Kingdom Power
Mark 9:1 And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”
WHAT DO you think about the phrase “kingdom of God come with power”? Is that the end of time when Jesus returns? Is it the beginning of the Church at Pentecost? Certainly it can be and is both. But could Jesus have been talking about the moment at hand with his disciples? This verse could easily be a bridge between Jesus’ discussion of the Son of Man coming in power and glory at the end of Chapter 8, and Jesus’ transfiguration in Mark 9:2-3.
You could say, “The power show is ramping up.” Mark 9 is the beginning of Jesus’ final journey to the cross. He has much left to show and tell his disciples. One of things he has to show “some” of them—i.e. Peter, James and John, is a spectacular view of his heavenly glory.
As this favored threesome see Jesus transfigured before their eyes, they will see the glory of the kingdom of God come to earth. Jesus’ power overwhelms them. Peter dumbly responds, and Jesus’ glory is gone.
But then Peter and John are the first disciples to see the empty tomb—the power of the kingdom of God is Jesus’ resurrection. They were key to beginning the church. They saw the power of the kingdom of God in the salvation of thousands of people in the early years of the church.
Kingdom power is all of these. See the power in God’s Word and in your life. And be ready for the day you will see the power coming on the clouds.
Pause and consider the kingdom power is Jesus’ power to save and to judge.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
March 30, 2012 A Cross?
A Cross?
Mark 8:34-37 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
YOU and I really have no idea how horrible the cross is. You can read of its terrible affects on the human body and know the cross was an execution reserved for the worst criminals. But you and I have never watched a man horribly die on a cross.
The people of Jesus’ day knew the cross. How do you, then, think they responded when Jesus spoke his cross-picking-up words? Certainly they said, “What? Take up my cross, Jesus? Does that mean I have to die if I follow you?”
But then Jesus in effect says, “If you aren’t willing to die for me, to die to your own ways, to die to the world’s ways, you will die an eternal death.”
Yes, following Jesus is about dyeing to your own will. And sometimes, as many martyrs have experienced through the ages, following Jesus means dyeing a physical death.
Why? Why is the Gospel so important that Jesus had to take up his cross and that you have to take up your cross?
Is anything more important than your eternal life?
Pause and consider the cause of heaven is above all causes.
Mark 8:34-37 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
YOU and I really have no idea how horrible the cross is. You can read of its terrible affects on the human body and know the cross was an execution reserved for the worst criminals. But you and I have never watched a man horribly die on a cross.
The people of Jesus’ day knew the cross. How do you, then, think they responded when Jesus spoke his cross-picking-up words? Certainly they said, “What? Take up my cross, Jesus? Does that mean I have to die if I follow you?”
But then Jesus in effect says, “If you aren’t willing to die for me, to die to your own ways, to die to the world’s ways, you will die an eternal death.”
Yes, following Jesus is about dyeing to your own will. And sometimes, as many martyrs have experienced through the ages, following Jesus means dyeing a physical death.
Why? Why is the Gospel so important that Jesus had to take up his cross and that you have to take up your cross?
Is anything more important than your eternal life?
Pause and consider the cause of heaven is above all causes.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
March 28, 2012 Tough Teacher
Tough Teacher
Mark 8:31-33 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
WHEN Peter comes to Jesus to passionately rebuke Jesus for saying he must die, Jesus calls Peter, “Satan.” How can the tender, merciful and loving Lord Jesus respond so harshly to the disciple who desired to protect him?
God has chosen Peter for a magnificent work in the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 16:18) “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.”
Peter, Hell itself will strive against you to stop your appointed mission on earth. Hell is influencing you to try to stop Jesus’ mission to the cross. Do not let Hell prevail, Peter. Call on the Lord.
Please, Peter, look past the part about Jesus dying and look to the part of his promise to “after three days rise again”. Take your eyes from your worldly limitations and look to the power of Jesus to overcome Hell.
Jesus needed to be tough on you that day, Peter, to awaken you to the powerful Hellish forces against you. He needed you to claim for the rest of your life the most powerful Heavenly forces for your earthly ministry.
Pause and consider: call on Heavne’s power to turn away Hell.
Mark 8:31-33 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
WHEN Peter comes to Jesus to passionately rebuke Jesus for saying he must die, Jesus calls Peter, “Satan.” How can the tender, merciful and loving Lord Jesus respond so harshly to the disciple who desired to protect him?
God has chosen Peter for a magnificent work in the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 16:18) “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.”
Peter, Hell itself will strive against you to stop your appointed mission on earth. Hell is influencing you to try to stop Jesus’ mission to the cross. Do not let Hell prevail, Peter. Call on the Lord.
Please, Peter, look past the part about Jesus dying and look to the part of his promise to “after three days rise again”. Take your eyes from your worldly limitations and look to the power of Jesus to overcome Hell.
Jesus needed to be tough on you that day, Peter, to awaken you to the powerful Hellish forces against you. He needed you to claim for the rest of your life the most powerful Heavenly forces for your earthly ministry.
Pause and consider: call on Heavne’s power to turn away Hell.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Narch 28, 2012 Who Is He?
Who Is He?
Mark 8:27-29 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
I COULD easily ask you, “Who do you say Jesus is?” but I won’t. Why not? I want you to stop and consider Jesus and your answer for a while—perhaps a week or so, maybe even longer. And I’m hoping you’ll come up with the answers that will honor Jesus. (Perhaps you can email me a note when you’ve considered your answer.)
In your consideration, be careful of your own thoughts. In other words, Peter rightly answered Jesus by saying, “You are the Christ.” But does Peter fully know what that means? To the Jew, the Christ is an earthly ruler releasing them from foreign rule. Peter would come to know the Christ’s fullness when he saw his resurrected body and when Jesus fed him breakfast along the sea, calling him to “feed my sheep”. (See John 21.) He’d know Jesus even more when he began preaching, healing and then dying for his Lord.
Thus, when I ask you to spend some time answering the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?” I’d like you to go beyond your mind to consider what Scripture says about him, what your experiences are with him and what you feel as you read Scripture.
For example, if you call him, “Savior.” will you live a life feeling joy and peace, assured and grateful that he has saved you to eternal life?
Pause and consider that how you see Jesus requires an appropriate response.
Mark 8:27-29 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
I COULD easily ask you, “Who do you say Jesus is?” but I won’t. Why not? I want you to stop and consider Jesus and your answer for a while—perhaps a week or so, maybe even longer. And I’m hoping you’ll come up with the answers that will honor Jesus. (Perhaps you can email me a note when you’ve considered your answer.)
In your consideration, be careful of your own thoughts. In other words, Peter rightly answered Jesus by saying, “You are the Christ.” But does Peter fully know what that means? To the Jew, the Christ is an earthly ruler releasing them from foreign rule. Peter would come to know the Christ’s fullness when he saw his resurrected body and when Jesus fed him breakfast along the sea, calling him to “feed my sheep”. (See John 21.) He’d know Jesus even more when he began preaching, healing and then dying for his Lord.
