, “My daughter is alive! She was dead, but now she lives!”
But wait. The Lord of Life says, “Don’t tell.” You look at him and wonder, “Why not? This is awesome news, Jesus! I have to let people know.”
Yes, why would Jesus issue this request for silence regarding the girl’s resurrection? He says this to others he heals. Most ignore him and go tell anyway.
My thought here is that Jesus was trying to protect his ministry and his mission. We see before this that huge crowds were pressing around him. People were desperately seeking him for their physical healing. And as he obliged them, the pressing crowds grew larger. “Heal me now, Jesus!” they might have called.
Although his healing power was vital to his ministry, Jesus’ main ministry was to preach the Gospel and to minister eternal healing, eternal life, to the world. It seems Jesus was concerned here that people would focus too much on the quick healing and focus too little on his eternal healing.
Jesus wasn’t a miracle worker for his own sake. Jesus’ primary mission was to proclaim the power of God had come for the eternal salvation of the world. He could not allow the pressing crowds, seeking a “quick fix” to their lives keep him from his mission.
Pause and consider: Are you after Jesus for a “quick fix” for your life or for eternal life?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
February 22, 2012 Why Bother Jesus?
Why Bother Jesus?
Mark 5:33-36 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher further?” 36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don't be afraid; just believe.”
HERE is a woman healed and then she is fearful she has stepped beyond her bounds. Here is a man seeking healing for his daughter. Then he hears the news she is dead. Then Jesus assures him, “Do not be afraid.”
Fear pops up in so many places, doesn’t it? “I’m afraid to go to Jesus. He might say I’m too guilty.” Or “I’m afraid. I have no hope for my future.” Or “I’m afraid to tell anyone how Jesus has healed me. They will laugh at me. They’ll think I’m crazy.”
Jesus tells you and shows you here that there is no room for fear in his Kingdom. He welcomes you to come to him. He offers you hope amid disease and even death because he conquers all things that oppose him. He offers to you his love as you seek him and go touch him.
When Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” he is offering himself to the woman, to Jairus, to the crowd around him, and to you.
Jesus wants you to know in the turmoil of fear and emotions from all directions, you can turn and focus on him.
Turn to Jesus. As each new emotion comes to you, say his name. Touch his cloak. Hear his love. Your fear will go.
Pause and consider Jesus’ presence quiets your emotions.
--I pray that this Lenten season is a time for you to pause and consider harmful habits to stop and Godly habits to begin.
Mark 5:33-36 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher further?” 36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don't be afraid; just believe.”
HERE is a woman healed and then she is fearful she has stepped beyond her bounds. Here is a man seeking healing for his daughter. Then he hears the news she is dead. Then Jesus assures him, “Do not be afraid.”
Fear pops up in so many places, doesn’t it? “I’m afraid to go to Jesus. He might say I’m too guilty.” Or “I’m afraid. I have no hope for my future.” Or “I’m afraid to tell anyone how Jesus has healed me. They will laugh at me. They’ll think I’m crazy.”
Jesus tells you and shows you here that there is no room for fear in his Kingdom. He welcomes you to come to him. He offers you hope amid disease and even death because he conquers all things that oppose him. He offers to you his love as you seek him and go touch him.
When Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” he is offering himself to the woman, to Jairus, to the crowd around him, and to you.
Jesus wants you to know in the turmoil of fear and emotions from all directions, you can turn and focus on him.
Turn to Jesus. As each new emotion comes to you, say his name. Touch his cloak. Hear his love. Your fear will go.
Pause and consider Jesus’ presence quiets your emotions.
--I pray that this Lenten season is a time for you to pause and consider harmful habits to stop and Godly habits to begin.
Monday, February 20, 2012
February 21, 2012 Real Power
Real Power
Mark 5:30-32 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you, “his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.
YOU know Jesus’ healing power is real here, don’t you. His power is so much a part of him he feels it flow out of him.
The Gospels record one miraculous, power-filled scene after another. The events happen so quickly, you can easily miss them. Demons gone, the blind see, the deaf hear. The words of life are proclaimed, and lives are changed forever.
The wonder of Jesus power demonstration is that he didn’t stop—ever. His power is still going into the world right now. This past week in our town, 75 teens came to faith in him at a rally at the high school. A junior high boy known for causing trouble has found new life. A teen turned from her suicide desires. A family found comfort in their deep sorrow. A 4-year-old boy came to church and is excited for Jesus. A young boy has found peace from his worries. A young mom has begun to see joy and hope in her life once again. A teen has been rescued from an abusive home.
“Where’s Jesus?” You ask. He’s right here in the crowd of hurt, hopelessness, pain, doubts, fears, disease and worry. Yes, Jesus walks right into these places. And when you touch him, his real, alive and life-changing power flows from him.
Do you want this in your life? Then go touch him. Grab onto him. Hold onto him. Let his power flow to you.
Pause and consider Jesus’ power never is unplugged.
Mark 5:30-32 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you, “his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.
YOU know Jesus’ healing power is real here, don’t you. His power is so much a part of him he feels it flow out of him.
The Gospels record one miraculous, power-filled scene after another. The events happen so quickly, you can easily miss them. Demons gone, the blind see, the deaf hear. The words of life are proclaimed, and lives are changed forever.