Thus, when I ask you to spend some time answering the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?” I’d like you to go beyond your mind to consider what Scripture says about him, what your experiences are with him and what you feel as you read Scripture.
For example, if you call him, “Savior.” will you live a life feeling joy and peace, assured and grateful that he has saved you to eternal life?
Pause and consider that how you see Jesus requires an appropriate response.
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 27, 2012 Feeling Uncomfortable?
Feeling Uncomfortable?
Mark 8:16-21 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
HAVE you ever been in a meeting or classroom or even church when someone reprimanded you for not “getting it”? They had told you how to do something. They had watched you do it. They had even helped you do it, but you still did not understand what you were being taught. Somehow, some way, you just didn’t get it. You were probably embarrassed weren’t you?
When I’ve been in that situation, I try to blame someone or something else. “You didn’t say it clearly. I had too much to do. I was tired. I was too busy to learn it.” We’re always making excuses for not learning something, not “getting it” aren’t we.
The real truth is, though, you and I must understand Jesus’ teachings. We must pay attention to the One who died for us and who rose again that we might be saved. One day you will stand before him, and you certainly don’t want him saying to you, “Do you still not understand?”
Pause and consider you must know Jesus’ eternal truth.
Mark 8:16-21 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
HAVE you ever been in a meeting or classroom or even church when someone reprimanded you for not “getting it”? They had told you how to do something. They had watched you do it. They had even helped you do it, but you still did not understand what you were being taught. Somehow, some way, you just didn’t get it. You were probably embarrassed weren’t you?
When I’ve been in that situation, I try to blame someone or something else. “You didn’t say it clearly. I had too much to do. I was tired. I was too busy to learn it.” We’re always making excuses for not learning something, not “getting it” aren’t we.
The real truth is, though, you and I must understand Jesus’ teachings. We must pay attention to the One who died for us and who rose again that we might be saved. One day you will stand before him, and you certainly don’t want him saying to you, “Do you still not understand?”
Pause and consider you must know Jesus’ eternal truth.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
March 26, 2012 Feeling Uncomfrtable?
Feeling Uncomfortable?
Mark 8:16-21 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
HAVE you ever been in a meeting or classroom or even church when someone reprimanded you for not “getting it”? They had told you how to do something. They had watched you do it. They had even helped you do it, but you still did not understand what you were being taught. Somehow, some way, you just didn’t get it. You were probably embarrassed weren’t you?
When I’ve been in that situation, I try to blame someone or something else. “You didn’t say it clearly. I had too much to do. I was tired. I was too busy to learn it.” We’re always making excuses for not learning something, not “getting it” aren’t we.
The real truth is, though, you and I must understand Jesus’ teachings. We must pay attention to the One who died for us and who rose again that we might be saved. One day you will stand before him, and you certainly don’t want him saying to you, “Do you still not understand?”
Pause and consider you must know Jesus’ eternal truth.
Mark 8:16-21 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
HAVE you ever been in a meeting or classroom or even church when someone reprimanded you for not “getting it”? They had told you how to do something. They had watched you do it. They had even helped you do it, but you still did not understand what you were being taught. Somehow, some way, you just didn’t get it. You were probably embarrassed weren’t you?
When I’ve been in that situation, I try to blame someone or something else. “You didn’t say it clearly. I had too much to do. I was tired. I was too busy to learn it.” We’re always making excuses for not learning something, not “getting it” aren’t we.
The real truth is, though, you and I must understand Jesus’ teachings. We must pay attention to the One who died for us and who rose again that we might be saved. One day you will stand before him, and you certainly don’t want him saying to you, “Do you still not understand?”
Pause and consider you must know Jesus’ eternal truth.
Friday, March 23, 2012
March 24, 2012 "If You're Real, Lord"
“If You’re Real, Lord!”
Mark 8:10-13 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. 11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
DID YOU ever try to bargain with God? You know the deal: “If you’re real, Jesus, you’ll heal blindness. You’ll cure my wife’s cancer. You’ll fix my finances, Jesus. Just do this one thing, and I’ll believe in you. I’ll even go to church once…or twice.”
What’s wrong with that? What’s wrong with the Pharisees testing Jesus and asking for a “sign from heaven”? Glad you asked.
The truth is, the Pharisees have no intention of turning their faith to Jesus regardless of what he does. They are there to “test” God. God does not allow you to test him. He is not a butler waiting for you to ring his bell. God alone is God. A “faith” based on one response from God is no faith. God cannot possibly function as the Sovereign Lord, if he has to prove himself to you.
It’s easy isn’t it, to want the Lord to show up in just the way you desire? God calls you, though, to trust him to offer to you—even blindness, illness or difficult times—for His good purposes to save the world from Hell.
The cross and the empty tomb are the only signs you need to know from Jesus. Receive them and be saved.
Pause and consider the signs of life Jesus offers to you.
Mark 8:10-13 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. 11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
DID YOU ever try to bargain with God? You know the deal: “If you’re real, Jesus, you’ll heal blindness. You’ll cure my wife’s cancer. You’ll fix my finances, Jesus. Just do this one thing, and I’ll believe in you. I’ll even go to church once…or twice.”
What’s wrong with that? What’s wrong with the Pharisees testing Jesus and asking for a “sign from heaven”? Glad you asked.
The truth is, the Pharisees have no intention of turning their faith to Jesus regardless of what he does. They are there to “test” God. God does not allow you to test him. He is not a butler waiting for you to ring his bell. God alone is God. A “faith” based on one response from God is no faith. God cannot possibly function as the Sovereign Lord, if he has to prove himself to you.
It’s easy isn’t it, to want the Lord to show up in just the way you desire? God calls you, though, to trust him to offer to you—even blindness, illness or difficult times—for His good purposes to save the world from Hell.
The cross and the empty tomb are the only signs you need to know from Jesus. Receive them and be saved.
Pause and consider the signs of life Jesus offers to you.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
March 23, 2012 Good to Focus
Good to Focus
Mark 8:5 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.
“Seven,” they replied. 6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four thousand men were present.
YOU usually focus on Jesus’ actions here, don’t you? Of course you do as you should. But let’s focus for a moment on the disciples actions.
How does Jesus involve them in his miracle? First, he asks them, “How many loaves do you have?” Why would he ask them something he would know (He is good at doing this.)? He wants them to focus on how little they have. He wants them to say, “Seven.”, so they will focus on it.
Then the disciples distribute the food. Why? Practically speaking, who else would do it? It’s an orderly process. But something else is going on here. As the disciples hand out the bread, they are piece-by-piece focusing on the Lord’s multiplying power. The same happens as they distribute the fish.
Then do you see what the disciples do? They pick up the leftovers! Why? Again it’s practical. Again, it’s to focus on the truth that they had more after the meal than they had before the meal.
Do you think the disciples could now more faithfully focus on Jesus’ multiplying power?
Pause and consider how Jesus’ multiplying power is still available for you.
Mark 8:5 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.
“Seven,” they replied. 6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four thousand men were present.
YOU usually focus on Jesus’ actions here, don’t you? Of course you do as you should. But let’s focus for a moment on the disciples actions.
How does Jesus involve them in his miracle? First, he asks them, “How many loaves do you have?” Why would he ask them something he would know (He is good at doing this.)? He wants them to focus on how little they have. He wants them to say, “Seven.”, so they will focus on it.
Then the disciples distribute the food. Why? Practically speaking, who else would do it? It’s an orderly process. But something else is going on here. As the disciples hand out the bread, they are piece-by-piece focusing on the Lord’s multiplying power. The same happens as they distribute the fish.
Then do you see what the disciples do? They pick up the leftovers! Why? Again it’s practical. Again, it’s to focus on the truth that they had more after the meal than they had before the meal.
Do you think the disciples could now more faithfully focus on Jesus’ multiplying power?
Pause and consider how Jesus’ multiplying power is still available for you.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
March 22, 2012 But That Was Yesterday
“But That Was Yesterday”
Mark 8:4 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”
HAVE YOU in any way ever experienced the wonder of Jesus’ love for you? Perhaps it was a simple touch of love from a pastor, a parent, or a friend at a moment when you needed to absolutely know that at least one person loved you. What was it like? Did it fill you with gratitude for the one who touched you? For Jesus?
What happened the next time you needed that kind of loving touch? Did you wonder, “Does anyone love me?” Did you possibly forget about the first time? Or did you feel, “But that was yesterday.” doubting that Jesus would show up again?
That seems to be the disciples’ issue here. They had seen and helped Jesus feed thousands of people from a few loaves and fish. Now there’s another hungry crowd, and the disciples wonder, “Where’s the food coming from?”
Did you forget, Mr. Disciples, how lovingly your Lord fed “the 5,000”? Or did you think “But that was yesterday.” and surely Jesus won’t use all his “feeding power” again. Did you feel his compassion for the hungry crowds was depleted?
Yet, he fed them, didn’t he? Even without the disciples’ faith to ask, “Will you feed these as you fed the others?” Jesus fed them. He fed them because he cared for them. He fed them to demonstrate that the disciples could understand his power to feed.
They would need many times in their future to know their Lord’s power. Perhaps they would remember this day and trust Jesus to “feed them” in their need.
Pause and consider Jesus’ has constant power to feed you his love.
Mark 8:4 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”
HAVE YOU in any way ever experienced the wonder of Jesus’ love for you? Perhaps it was a simple touch of love from a pastor, a parent, or a friend at a moment when you needed to absolutely know that at least one person loved you. What was it like? Did it fill you with gratitude for the one who touched you? For Jesus?
What happened the next time you needed that kind of loving touch? Did you wonder, “Does anyone love me?” Did you possibly forget about the first time? Or did you feel, “But that was yesterday.” doubting that Jesus would show up again?
That seems to be the disciples’ issue here. They had seen and helped Jesus feed thousands of people from a few loaves and fish. Now there’s another hungry crowd, and the disciples wonder, “Where’s the food coming from?”
Did you forget, Mr. Disciples, how lovingly your Lord fed “the 5,000”? Or did you think “But that was yesterday.” and surely Jesus won’t use all his “feeding power” again. Did you feel his compassion for the hungry crowds was depleted?
Yet, he fed them, didn’t he? Even without the disciples’ faith to ask, “Will you feed these as you fed the others?” Jesus fed them. He fed them because he cared for them. He fed them to demonstrate that the disciples could understand his power to feed.
They would need many times in their future to know their Lord’s power. Perhaps they would remember this day and trust Jesus to “feed them” in their need.
Pause and consider Jesus’ has constant power to feed you his love.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
March 21, 2012 Practical Compassion
Practical Compassion
Mark 8:1-3 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”
YOU’VE been around practical, compassionate people haven’t you? You know, she’s the mom who loves to make sure you have plenty to eat. He’s the dad who takes all the kids to the game and is willing to stop for a pizza afterward. She’s the one who stops by with a casserole when you’re sick. He’s the one willing to fix your leaky faucet. Their help is practical because it’s for your everyday needs. Their help is compassionate because they convey a clear sense of desiring to help you.
Practical compassion is certainly what your Lord Jesus displays here. Repeating a scene found in Mark 6, thousands have come to hear him. Perhaps they had brought food with them. But the preaching and teaching was long. The food is gone. What will your Lord do?
He will feed them, of course. Why not? He can because it’s the practical thing to do, and he has the power to do so. He will because he has compassion on them. He will not let them leave hungry, at risk of becoming ill.
Often we think it’s only appropriate to pray to Jesus when we need big things. Everything—even lunch—is a big thing for Jesus because it is his practical compassionate way to care for you.
Pause and consider Jesus loves you—and wants to care for your every need.
Mark 8:1-3 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”
YOU’VE been around practical, compassionate people haven’t you? You know, she’s the mom who loves to make sure you have plenty to eat. He’s the dad who takes all the kids to the game and is willing to stop for a pizza afterward. She’s the one who stops by with a casserole when you’re sick. He’s the one willing to fix your leaky faucet. Their help is practical because it’s for your everyday needs. Their help is compassionate because they convey a clear sense of desiring to help you.
Practical compassion is certainly what your Lord Jesus displays here. Repeating a scene found in Mark 6, thousands have come to hear him. Perhaps they had brought food with them. But the preaching and teaching was long. The food is gone. What will your Lord do?
He will feed them, of course. Why not? He can because it’s the practical thing to do, and he has the power to do so. He will because he has compassion on them. He will not let them leave hungry, at risk of becoming ill.
Often we think it’s only appropriate to pray to Jesus when we need big things. Everything—even lunch—is a big thing for Jesus because it is his practical compassionate way to care for you.
Pause and consider Jesus loves you—and wants to care for your every need.
Monday, March 19, 2012
March 20, 2012 What's a Command?
What’s a Command?
Mark 7:36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
“WHAT IS wrong with you? Don’t you ever listen to anything I say?”
You probably have heard that from someone who has asked you, told you, even commanded you to do something. You didn’t do what you were commanded to do, and the person was completely frustrated with you. After all, isn’t the only appropriate response to an appropriate command to do it?
But that’s not mankind’s response to the commands of the Holy Trinity. Do you see what happened when “Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone”? What did “they” do? “The more he (commanded them to not tell), the more they kept talking about it.”
What is humanity’s problem, anyway? Why are we so disobedient? Jesus often gives this command when he heals, and every time he does, people disobey him and talk about it. Is it not a wonder that Jesus continued his work to save such a disobedient people?