The wonder of Jesus power demonstration is that he didn’t stop—ever. His power is still going into the world right now. This past week in our town, 75 teens came to faith in him at a rally at the high school. A junior high boy known for causing trouble has found new life. A teen turned from her suicide desires. A family found comfort in their deep sorrow. A 4-year-old boy came to church and is excited for Jesus. A young boy has found peace from his worries. A young mom has begun to see joy and hope in her life once again. A teen has been rescued from an abusive home.
“Where’s Jesus?” You ask. He’s right here in the crowd of hurt, hopelessness, pain, doubts, fears, disease and worry. Yes, Jesus walks right into these places. And when you touch him, his real, alive and life-changing power flows from him.
Do you want this in your life? Then go touch him. Grab onto him. Hold onto him. Let his power flow to you.
Pause and consider Jesus’ power never is unplugged.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February 20, 2012 Suffering Jesus
Suffering Jesus
Mark 5:25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
“FREED from her suffering”…an incredible statement isn’t it? How you long for yourself or for someone you know to be freed from suffering. Suffering—a deep hurt physically that won’t quit, a penetrating hurt psychologically that shows up with every thought. What do you do with the suffering?
It’s easy for me to say, “Be like the bleeding woman. She went to Jesus, and he healed her.” But what would have happened if he didn’t heal her? Would you know her? No. You hear of the healed. What happens to the unhealed? Where’s Jesus in their suffering? Where’s Jesus in your suffering?
He’s right there. Do you see him? He’s at the whipping post. The Roman soldiers are lashing him to unbearable suffering for you.
Do you see him? The Roman executors are driving big spikes through his wrists. Now they are lifting his suffering body on a cross. Do you see him hanging there? Why is he experiencing that suffering pain? Of course, he suffers for you.
Yes, Jesus heals some now. Some he heals after “12 years”. Some he does not heal in this life.
Yet, Jesus has suffered to heal you for eternity. Call on Jesus as Lord and be healed forever.
Pause and consider how you need to touch Jesus to know his healing power.
Mark 5:25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
“FREED from her suffering”…an incredible statement isn’t it? How you long for yourself or for someone you know to be freed from suffering. Suffering—a deep hurt physically that won’t quit, a penetrating hurt psychologically that shows up with every thought. What do you do with the suffering?
It’s easy for me to say, “Be like the bleeding woman. She went to Jesus, and he healed her.” But what would have happened if he didn’t heal her? Would you know her? No. You hear of the healed. What happens to the unhealed? Where’s Jesus in their suffering? Where’s Jesus in your suffering?
He’s right there. Do you see him? He’s at the whipping post. The Roman soldiers are lashing him to unbearable suffering for you.
Do you see him? The Roman executors are driving big spikes through his wrists. Now they are lifting his suffering body on a cross. Do you see him hanging there? Why is he experiencing that suffering pain? Of course, he suffers for you.
Yes, Jesus heals some now. Some he heals after “12 years”. Some he does not heal in this life.
Yet, Jesus has suffered to heal you for eternity. Call on Jesus as Lord and be healed forever.
Pause and consider how you need to touch Jesus to know his healing power.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
February 19, 2012 Earnestly Seek Jesus
Earnestly Approaching Jesus
Mark 5:21-25 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him.
DO YOU see how the people and Jairus earnestly sought Jesus as he returned to Capernaum?
From the beginning of his Gospel, Mark has been telling the story of how people earnestly came to the Jordan to repent and be baptized to prepare to see the Savior. And when the Savior shows up, the news spreads. People are amazed. Huge crowds earnestly seek him. God’s people are starving for the Bread of Life. They are parched for the Living Water. They are lost for lack of a Good Shepherd.
In Jesus they see the One who can fill their spiritual hunger, ease their hopeless thirst and guide their directionless lives. Yes, why wouldn’t they earnestly seek him as did Jairus, who fell at Jesus’ feet to plead with him? His daughter is dying. He earnestly needs the one who can heal!
How do you go to Jesus? Do you think, “I’ll pray once and see if anything happens.” “If I have time, I’ll read some Bible today.”
That’s no way to go to the Savior. You need him, too, to fill you, quench your thirst and lead you to healing. He deserves your full attention.
Pause and consider how excited you are to see your best friend. Are you as excited to go the Savior?
Mark 5:21-25 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him.
DO YOU see how the people and Jairus earnestly sought Jesus as he returned to Capernaum?
From the beginning of his Gospel, Mark has been telling the story of how people earnestly came to the Jordan to repent and be baptized to prepare to see the Savior. And when the Savior shows up, the news spreads. People are amazed. Huge crowds earnestly seek him. God’s people are starving for the Bread of Life. They are parched for the Living Water. They are lost for lack of a Good Shepherd.
In Jesus they see the One who can fill their spiritual hunger, ease their hopeless thirst and guide their directionless lives. Yes, why wouldn’t they earnestly seek him as did Jairus, who fell at Jesus’ feet to plead with him? His daughter is dying. He earnestly needs the one who can heal!
How do you go to Jesus? Do you think, “I’ll pray once and see if anything happens.” “If I have time, I’ll read some Bible today.”
That’s no way to go to the Savior. You need him, too, to fill you, quench your thirst and lead you to healing. He deserves your full attention.