But isn’t that true of history? From the very beginning, God commanded Adam and Eve to not eat the forbidden fruit. They disobeyed. God gave the Hebrews the Ten Commandments. They disobeyed. The prophets commanded God’s people to repent. The people disobeyed. Jesus came to command His people to believe His Good News. The people disobeyed. Now the Spirit of God comes to command to you the truth of God’s Word.
What do you do?
Pause and consider: there’s only one appropriate response to God’s commands.
Mark 7:36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
“WHAT IS wrong with you? Don’t you ever listen to anything I say?”
You probably have heard that from someone who has asked you, told you, even commanded you to do something. You didn’t do what you were commanded to do, and the person was completely frustrated with you. After all, isn’t the only appropriate response to an appropriate command to do it?
But that’s not mankind’s response to the commands of the Holy Trinity. Do you see what happened when “Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone”? What did “they” do? “The more he (commanded them to not tell), the more they kept talking about it.”
What is humanity’s problem, anyway? Why are we so disobedient? Jesus often gives this command when he heals, and every time he does, people disobey him and talk about it. Is it not a wonder that Jesus continued his work to save such a disobedient people?
But isn’t that true of history? From the very beginning, God commanded Adam and Eve to not eat the forbidden fruit. They disobeyed. God gave the Hebrews the Ten Commandments. They disobeyed. The prophets commanded God’s people to repent. The people disobeyed. Jesus came to command His people to believe His Good News. The people disobeyed. Now the Spirit of God comes to command to you the truth of God’s Word.
What do you do?
Pause and consider: there’s only one appropriate response to God’s commands.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
March 19, 2012 Why the Sigh?
Why the Sigh?
Mark 7:31-34 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). 5 At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.
WHY DO you think Mark records that Jesus emitted a deep sigh at this healing? Could Jesus as the divine Son of Man, who is coming to judge the world one day, be considering at this moment how broken his world is? Could he be sighing over the overwhelming darkness, sickness, faithlessness and weakness that dominate mankind?
In his sighing, Jesus could be expressing a weariness of his soul for your sake. As a parent you may sigh over the hard things a child faces because someone has hurt him. You feel weary because your child is broken.
Jesus felt the pain of his people’s brokenness. And you can be grateful that he did and he does. He loves you so much he desires your health of body, mind and soul. When sin attacks you, he hurts for you, and he longs to heal you.
Jesus’ sighing is a symptom of his love and compassion for you. Be glad the Lord has sighed. Rejoice his nail-driven hands now touch your soul to heal you.
Pause and consider Jesus’ deep sigh is a sign of his deep love.
Mark 7:31-34 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). 5 At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.
WHY DO you think Mark records that Jesus emitted a deep sigh at this healing? Could Jesus as the divine Son of Man, who is coming to judge the world one day, be considering at this moment how broken his world is? Could he be sighing over the overwhelming darkness, sickness, faithlessness and weakness that dominate mankind?
In his sighing, Jesus could be expressing a weariness of his soul for your sake. As a parent you may sigh over the hard things a child faces because someone has hurt him. You feel weary because your child is broken.
Jesus felt the pain of his people’s brokenness. And you can be grateful that he did and he does. He loves you so much he desires your health of body, mind and soul. When sin attacks you, he hurts for you, and he longs to heal you.
Jesus’ sighing is a symptom of his love and compassion for you. Be glad the Lord has sighed. Rejoice his nail-driven hands now touch your soul to heal you.
Pause and consider Jesus’ deep sigh is a sign of his deep love.
March 18, 2012 Just A Crumb
Just a Crumb
Mark 7:24-28 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.” 28 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
IF YOU have a dog and a small child in the house, you notice how quickly the dog learns to get next to the child at meal time. The dog knows crumbs will fall, and he will eat.
Do you know to go next to Jesus? Jesus of Nazareth is “feeding” his people with healing and salvation when they come to him in faith. Thus comes the Greek woman desperate for her daughter. She comes knowing that if Jesus offers her even a “scrap” of his power, her daughter will be healed.
Jesus responds, “First let he children eat all they want” as he refers to the Jews receiving his healing. But fully trusting the power of Jesus she asks for just a crumb. And that crumb heals her daughter.
Pause and consider is your faith big enough to require only a little of Jesus?
Mark 7:24-28 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.” 28 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
IF YOU have a dog and a small child in the house, you notice how quickly the dog learns to get next to the child at meal time. The dog knows crumbs will fall, and he will eat.
Do you know to go next to Jesus? Jesus of Nazareth is “feeding” his people with healing and salvation when they come to him in faith. Thus comes the Greek woman desperate for her daughter. She comes knowing that if Jesus offers her even a “scrap” of his power, her daughter will be healed.
Jesus responds, “First let he children eat all they want” as he refers to the Jews receiving his healing. But fully trusting the power of Jesus she asks for just a crumb. And that crumb heals her daughter.
Pause and consider is your faith big enough to require only a little of Jesus?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
March 14, 2012 Scrawling a Whim
Scrawling a Whim
Mark 7:9-13 He went on, “Well, good for you. You get rid of God's command so you won't be inconvenienced in following the religious fashions! 10 Moses said, 'Respect your father and mother,' and, 'Anyone denouncing father or mother should be killed.' 11 But you weasel out of that by saying that it's perfectly acceptable to say to father or mother, 'Gift?! What I owed you I've given as a gift to God,' 12 thus relieving yourselves of obligation to father or mother. 13 You scratch out God's Word and scrawl a whim in its place. You do a lot of things like this.” (from THE MESSAGE)
WHAT DO you think of the phrase “you scrawl a whim in its place”? Today I heard of a church denomination that allows its pastors to stay at a church for only 18 months. My questions to this church are: “Did you scrawl a whim over God’s Word?” I hope they haven’t. Jesus would be most displeased with that.
Yes, Jesus hates the way mankind has “scrawled a whim” to override God’s Word. How dare we form our own understanding of God apart from his Word? God’s Word is as a love letter to you. He has formed his word for the benefit of communicating to you that he loves you. Yet, you and I too often live in doubt and ambivalence of his Word. And worse, we live with an attitude that our words are better than God’s Word.
That’s the Pharisees’ sin. They had put their own word over God’s Word, and Jesus condemned them for “scrawling their whim” on God’s law.
Love and honor God’s Word. He has written it for you.
Pause and consider how you wouldn’t scrawl on a love note to you.
Mark 7:9-13 He went on, “Well, good for you. You get rid of God's command so you won't be inconvenienced in following the religious fashions! 10 Moses said, 'Respect your father and mother,' and, 'Anyone denouncing father or mother should be killed.' 11 But you weasel out of that by saying that it's perfectly acceptable to say to father or mother, 'Gift?! What I owed you I've given as a gift to God,' 12 thus relieving yourselves of obligation to father or mother. 13 You scratch out God's Word and scrawl a whim in its place. You do a lot of things like this.” (from THE MESSAGE)
WHAT DO you think of the phrase “you scrawl a whim in its place”? Today I heard of a church denomination that allows its pastors to stay at a church for only 18 months. My questions to this church are: “Did you scrawl a whim over God’s Word?” I hope they haven’t. Jesus would be most displeased with that.