Pause and consider how excited you are to see your best friend. Are you as excited to go the Savior?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
February 16, 2012 The Deliverer
The Deliverer
Mark 5:11-15 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13 He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
WHAT DO you think? Is it better to restore one man’s life—or save the swine?
Legion—the demons—plea with Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." Why? They want to destroy the swine. They want to turn the people against Jesus as they accuse, “He killed the swine!”
What are Jesus’ purposes here? One, he wants to save the man, to deliver him from evil. Two, he wants to test these Gentiles. What will they consider good? What will be their reaction to the One who delivers them from evil?
As you see, they were afraid. Jesus had saved a man, but the swine died. That’s lost income for some. Even though Legion had mocked and harassed them through the man, they were more afraid they had lost their livelihood. They were afraid the One who had delivered them from evil could not give them that day their daily “bread” – a new way of life.
They preferred the swine over the salvation.
Pause and consider: what evil rules your life? Do you trust Jesus to deliver you?
Mark 5:11-15 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13 He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
WHAT DO you think? Is it better to restore one man’s life—or save the swine?
Legion—the demons—plea with Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." Why? They want to destroy the swine. They want to turn the people against Jesus as they accuse, “He killed the swine!”
What are Jesus’ purposes here? One, he wants to save the man, to deliver him from evil. Two, he wants to test these Gentiles. What will they consider good? What will be their reaction to the One who delivers them from evil?
As you see, they were afraid. Jesus had saved a man, but the swine died. That’s lost income for some. Even though Legion had mocked and harassed them through the man, they were more afraid they had lost their livelihood. They were afraid the One who had delivered them from evil could not give them that day their daily “bread” – a new way of life.
They preferred the swine over the salvation.
Pause and consider: what evil rules your life? Do you trust Jesus to deliver you?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
February 15, 2012 Subject to the King
Subject to the King
Mark 5:6-10 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
WHAT WOULD it be like if you lived in total subjection to a king? A “subject” of the king, you would be subjected to his commands. His authority would absolutely rule your life.
Scripture repeatedly shows the demons know Jesus is the one who will condemn them to eternal punishment as he (Revelation 19:15) “will rule them with an iron scepter.” They know his power is ultimate. When the Christ acts, the Christ acts and nothing will hold him back.
How about you? Do you believe that? If Christ is your Savior, he is also your King. You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God. A subject of the King, you are subject to the King.
Do you receive his words as the authority of your life? Do you pray for mercy in the authority of his forgiveness of your sins? Do you pray for his kingly power to heal the broken relationships, the hurts in your life?
Pray to Jesus as the ultimate authority of your life because he is.
Pause and consider that one day you will stand before Jesus’ authority. Will you beg for mercy or praise him for his mercy?
Mark 5:6-10 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
WHAT WOULD it be like if you lived in total subjection to a king? A “subject” of the king, you would be subjected to his commands. His authority would absolutely rule your life.
Scripture repeatedly shows the demons know Jesus is the one who will condemn them to eternal punishment as he (Revelation 19:15) “will rule them with an iron scepter.” They know his power is ultimate. When the Christ acts, the Christ acts and nothing will hold him back.
How about you? Do you believe that? If Christ is your Savior, he is also your King. You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God. A subject of the King, you are subject to the King.
Do you receive his words as the authority of your life? Do you pray for mercy in the authority of his forgiveness of your sins? Do you pray for his kingly power to heal the broken relationships, the hurts in your life?
Pray to Jesus as the ultimate authority of your life because he is.
Pause and consider that one day you will stand before Jesus’ authority. Will you beg for mercy or praise him for his mercy?
Monday, February 13, 2012
February 14, 2012 Irresistible Jesus
Irresistible Jesus
Mark 5:1-4 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
CAN YOU imagine anything so horrible? This man lived among the dead. He was insane. He was incredibly strong and opposed all who came near him. He cut himself with stones. He’s certainly the kind of man you would avoid.
But wait a minute. What happened? He goes to see Jesus. You’ll see in the next 2 days what Jesus does in response. But first, why does this deranged, demon-possessed man go to meet Jesus?
Do you think Jesus was irresistible? I think so. Why wouldn’t he be? The Bible records numerous times that great crowds, (many people, large numbers, etc.) went to see him. He was as a “rabbi rock star”—God’s Son, the Light of the world, the Holy One of God.
Jesus was the one who healed. He spoke and people were in awe. He called, then men dropped their nets and they followed.
The demons control this man; yet, Jesus is irresistible to even them. When the Lord shows up, they must go to him. These demons know he is their Master.
How about you? What do you know about Jesus? You know enough to know you must go to him. What’s stopping you?
Pause and consider anew the steps you must take to Jesus.
Mark 5:1-4 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
CAN YOU imagine anything so horrible? This man lived among the dead. He was insane. He was incredibly strong and opposed all who came near him. He cut himself with stones. He’s certainly the kind of man you would avoid.
But wait a minute. What happened? He goes to see Jesus. You’ll see in the next 2 days what Jesus does in response. But first, why does this deranged, demon-possessed man go to meet Jesus?
Do you think Jesus was irresistible? I think so. Why wouldn’t he be? The Bible records numerous times that great crowds, (many people, large numbers, etc.) went to see him. He was as a “rabbi rock star”—God’s Son, the Light of the world, the Holy One of God.