Yes, Jesus hates the way mankind has “scrawled a whim” to override God’s Word. How dare we form our own understanding of God apart from his Word? God’s Word is as a love letter to you. He has formed his word for the benefit of communicating to you that he loves you. Yet, you and I too often live in doubt and ambivalence of his Word. And worse, we live with an attitude that our words are better than God’s Word.
That’s the Pharisees’ sin. They had put their own word over God’s Word, and Jesus condemned them for “scrawling their whim” on God’s law.
Love and honor God’s Word. He has written it for you.
Pause and consider how you wouldn’t scrawl on a love note to you.
Monday, March 12, 2012
March 13, 2012 Get Rreal
Get Real
Mark 7:5-8 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”
DO YOU wash before you eat? That wasn’t a habit in Jesus’ day, unless you were a Pharisee.
They had what looks to us like a good “tradition of the elders”. They washed before they ate! But when they criticized the disciples, they were concerned only about the disicples’ rule following.
Their question disturbed Jesus. He knew that, although the Pharisees washed on the outside, they had plenty of dirt on their hearts. Their actions were to make themselves look good before others and had nothing to do with worshiping God.
Jesus gets really angry with these “unreal” Pharisees. They had the knowledge of God’s law, a law that focused on loving God and loving others. Yet, they created and lived in laws that were about loving themselves.
Do you get “lawful” about your relationship with God? Some Christians dress a certain way. Some reject certain foods. Some refuse to forgive a broken child. Some judge others before cleaning up their own lives. Such unreal actions can cause you to say, “Look at me.”
Be careful what you do. Be sure it points to God, not you.
Pause and consider God’s ways are the way to Him.
Mark 7:5-8 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”
DO YOU wash before you eat? That wasn’t a habit in Jesus’ day, unless you were a Pharisee.
They had what looks to us like a good “tradition of the elders”. They washed before they ate! But when they criticized the disciples, they were concerned only about the disicples’ rule following.
Their question disturbed Jesus. He knew that, although the Pharisees washed on the outside, they had plenty of dirt on their hearts. Their actions were to make themselves look good before others and had nothing to do with worshiping God.
Jesus gets really angry with these “unreal” Pharisees. They had the knowledge of God’s law, a law that focused on loving God and loving others. Yet, they created and lived in laws that were about loving themselves.
Do you get “lawful” about your relationship with God? Some Christians dress a certain way. Some reject certain foods. Some refuse to forgive a broken child. Some judge others before cleaning up their own lives. Such unreal actions can cause you to say, “Look at me.”
Be careful what you do. Be sure it points to God, not you.
Pause and consider God’s ways are the way to Him.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
March 12, 2012 More to Know
More to Know
Mark 6:47-50 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out,
50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.”
DO YOU ever think? “I don’t know enough about Jesus.” Be assured, you’re not alone. Even the disciples who walked “in his dust” had much to learn about Jesus.
Jesus has driven demons from crazy men. He has raised a dead girl to life. He has stilled the storms with a word. He has fed over 5,000 people. And now he walks on water.
I’ve often wondered why Jesus did this. Didn’t he do enough miracles without this one that scared his disciples? Here are two reasons I think Jesus walked on water.
First, he did have to further demonstrate his power. His disciples had doubted his ability to feed the thousands. They had not even considered his power when they exclaimed, “That would take 8 months’ wages!” as they thought of buying food to obey Jesus’ command, “You give them something to eat.”
Second, there’s Job 9:8 He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. God’s Word says only God can walk on water, Jesus is showing his disciples he is the sovereign Lord of the universe.
The Lord clearly shows he is God. Do you see him?
Pause and consider Jesus’ power to save is all around you.
Mark 6:47-50 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out,
50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.”
DO YOU ever think? “I don’t know enough about Jesus.” Be assured, you’re not alone. Even the disciples who walked “in his dust” had much to learn about Jesus.
Jesus has driven demons from crazy men. He has raised a dead girl to life. He has stilled the storms with a word. He has fed over 5,000 people. And now he walks on water.
I’ve often wondered why Jesus did this. Didn’t he do enough miracles without this one that scared his disciples? Here are two reasons I think Jesus walked on water.
First, he did have to further demonstrate his power. His disciples had doubted his ability to feed the thousands. They had not even considered his power when they exclaimed, “That would take 8 months’ wages!” as they thought of buying food to obey Jesus’ command, “You give them something to eat.”
Second, there’s Job 9:8 He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. God’s Word says only God can walk on water, Jesus is showing his disciples he is the sovereign Lord of the universe.
The Lord clearly shows he is God. Do you see him?
Pause and consider Jesus’ power to save is all around you.
March 11, 2012 Time for "Thank You"
Time for “Thank You”
Mark 6:45-46 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
YOU have seen before in Mark’s Gospel how Jesus got up early in the morning to pray before he began his work for the day. In this scene today, you see that Jesus work is done. And there he goes again, off alone to pray. Although you aren’t told what Jesus prays here, his prayer focus could be determined from the day’s events.
How do you respond when some really good things occur in your life? Do you say, “Thank you.” to people who have helped those things happen? Do you, perhaps say, “Thank you, Father for the good things that happened today.”
That easily could have been Jesus’ prayer. Perhaps as many as 10,000 people came to hear him that day (Scripture records 5,000 men, and then you add women and children.). Certainly it is the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit who moved people’s hearts to hear Jesus’ preaching.
Those thousands were fed with a very tiny food source. Certainly it is the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit who multiplied the loaves and fish. Jesus’ disciples, too, had learned a powerful lesson about their rabbit and about their God. Yes, certainly Jesus’ alone time that evening included a time of praise and thanksgiving to God.
On this day, what is a good thing to include in your prayers? Certainly there are issues in your life and/or lives of loved ones that are difficult to deal with. But remember the reasons you have to say to the Father, “Thank you for the ….” Pray thanksgiving, and praise the Father.
Pause and consider that “thank you” is pleasing to God.
Mark 6:45-46 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
YOU have seen before in Mark’s Gospel how Jesus got up early in the morning to pray before he began his work for the day. In this scene today, you see that Jesus work is done. And there he goes again, off alone to pray. Although you aren’t told what Jesus prays here, his prayer focus could be determined from the day’s events.
How do you respond when some really good things occur in your life? Do you say, “Thank you.” to people who have helped those things happen? Do you, perhaps say, “Thank you, Father for the good things that happened today.”
That easily could have been Jesus’ prayer. Perhaps as many as 10,000 people came to hear him that day (Scripture records 5,000 men, and then you add women and children.). Certainly it is the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit who moved people’s hearts to hear Jesus’ preaching.