Jesus was the one who healed. He spoke and people were in awe. He called, then men dropped their nets and they followed.
The demons control this man; yet, Jesus is irresistible to even them. When the Lord shows up, they must go to him. These demons know he is their Master.
How about you? What do you know about Jesus? You know enough to know you must go to him. What’s stopping you?
Pause and consider anew the steps you must take to Jesus.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
February 13, 2012 Worship Him
Worship Him
Mark 4:41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
THE DISCIPLES had been with Jesus for some time when he calms the storm on the sea. Perhaps this is the first time they feared him.
What causes their fear? They see the power of Jesus’ words. They see Jesus’ Lordship over nature. They see Jesus’ holiness in that power.
When they realize they could be in the presence of the
(Psalms 146:6) the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them — what could they do but tremble in fear.
His unlimited power stood next to their faithless lives. His sovereign authority determined the destiny of their sin-filled souls. His all-knowing mind dwarfed their limited understanding. He held their souls in his hand. Why would they not tremble in fear?
Yes, now they are beginning to more clearly see who this Jesus is. They are growing in their understanding that their rabbi is the Lord of Hosts. They have seen the power of his words, and they are afraid.
Their fear can cause them to run from their Lord, or their fear can cause them to turn their minds to a greater understanding of their Lord. They were on a boat. They had to stay, and they would learn more. As it says in Proverbs 9:10-11
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Now they begin to understand that they must really listen to their rabbi. They begin to understand his words will not only calm the winds, his words will transform their lives.
Pause and consider that truly knowing Jesus will change your life. Fearful, isn’t it?
Mark 4:41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
THE DISCIPLES had been with Jesus for some time when he calms the storm on the sea. Perhaps this is the first time they feared him.
What causes their fear? They see the power of Jesus’ words. They see Jesus’ Lordship over nature. They see Jesus’ holiness in that power.
When they realize they could be in the presence of the
(Psalms 146:6) the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them — what could they do but tremble in fear.
His unlimited power stood next to their faithless lives. His sovereign authority determined the destiny of their sin-filled souls. His all-knowing mind dwarfed their limited understanding. He held their souls in his hand. Why would they not tremble in fear?
Yes, now they are beginning to more clearly see who this Jesus is. They are growing in their understanding that their rabbi is the Lord of Hosts. They have seen the power of his words, and they are afraid.
Their fear can cause them to run from their Lord, or their fear can cause them to turn their minds to a greater understanding of their Lord. They were on a boat. They had to stay, and they would learn more. As it says in Proverbs 9:10-11
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Now they begin to understand that they must really listen to their rabbi. They begin to understand his words will not only calm the winds, his words will transform their lives.
Pause and consider that truly knowing Jesus will change your life. Fearful, isn’t it?
Saturday, February 11, 2012
February 12 Jesus' Calm
Jesus’ Calm
Mark 4:35-40 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don't you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
WHAT DO you think? Does Jesus care if you drown? When life’s storms wash over you and the winds of doubt, worry and pain blow against you, don’t you want to know, “Jesus, don’t you care if I drown?”
Jesus clearly shows here that he does care. He does have the power to save you from the storms. And he will use it.
It’s too easy, isn’t it, to focus on the storms even though the Savior is with you? The disciples could have called on Jesus when the clouds were forming and the wind increasing, but they focused on dealing with the storms in their own way. After all some were experienced on the sea and knew how to handle a boat. They could “do it themselves”.
But the storm got too big for them. Their fear got too big for them. Desperately they turned to Jesus. And Jesus came to quiet the storm with his words.
What storms rage around you? You can’t handle them yourself. Jesus can. Have that faith in his power to calm the storm.
Pause and consider how Jesus speaks calm.
Mark 4:35-40 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don't you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
WHAT DO you think? Does Jesus care if you drown? When life’s storms wash over you and the winds of doubt, worry and pain blow against you, don’t you want to know, “Jesus, don’t you care if I drown?”
Jesus clearly shows here that he does care. He does have the power to save you from the storms. And he will use it.
It’s too easy, isn’t it, to focus on the storms even though the Savior is with you? The disciples could have called on Jesus when the clouds were forming and the wind increasing, but they focused on dealing with the storms in their own way. After all some were experienced on the sea and knew how to handle a boat. They could “do it themselves”.
But the storm got too big for them. Their fear got too big for them. Desperately they turned to Jesus. And Jesus came to quiet the storm with his words.
What storms rage around you? You can’t handle them yourself. Jesus can. Have that faith in his power to calm the storm.
Pause and consider how Jesus speaks calm.
Friday, February 10, 2012
February 11, 2012 Learn It!
Learn It.
Mark 4:33-34 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
DO YOU want to get to know Jesus really well? Then become a disciple. What does a disciple do? He or she spends a good amount of time with Jesus.
Many times in the accounts of Jesus’ ministry, you’ll see him enter into teaching time with only his disciples. The disciples want to know all Jesus knows and do what Jesus does to become like their rabbi. When they follow Jesus, they literally follow him as closely as they can. They crowd around him as he walks. They sit or stand close to him as he teaches. They are attentive. They ask questions. Their disciplined following causes Jesus’ ways to become their ways.
How do you become a disciple? You can literally sit with his word. You can also sit with others to ask questions and learn his word. You can listen to preaching in church and teachings on TV and on the radio. Podcasts and websites are available with some of the world’s best teachers free of charge. God’s Word is everywhere. You just have to sit down and hear it.
You might say, “That’s too much.” And I will say, “How could you get too much of the eternal God? How could you get too much of the God who freely offers you eternal life?”
Why is he last on your list? Why are you always saying, “Not now.” when you are invited to a Bible study?
When will you learn if not now?
Pause and consider: each day you wait, you miss knowing Jesus.
Mark 4:33-34 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
DO YOU want to get to know Jesus really well? Then become a disciple. What does a disciple do? He or she spends a good amount of time with Jesus.
Many times in the accounts of Jesus’ ministry, you’ll see him enter into teaching time with only his disciples. The disciples want to know all Jesus knows and do what Jesus does to become like their rabbi. When they follow Jesus, they literally follow him as closely as they can. They crowd around him as he walks. They sit or stand close to him as he teaches. They are attentive. They ask questions. Their disciplined following causes Jesus’ ways to become their ways.
How do you become a disciple? You can literally sit with his word. You can also sit with others to ask questions and learn his word. You can listen to preaching in church and teachings on TV and on the radio. Podcasts and websites are available with some of the world’s best teachers free of charge. God’s Word is everywhere. You just have to sit down and hear it.
You might say, “That’s too much.” And I will say, “How could you get too much of the eternal God? How could you get too much of the God who freely offers you eternal life?”
Why is he last on your list? Why are you always saying, “Not now.” when you are invited to a Bible study?
When will you learn if not now?
Pause and consider: each day you wait, you miss knowing Jesus.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
February 10, 2012 Kingdom Growing Power
Kingdom Growing Power
Mark 4:30-32 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”
HAVE you ever been around a mustard plant? They’re not so big. As a boy on the farm I would walk the grain and hay fields to pull up mustard plants and put them in a bag. It was the only way to remove the weed and save the crop.
So what’s Jesus talking about here—a mustard seed growing into a huge plant with branches for birds to sit on?
He is talking about Kingdom growing. The Kingdom of God is supernatural. God created the heavens and the earth and set a natural order to the universe.
Then sin broke into his creation. As a consequence, God’s creation, especially mankind, groans under sin’s weight. Now God has stepped in to change the natural sin with his supernatural power.
In the power of God, Jesus supernaturally transforms blindness to sight, lameness to strength, leprosy to wholeness, death to life, and sin to salvation.
When you accept Jesus’ salvation, you have at your disposal that same supernatural power through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit grows your heart to love, to forgive, to seek God, to worship God, to trust his mercy, to know his grace, and to know new life in his risen life. Yes, whatever you face before you, the Spirit’s supernatural power is available to shelter you.
Pause and consider how you can rest in God’s big arms.
Mark 4:30-32 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”
HAVE you ever been around a mustard plant? They’re not so big. As a boy on the farm I would walk the grain and hay fields to pull up mustard plants and put them in a bag. It was the only way to remove the weed and save the crop.
So what’s Jesus talking about here—a mustard seed growing into a huge plant with branches for birds to sit on?
He is talking about Kingdom growing. The Kingdom of God is supernatural. God created the heavens and the earth and set a natural order to the universe.
Then sin broke into his creation. As a consequence, God’s creation, especially mankind, groans under sin’s weight. Now God has stepped in to change the natural sin with his supernatural power.
In the power of God, Jesus supernaturally transforms blindness to sight, lameness to strength, leprosy to wholeness, death to life, and sin to salvation.
When you accept Jesus’ salvation, you have at your disposal that same supernatural power through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit grows your heart to love, to forgive, to seek God, to worship God, to trust his mercy, to know his grace, and to know new life in his risen life. Yes, whatever you face before you, the Spirit’s supernatural power is available to shelter you.
Pause and consider how you can rest in God’s big arms.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
February 9, 2012 Ready for Harvest?
Ready for the Harvest?
Mark 4:26-29 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain — first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
YOU might be wondering, “Ready for what harvest?” I hope you’re wondering this. The answer is crucial to your eternal future.
Jesus gives a very clear Kingdom truth here. He is the farmer who plants the seed, the Truth of Jesus Christ. Once the truth is planted into good soil, it will not stop. It will root and prosper.
As sun and rain nurture a plant to grow, the Truth of Jesus nurtures you to grow and mature in the truth.
What happens when the plant has a full kernel? The kernel becomes food for some and new seed for new plants. What happens when you mature in Jesus’ truth? You produce seed.
You become “food” to feed people hungry for the truth, and you become seed to plant new truth into new soil. You tell your friends. You tell your children. The Kingdom of God grows through you.
Then what? As with any plant, your life here will end. One day God will “harvest” your life from earth into eternal life. The thing is, you don’t know when that will be. Thus, I return to my question, “Ready for the harvest?”
What do you say? Is Jesus’ truth planted, growing and maturing in you?
Pause and consider carefully your answer. Romans 10:9 offers you the way to say, “Yes, I am ready for the harvest.”
Mark 4:26-29 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain — first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
YOU might be wondering, “Ready for what harvest?” I hope you’re wondering this. The answer is crucial to your eternal future.
Jesus gives a very clear Kingdom truth here. He is the farmer who plants the seed, the Truth of Jesus Christ. Once the truth is planted into good soil, it will not stop. It will root and prosper.