Those thousands were fed with a very tiny food source. Certainly it is the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit who multiplied the loaves and fish. Jesus’ disciples, too, had learned a powerful lesson about their rabbit and about their God. Yes, certainly Jesus’ alone time that evening included a time of praise and thanksgiving to God.
On this day, what is a good thing to include in your prayers? Certainly there are issues in your life and/or lives of loved ones that are difficult to deal with. But remember the reasons you have to say to the Father, “Thank you for the ….” Pray thanksgiving, and praise the Father.
Pause and consider that “thank you” is pleasing to God.
Friday, March 9, 2012
March 10, 2012 A Filling Meal
A Filling Meal
Mark 6:40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.
JESUS feeds the 5,000. You’ve probably read and heard this story often, haven’t you? You’ve also heard of “Jesus saves.” Do you see how this magnificent miracle of “Jesus feeds the 5,000” is the perfect picture of the miracle “Jesus saves”?
People have come to hear Jesus teach the true word of God. They are hungry to know: Is God’s word real for me? As Jesus teaches the Word, it begins to fill them. As a nourishing meal to the stomach is life to the body, the Living Word is life to the soul. After their meal, their stomachs are full. When Jesus’ teaching is done, their spirits are filled.
All of this happens only in the power of God. The literal food multiplies as Jesus prays to the Father. God’s Word multiplies as you pray for ears to hear and minds to know.
The miracle of the food is life to the body. The miracle of God’s Word taught is life to the soul.
Pause and consider: Isaiah 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Mark 6:40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.
JESUS feeds the 5,000. You’ve probably read and heard this story often, haven’t you? You’ve also heard of “Jesus saves.” Do you see how this magnificent miracle of “Jesus feeds the 5,000” is the perfect picture of the miracle “Jesus saves”?
People have come to hear Jesus teach the true word of God. They are hungry to know: Is God’s word real for me? As Jesus teaches the Word, it begins to fill them. As a nourishing meal to the stomach is life to the body, the Living Word is life to the soul. After their meal, their stomachs are full. When Jesus’ teaching is done, their spirits are filled.
All of this happens only in the power of God. The literal food multiplies as Jesus prays to the Father. God’s Word multiplies as you pray for ears to hear and minds to know.
The miracle of the food is life to the body. The miracle of God’s Word taught is life to the soul.
Pause and consider: Isaiah 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
March 9, 2012 Go Sit Down
Go Sit Down
Mark 6:38-39 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five — and two fish.” 39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.
DO YOU think living the Christian life requires that you are busy doing many things? After all, a big part of Jesus’ teaching is to do things that make a difference in your own and others’ lives. And certainly, if you belong to a church, you often hear, “Get involved! Serve the poor. Teach a class.”
The doing is necessary and vital to spread the Gospel to others. But sometimes it’s good to go and sit down.
Jesus had just finished speaking to thousands of people. “Church” was just over. Jesus and his leadership team had a quick meeting: The disciples essentially said, “There’s neither food nor money.” Jesus said, “You feed them.”
Instead of turning the crowd away because it was “impossible” to do what they desired, instead of tabling the discussion for another time, Jesus acted in faith of what the Father would provide him and the crowd.
Jesus dismissed the meeting. And said, “Go sit down.” to the crowd. And he told his leaders to pass out a few fish and loaves. The disciples faithfully did the work. The Son blessed the meal. The Father provided. The crowd ate.
Sometimes you are the leader to direct the doing. Sometimes you are the worker to do the action. Sometimes you go sit down, and you receive blessings of the doing. That’s the proper Christian life. That’s the balanced Christian life.
Go to the Master, and he will direct you to what to do—sometimes to even sit down.
Pause and consider that sitting with God is good time to be filled with God.
Mark 6:38-39 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five — and two fish.” 39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.
DO YOU think living the Christian life requires that you are busy doing many things? After all, a big part of Jesus’ teaching is to do things that make a difference in your own and others’ lives. And certainly, if you belong to a church, you often hear, “Get involved! Serve the poor. Teach a class.”
The doing is necessary and vital to spread the Gospel to others. But sometimes it’s good to go and sit down.
Jesus had just finished speaking to thousands of people. “Church” was just over. Jesus and his leadership team had a quick meeting: The disciples essentially said, “There’s neither food nor money.” Jesus said, “You feed them.”
Instead of turning the crowd away because it was “impossible” to do what they desired, instead of tabling the discussion for another time, Jesus acted in faith of what the Father would provide him and the crowd.
Jesus dismissed the meeting. And said, “Go sit down.” to the crowd. And he told his leaders to pass out a few fish and loaves. The disciples faithfully did the work. The Son blessed the meal. The Father provided. The crowd ate.
Sometimes you are the leader to direct the doing. Sometimes you are the worker to do the action. Sometimes you go sit down, and you receive blessings of the doing. That’s the proper Christian life. That’s the balanced Christian life.
Go to the Master, and he will direct you to what to do—sometimes to even sit down.
Pause and consider that sitting with God is good time to be filled with God.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
March 8, 2012 You Feed Them
You Feed Them
Mark 6:35-37 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it's already very late. 36 Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”
DOES GOD’S word feed you?
Sometimes in the church, people gather in smaller groups for years to study God’s Word. They like being “fed” in God’s truth this way, and so they should.
But too often the group members are reluctant to leave the group and start to feed new people in God’s Word. It’s a hard thing, isn’t it, to go from the table where you’re being fed to a place where you have to do the feeding? Often the question is, “If I’m being fed, God’s Word, why should I leave the source of my food?”
The answer to that question is in this scripture. When the disciples are concerned about the people eating, he says, “You give them something to eat.” Why?
Jesus wanted his disciples to act in the power of God’s Word to feed a meal to the crowd. He had been feeding God’s Truth to them to fill them with the Word of God to act in the power of God’s Word, and now it’s time to do God’s Word.
Why should Bible study members leave the “table” and go to feed others? As Jesus prepared his disciples, God’s Word has prepared them to act in God’s Word and feed the world.
Pause and consider God’s Word is to feed you that you may feed others.
Mark 6:35-37 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it's already very late. 36 Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”
DOES GOD’S word feed you?
Sometimes in the church, people gather in smaller groups for years to study God’s Word. They like being “fed” in God’s truth this way, and so they should.
But too often the group members are reluctant to leave the group and start to feed new people in God’s Word. It’s a hard thing, isn’t it, to go from the table where you’re being fed to a place where you have to do the feeding? Often the question is, “If I’m being fed, God’s Word, why should I leave the source of my food?”
The answer to that question is in this scripture. When the disciples are concerned about the people eating, he says, “You give them something to eat.” Why?
Jesus wanted his disciples to act in the power of God’s Word to feed a meal to the crowd. He had been feeding God’s Truth to them to fill them with the Word of God to act in the power of God’s Word, and now it’s time to do God’s Word.
Why should Bible study members leave the “table” and go to feed others? As Jesus prepared his disciples, God’s Word has prepared them to act in God’s Word and feed the world.