As sun and rain nurture a plant to grow, the Truth of Jesus nurtures you to grow and mature in the truth.
What happens when the plant has a full kernel? The kernel becomes food for some and new seed for new plants. What happens when you mature in Jesus’ truth? You produce seed.
You become “food” to feed people hungry for the truth, and you become seed to plant new truth into new soil. You tell your friends. You tell your children. The Kingdom of God grows through you.
Then what? As with any plant, your life here will end. One day God will “harvest” your life from earth into eternal life. The thing is, you don’t know when that will be. Thus, I return to my question, “Ready for the harvest?”
What do you say? Is Jesus’ truth planted, growing and maturing in you?
Pause and consider carefully your answer. Romans 10:9 offers you the way to say, “Yes, I am ready for the harvest.”
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
February 8, 2012 Hear It. Use It.
Listen To It. Use It.
Mark 4:24-25 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”
DO YOU see the ways this scripture is true for you?
If you’re a student who needs to pass a class, you pay attention to enough information to get you through. If you’re a student who really wants to be good at something, you pay really close attention to know as much as you can know.
If for example, you want to be a great carpenter, the more you know and the more you put what you know to use, the greater you will be “measured” by those for whom you build.
One of my big questions in ministry is this: Why don’t people want to know as much of God as possible?
My second big question is: Why don’t people want to use God’s truth in their daily lives?
Jesus says it is critical first that you hear God’s truth (that can be through reading, listening to sermons, etc.) to learn the truth. Then it is mandatory to put God’s truth into action. If you don’t you will lose it.
If you’re a carpenter, pianist, teacher, accountant, salesperson, etc., and you fail to use what you know, you will lose what you know.
The same is true of God’s truth. If you hear it, then put it away, you will lose it. And God will judge you for your lack of faith.
The glorious promise here, though, is that when you begin to use God’s truth it will grow to be a blessing to you and to all around you.
Pause and consider that anything you don’t use is useless.
Mark 4:24-25 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”
DO YOU see the ways this scripture is true for you?
If you’re a student who needs to pass a class, you pay attention to enough information to get you through. If you’re a student who really wants to be good at something, you pay really close attention to know as much as you can know.
If for example, you want to be a great carpenter, the more you know and the more you put what you know to use, the greater you will be “measured” by those for whom you build.
One of my big questions in ministry is this: Why don’t people want to know as much of God as possible?
My second big question is: Why don’t people want to use God’s truth in their daily lives?
Jesus says it is critical first that you hear God’s truth (that can be through reading, listening to sermons, etc.) to learn the truth. Then it is mandatory to put God’s truth into action. If you don’t you will lose it.
If you’re a carpenter, pianist, teacher, accountant, salesperson, etc., and you fail to use what you know, you will lose what you know.
The same is true of God’s truth. If you hear it, then put it away, you will lose it. And God will judge you for your lack of faith.
The glorious promise here, though, is that when you begin to use God’s truth it will grow to be a blessing to you and to all around you.
Pause and consider that anything you don’t use is useless.
Monday, February 6, 2012
February 7, 2012 Sing the Light
Show the Light
Mark 4:21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
THREE years ago on the show “Britian’s Got Talent”, Susan Boyle, a very ordinary-looking woman, stunned everyone with her extraordinary, emotional rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream”.
Susan’s dream was to sing as Elaine Paige, one of Britain’s top show tune singers. Before she sang, all laughed at the silly woman with a silly dream. They stood and shouted approval after Susan’s song.
That night, Susan Boyle’s light burst forth onto the world’s stage. Millions of ears heard. To date, this performance on YouTube has 13,640,293 hits. (Elaine Paige’s YouTube songs aren’t even close.)
The people of the world crave the triumph of dreams. They crave the suppressed light bursting forth.
2,000 years ago, Jesus burst forth with the irrepressible Light of God’s truth onto the world stage. When you claim Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that Light is in you and for you.
And so I ask, “What will you do with the Light?” Do you suppress the Light because you don’t trust Jesus’ truth? Are you ridiculed because thinks the Light is silly? Do you know you have it, but you are afraid to “sing it”?
I want to tell you something. Never mind the doubters. The world craves Jesus’ Light. Give it to them. Stand up and sing it out. It is Jesus’ song in you. Let those who have ears, hear Jesus’ truth from you.
Pause and consider, if Susan Boyle kept quiet, no one would know.
Mark 4:21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
THREE years ago on the show “Britian’s Got Talent”, Susan Boyle, a very ordinary-looking woman, stunned everyone with her extraordinary, emotional rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream”.
Susan’s dream was to sing as Elaine Paige, one of Britain’s top show tune singers. Before she sang, all laughed at the silly woman with a silly dream. They stood and shouted approval after Susan’s song.
That night, Susan Boyle’s light burst forth onto the world’s stage. Millions of ears heard. To date, this performance on YouTube has 13,640,293 hits. (Elaine Paige’s YouTube songs aren’t even close.)
The people of the world crave the triumph of dreams. They crave the suppressed light bursting forth.
2,000 years ago, Jesus burst forth with the irrepressible Light of God’s truth onto the world stage. When you claim Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that Light is in you and for you.