Pause and consider God’s Word is to feed you that you may feed others.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
March 7, 2012 A Good Teacher
A Good Teacher
Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
WHEN YOU think of the most influential people in your life who is on that list? Would you include someone who has taught you or mentored you? Likely you would. Hardly any one of us is who we are without the aid of a good teacher.
Here is Jesus being a good teacher and forming the lives of the 12 disciples. Can you consider some of the “many things” he taught them? Certainly they would be the holy ways of God. He taught them with words that would form and shape their minds. Hearing his love, their hearts would begin to re-form into hearts of love. Knowing his forgiveness, their minds would be open to forgiving others. Hearing the absolute truth from the Way, the Truth and the Life would certainly be a life-forming experience wouldn’t it? Certainly Jesus would be on the disciples’ list as the most influential person in their lives.
I pray that this is true for you. As you live your life and wonder, “What’s right? What do I do now? How can I forgive that person? How can I love that person? How can I live a good life?” Please know you have the same transforming, life-shaping teacher as the disciples.
Think of that: You have the same transforming, life-shaping teacher as the disciples.
He’s there on your coffee table or on your bookcase. He’s there in the desk. He’s there in the Holy Bible.
Open it and receive the teaching. Jesus must be the most important “person” who shapes your life.
Pause and consider: why would you not want the Resurrection and the Life to be your teacher?
Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
WHEN YOU think of the most influential people in your life who is on that list? Would you include someone who has taught you or mentored you? Likely you would. Hardly any one of us is who we are without the aid of a good teacher.
Here is Jesus being a good teacher and forming the lives of the 12 disciples. Can you consider some of the “many things” he taught them? Certainly they would be the holy ways of God. He taught them with words that would form and shape their minds. Hearing his love, their hearts would begin to re-form into hearts of love. Knowing his forgiveness, their minds would be open to forgiving others. Hearing the absolute truth from the Way, the Truth and the Life would certainly be a life-forming experience wouldn’t it? Certainly Jesus would be on the disciples’ list as the most influential person in their lives.
I pray that this is true for you. As you live your life and wonder, “What’s right? What do I do now? How can I forgive that person? How can I love that person? How can I live a good life?” Please know you have the same transforming, life-shaping teacher as the disciples.
Think of that: You have the same transforming, life-shaping teacher as the disciples.
He’s there on your coffee table or on your bookcase. He’s there in the desk. He’s there in the Holy Bible.
Open it and receive the teaching. Jesus must be the most important “person” who shapes your life.
Pause and consider: why would you not want the Resurrection and the Life to be your teacher?
Monday, March 5, 2012
March 6, 2012 Jesus, the Changer
Jesus, the Changer
Mark 6:33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.
DO YOU ever run after Jesus?
Look at these people. They are running on foot to get to Jesus’ next preaching and healing place. They are excited! They know what Jesus can do, and they want to see it again. They want to experience Jesus again.
But you’re not like that are you? You think, “Maybe I should spend some time in prayer today.” But then you look at the calendar, realize you have all these things to do and you just don’t have time for prayer, Bible study or for Jesus. How about your kids? Are they too busy with school, their sport leagues or having friends over to have time for Jesus?
Instead of running to Jesus you run away from Jesus. You try hard to avoid him because you know what he can do. He can change you.
That’s why the people ran ahead of Jesus. They saw Jesus change lives, and they desperately desired Jesus to change their lives. They knew if he spoke to them they would be different. They knew if he touched them they would be different. They wanted the change, a new life.
Why don’t you? I mean, why do you want to keep hating someone who hurt you? Why do you keep speaking in ways that hurts others? Why can’t you speak love to your spouse? Why can’t you put your children above your material desires? Why do you always say, “Not now.” when the church announces the next series of Bible studies?
What is so good about your life you don’t want Jesus to change you?
Pause and consider the change Jesus offers you—every bit of it is good for you.
Mark 6:33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.
DO YOU ever run after Jesus?
Look at these people. They are running on foot to get to Jesus’ next preaching and healing place. They are excited! They know what Jesus can do, and they want to see it again. They want to experience Jesus again.
But you’re not like that are you? You think, “Maybe I should spend some time in prayer today.” But then you look at the calendar, realize you have all these things to do and you just don’t have time for prayer, Bible study or for Jesus. How about your kids? Are they too busy with school, their sport leagues or having friends over to have time for Jesus?
Instead of running to Jesus you run away from Jesus. You try hard to avoid him because you know what he can do. He can change you.
That’s why the people ran ahead of Jesus. They saw Jesus change lives, and they desperately desired Jesus to change their lives. They knew if he spoke to them they would be different. They knew if he touched them they would be different. They wanted the change, a new life.
Why don’t you? I mean, why do you want to keep hating someone who hurt you? Why do you keep speaking in ways that hurts others? Why can’t you speak love to your spouse? Why can’t you put your children above your material desires? Why do you always say, “Not now.” when the church announces the next series of Bible studies?
What is so good about your life you don’t want Jesus to change you?
Pause and consider the change Jesus offers you—every bit of it is good for you.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
March 5, 2012 Jesus Needed Rest
Jesus Needed Rest
Mark 6:30-32 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
DO YOU get busy? Of course you do. Everyone has reasons to be busy. Jesus and his disciples had been plenty busy teaching and preaching God’s Word, baptizing people, healing physical diseases, cleansing people of demonic possession and dealing with large crowds always pressing in on them. What should they do?
I love Jesus’ solution: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” That’s a great idea, isn’t it? Or is it? Should Jesus and his disciples who had the ability to do so many wonderful stop to rest? After all, there are things to do. There people to save. How could Jesus suggest they stop?
He could suggest the stopping because they needed to prepare for their next “going”. In order to minister, they needed physical rest and spiritual renewal. After all God created the body to rest everyday. And God created the soul to seek him everyday. To minister in power, Jesus and his disciples needed physical rest and soul nourishing.
Guess what? You are the same. You need these, too, everyday. If you respond, “I’m too busy to be quiet and rest. I’m too busy to take time for God’s Word.” I’ll say, “No, you’re not. Jesus needed this in his humanity. So do you.”
Pause and consider how good it is too rest and feel God’s care.
Mark 6:30-32 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
DO YOU get busy? Of course you do. Everyone has reasons to be busy. Jesus and his disciples had been plenty busy teaching and preaching God’s Word, baptizing people, healing physical diseases, cleansing people of demonic possession and dealing with large crowds always pressing in on them. What should they do?
I love Jesus’ solution: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” That’s a great idea, isn’t it? Or is it? Should Jesus and his disciples who had the ability to do so many wonderful stop to rest? After all, there are things to do. There people to save. How could Jesus suggest they stop?
He could suggest the stopping because they needed to prepare for their next “going”. In order to minister, they needed physical rest and spiritual renewal. After all God created the body to rest everyday. And God created the soul to seek him everyday. To minister in power, Jesus and his disciples needed physical rest and soul nourishing.
Guess what? You are the same. You need these, too, everyday. If you respond, “I’m too busy to be quiet and rest. I’m too busy to take time for God’s Word.” I’ll say, “No, you’re not. Jesus needed this in his humanity. So do you.”
Pause and consider how good it is too rest and feel God’s care.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
March 4, 2012 God's Best Story
God’s Best Story
Mark 6:24-27 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison.
YOU KNOW, sometimes it is really difficult reading the Bible. Here you have Evil in Herodias’ daughter and Herod vs. Good in John the Baptist. And John is killed. This is really not fair, God. You created John to be a Messenger for the Christ. “Where are you in this, God? Why?”
But then it’s time to pause and consider how limited is my point-of-view. I see nothing of the future and how all matters must point to the New Heaven and Earth. Although it seems John’s death and Herod’s sin have no good purpose, you and I must understand that we do not understand everything God must do to complete his plan of saving us forever.
Throughout scripture there are some terribly difficult stories when evil seems to win. But remember that the worst of those stories is the beginning of the best of all stories.
Yes, Evil seems to triumph over Good as Jesus is crucified. But God’s plan for Jesus’ death is for the beginning of your life. Jesus needed to die to conquer sin and Hell. Through God’s worst story comes God’s best story eternal life.
Pause and consider how God’s best story is for you.
Mark 6:24-27 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison.
YOU KNOW, sometimes it is really difficult reading the Bible. Here you have Evil in Herodias’ daughter and Herod vs. Good in John the Baptist. And John is killed. This is really not fair, God. You created John to be a Messenger for the Christ. “Where are you in this, God? Why?”
But then it’s time to pause and consider how limited is my point-of-view. I see nothing of the future and how all matters must point to the New Heaven and Earth. Although it seems John’s death and Herod’s sin have no good purpose, you and I must understand that we do not understand everything God must do to complete his plan of saving us forever.
Throughout scripture there are some terribly difficult stories when evil seems to win. But remember that the worst of those stories is the beginning of the best of all stories.
Yes, Evil seems to triumph over Good as Jesus is crucified. But God’s plan for Jesus’ death is for the beginning of your life. Jesus needed to die to conquer sin and Hell. Through God’s worst story comes God’s best story eternal life.
Pause and consider how God’s best story is for you.
Friday, March 2, 2012
March 3, 2012 Captivated with God
Captivated With God
Mark 6:21-24 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.
The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
HEROD is so captivated with Herodias’ daughter—actually his biological niece—that he is willing to give her half his kingdom. What kind of foolish, lustful man is this?
I’m afraid Herod’s kind is much too common a kind of man. Sensual pleasure captivates the world. And fools rush after it. Does it captivate even you?
Before you answer, consider: What are sins of the flesh? Could sins of the flesh be your desire for the newest car, latest tech tool, fanciest golf club, or extravagant clothes? Could sins of the flesh be too much TV or too much time on useless chatter in social networks? Could sins of the flesh be that morning “Starbucks”?
Think of Herod’s lust. It captivated his soul until it destroyed him (He died in absolute, miserable exile). Now think about the things that captivate you. Are they the worldly things that will destroy you, exile you from friends and from God? Or are they things of God that will give you life with a loving relationship in Him and with others?
The Apostle Paul gives this advice: Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Pause and consider how captivating is God’s Word to lead you to him.
Mark 6:21-24 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.
The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
HEROD is so captivated with Herodias’ daughter—actually his biological niece—that he is willing to give her half his kingdom. What kind of foolish, lustful man is this?
I’m afraid Herod’s kind is much too common a kind of man. Sensual pleasure captivates the world. And fools rush after it. Does it captivate even you?
Before you answer, consider: What are sins of the flesh? Could sins of the flesh be your desire for the newest car, latest tech tool, fanciest golf club, or extravagant clothes? Could sins of the flesh be too much TV or too much time on useless chatter in social networks? Could sins of the flesh be that morning “Starbucks”?
Think of Herod’s lust. It captivated his soul until it destroyed him (He died in absolute, miserable exile). Now think about the things that captivate you. Are they the worldly things that will destroy you, exile you from friends and from God? Or are they things of God that will give you life with a loving relationship in Him and with others?
The Apostle Paul gives this advice: Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Pause and consider how captivating is God’s Word to lead you to him.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
March 2, 2012 What Did He Hear?
What Did He Hear?
Mark 6:19-20 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.
YOU SEE in this short account a man of power who had absolutely no power over evil.
Herod Antipas was a king over Galilee and the area of the Decapolis. Galilee, of course, is the home territory of John the Baptist and Jesus. This is the same Herod whom Jesus is sent to at his “trial”.
Herod had great power to create beautiful gardens. He built cities and transformed ordinary villages into extraordinary visual splendor. He moved men and earth, but he couldn’t move his heart to the right.
John preached to him—told him how evil he was to marry Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. John apparently had discussions with Herod. Herod “liked to listen to him”, but Herod heard nothng he would like to do. Herod’s desire was to please the sinful lusts of Herodias. Herod’s desire was to please the sinful lusts of his heart. He heard the word of God, the Law of Moses, straight from the greatest prophet of all; yet, he said, “No thank you. This isn’t for me.”
It’s easy to condemn him, isn’t it? C’mon Herod, the word of God was right in your face! You denied it! You disdained it! You preferred your sinful heart over God’s heart! You deserved to die for your sins, Herod!
Oh, wait a minute. What did I do about what God was saying to me in his Word today? What did I do about the sermon I heard last week? What did I do about my sin?
Pause and consider how you and I deserve to die for our sins, but Jesus did, instead.
Mark 6:19-20 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.
YOU SEE in this short account a man of power who had absolutely no power over evil.
Herod Antipas was a king over Galilee and the area of the Decapolis. Galilee, of course, is the home territory of John the Baptist and Jesus. This is the same Herod whom Jesus is sent to at his “trial”.
Herod had great power to create beautiful gardens. He built cities and transformed ordinary villages into extraordinary visual splendor. He moved men and earth, but he couldn’t move his heart to the right.
John preached to him—told him how evil he was to marry Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. John apparently had discussions with Herod. Herod “liked to listen to him”, but Herod heard nothng he would like to do. Herod’s desire was to please the sinful lusts of Herodias. Herod’s desire was to please the sinful lusts of his heart. He heard the word of God, the Law of Moses, straight from the greatest prophet of all; yet, he said, “No thank you. This isn’t for me.”
It’s easy to condemn him, isn’t it? C’mon Herod, the word of God was right in your face! You denied it! You disdained it! You preferred your sinful heart over God’s heart! You deserved to die for your sins, Herod!
Oh, wait a minute. What did I do about what God was saying to me in his Word today? What did I do about the sermon I heard last week? What did I do about my sin?
Pause and consider how you and I deserve to die for our sins, but Jesus did, instead.
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