And so I ask, “What will you do with the Light?” Do you suppress the Light because you don’t trust Jesus’ truth? Are you ridiculed because thinks the Light is silly? Do you know you have it, but you are afraid to “sing it”?
I want to tell you something. Never mind the doubters. The world craves Jesus’ Light. Give it to them. Stand up and sing it out. It is Jesus’ song in you. Let those who have ears, hear Jesus’ truth from you.
Pause and consider, if Susan Boyle kept quiet, no one would know.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
February 6, 2012 Got Life?
Got Life?
Mark 4: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.”
DO YOU desire to be good soil? Think of how life-giving is this picture that Jesus draws for you.
What a joy it is to travel America and see bountiful crops of many types fill the fields. America’s rich soil and ample water is one reason for our wealth.
Jesus wants you to be wealthy in his truth. As good soil needs living organisms to grow healthy crops, you must have the living word of God in you. God’s living word grows living truth. Living truth grows you strong against temptation and causes you to produce good fruit in your marriage, your children and your relationships.
I don’t know anyone who has had a garden and purposely ignored it, causing it to become arid, dry and lifeless. But I know many, many people who have an arid, lifeless faith because they do not seek the life-growing power of God’s Word for their lives.
I don’t understand why it is so difficult to get people to read the Bible. Do you?
Pause and consider that Life comes from Life. What is your life source?
Mark 4: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.”
DO YOU desire to be good soil? Think of how life-giving is this picture that Jesus draws for you.
What a joy it is to travel America and see bountiful crops of many types fill the fields. America’s rich soil and ample water is one reason for our wealth.
Jesus wants you to be wealthy in his truth. As good soil needs living organisms to grow healthy crops, you must have the living word of God in you. God’s living word grows living truth. Living truth grows you strong against temptation and causes you to produce good fruit in your marriage, your children and your relationships.
I don’t know anyone who has had a garden and purposely ignored it, causing it to become arid, dry and lifeless. But I know many, many people who have an arid, lifeless faith because they do not seek the life-growing power of God’s Word for their lives.
I don’t understand why it is so difficult to get people to read the Bible. Do you?
Pause and consider that Life comes from Life. What is your life source?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
February 5 Trust the Spirit
Trust the Spirit
Mark 3:22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
&
Mark 3:28-29 “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.”
YOU SAY, “I thought God forgave all sins. What’s this eternal sin?”
This does seem to contradict the picture of the all-forgiving God who offers you forgiveness and salvation if (Romans 10:9) you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
How can there be any eternal sin?
When you look at Mark 3:22, you see the teachers refusing to believe the Holy Spirit is working to drive demons from people. They are giving the credit due God to Satan.
Now is it clear why this is an eternal, unforgiveable sin? These men refuse to give praise and worship to the holy God, who clearly shows his power to heal.
Do you get that way? Do you refuse, first of all, to believe the Holy Spirit can and will do miracles in your life? Do you believe the Holy Spirit has the power to heal your disease, to guide your life, and to save you from Hell?
Or, do you give credit of the good things in your life to luck, coincidence and chance?
If so, you are neglecting the power of the Holy Spirit. You must stop that false thinking and turn to trust the truth of the Spirit in your life.
Believe in the Spirit. He is alive and powerful. He loves you.
Pause and consider: How is anything possible without the living Spirit of God?
Mark 3:22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
&
Mark 3:28-29 “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.”
YOU SAY, “I thought God forgave all sins. What’s this eternal sin?”
This does seem to contradict the picture of the all-forgiving God who offers you forgiveness and salvation if (Romans 10:9) you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
How can there be any eternal sin?
When you look at Mark 3:22, you see the teachers refusing to believe the Holy Spirit is working to drive demons from people. They are giving the credit due God to Satan.
Now is it clear why this is an eternal, unforgiveable sin? These men refuse to give praise and worship to the holy God, who clearly shows his power to heal.
Do you get that way? Do you refuse, first of all, to believe the Holy Spirit can and will do miracles in your life? Do you believe the Holy Spirit has the power to heal your disease, to guide your life, and to save you from Hell?
Or, do you give credit of the good things in your life to luck, coincidence and chance?
If so, you are neglecting the power of the Holy Spirit. You must stop that false thinking and turn to trust the truth of the Spirit in your life.
Believe in the Spirit. He is alive and powerful. He loves you.
Pause and consider: How is anything possible without the living Spirit of God?
Friday, February 3, 2012
February 4 Untie the Gospel
Untie the Gospel
Mark 3:22-28 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” 23 So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house.
LOOKING for a way to discredit the demon-driving-out miracles Jesus is doing, the teachers of the law claim he is Satan. After all, Satan is the only one who could cause the demons to go away.
Jesus’ reply is essentially, “That’s ridiculous. A house is divided against cannot stand.”
Let’s shift the view and look at the church and ask, “What, too often, holds back the purpose of the church?” There are many influences that can stop a church “dead” in its mission. Unfortunately one of those mission-killing factors is how we “tie up” Jesus, the “strong man”.
Think how God’s house is too often divided against itself with, “I want things my way?” or “I’m too busy to help.” or “We never did it that way before.” Ministries are left undone because we “tie up” the God we claim to worship with, “Later.” and “Not me.” God cannot work on hearts tied to their own preferences. He needs hearts untied for him.
Pause and consider your heart. Is it bound by “me”, or in Jesus is it free?
Mark 3:22-28 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” 23 So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house.
LOOKING for a way to discredit the demon-driving-out miracles Jesus is doing, the teachers of the law claim he is Satan. After all, Satan is the only one who could cause the demons to go away.
Jesus’ reply is essentially, “That’s ridiculous. A house is divided against cannot stand.”
Let’s shift the view and look at the church and ask, “What, too often, holds back the purpose of the church?” There are many influences that can stop a church “dead” in its mission. Unfortunately one of those mission-killing factors is how we “tie up” Jesus, the “strong man”.
Think how God’s house is too often divided against itself with, “I want things my way?” or “I’m too busy to help.” or “We never did it that way before.” Ministries are left undone because we “tie up” the God we claim to worship with, “Later.” and “Not me.” God cannot work on hearts tied to their own preferences. He needs hearts untied for him.
Pause and consider your heart. Is it bound by “me”, or in Jesus is it free?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
February 4 Family First?
Family First?
Mark 3:20-21 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
Mark 3:33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
YOU likely put a high priority on family life. You desire to nurture and care for them. God desires you do so.
Jesus’ family went out to get him. He was so intense in his work, he hadn’t eaten. They likely feared for him, also, because of the large crowds around him. They thought it best to go get Jesus and bring him home.
That was good of them from a human point of view, but it was not what God wanted them to do. It’s not what Jesus needed to do right then. He was about his work. There’s family time and there’s “mission of God” time. Jesus’ passion was to be on mission to proclaim the Word of God through his teaching and healing. This was his highest priority.
Yes, Jesus may have been hungry, but he knew he’d survive – remember 40 days in the desert? Yes, people were opposing him, but he certainly would defend himself – remember 40 days against the devil?
When Jesus rhetorically asks, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” He’s saying, “My mission is my purpose. My work is to save all my people. I cannot be distracted, and I must do it.”
Pause and consider Jesus has come to take you home.
Mark 3:20-21 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
Mark 3:33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
YOU likely put a high priority on family life. You desire to nurture and care for them. God desires you do so.
Jesus’ family went out to get him. He was so intense in his work, he hadn’t eaten. They likely feared for him, also, because of the large crowds around him. They thought it best to go get Jesus and bring him home.
That was good of them from a human point of view, but it was not what God wanted them to do. It’s not what Jesus needed to do right then. He was about his work. There’s family time and there’s “mission of God” time. Jesus’ passion was to be on mission to proclaim the Word of God through his teaching and healing. This was his highest priority.
Yes, Jesus may have been hungry, but he knew he’d survive – remember 40 days in the desert? Yes, people were opposing him, but he certainly would defend himself – remember 40 days against the devil?
When Jesus rhetorically asks, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” He’s saying, “My mission is my purpose. My work is to save all my people. I cannot be distracted, and I must do it.”
Pause and consider Jesus has come to take you home.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
February 2 12 Real Guys
Twelve Real Guys
Mark 3:16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
QUITE a draft day, isn’t it? The Lord Jesus is the General Manager, the owner, the head coach wrapped into one. He has “drafted” 12 young men (most around the age of a college sports draftee) of various skills and abilities to form a world-changing team.
They are ordinary men with no particular reputation. He drafts them from the fishing boats, from the streets, from a tax collector’s booth, from obscurity, and he calls them into an eternal purpose.
As a draftee comes into a professional team to learn a new system of how the team functions, these men will need training. They need to know who the opponent is. They need to know the plan to defeat the opponent. Jesus is calling these men to be on the team, and he needs their full commitment to be an effective team member. He calls them disciples.
Of course, the one nagging question is, “Why did Jesus choose Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him?” It seems to make no sense. But, in God’s plan to send Jesus to the cross, there would have to be one close to Jesus who would reject him. It seems so unfair that Jesus would purposefully call one to betray him.
The reality is, though, the ultimate unfairness in our lives is that God so loved you, a sinner, that Jesus, the only one without sin, would die for you. Makes no sense—we get what we don’t deserve.
Pause and consider that even though our hearts betray Jesus, he has chosen you to be his.
Mark 3:16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
QUITE a draft day, isn’t it? The Lord Jesus is the General Manager, the owner, the head coach wrapped into one. He has “drafted” 12 young men (most around the age of a college sports draftee) of various skills and abilities to form a world-changing team.
They are ordinary men with no particular reputation. He drafts them from the fishing boats, from the streets, from a tax collector’s booth, from obscurity, and he calls them into an eternal purpose.
As a draftee comes into a professional team to learn a new system of how the team functions, these men will need training. They need to know who the opponent is. They need to know the plan to defeat the opponent. Jesus is calling these men to be on the team, and he needs their full commitment to be an effective team member. He calls them disciples.
Of course, the one nagging question is, “Why did Jesus choose Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him?” It seems to make no sense. But, in God’s plan to send Jesus to the cross, there would have to be one close to Jesus who would reject him. It seems so unfair that Jesus would purposefully call one to betray him.
The reality is, though, the ultimate unfairness in our lives is that God so loved you, a sinner, that Jesus, the only one without sin, would die for you. Makes no sense—we get what we don’t deserve.
Pause and consider that even though our hearts betray Jesus, he has chosen you to be his.
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