Mark 10:32-34
32 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: 33 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; 34 and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”
Astounded and reverently in awe. After all Jesus did before His followers, they began to feel the presence of God among them. Then Jesus told what the divine plan had coming - He would be betrayed, beaten, killed, and rise again to life. After they witnessed supernatural strength and wisdom, they would see Him seemingly overcome and destroyed; but they did not grasp the hope and power of life from death yet. This is why the resurrection of the Son of God and Man is key, as well as he hope of our own resurrection.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
What Do We Hold?
Mark 10:29-31
29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Do we leave our heart's hold on everything we own? Whether we give all away or simply stop pursuing material or even relational things, it is not what we have that is the issue, but what consumes our affections and loyalty - God must be the focus, the beginning and end of us and all we live for. Do we then live for the gospel and His glory, for others to know Him and make Him known?
29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Do we leave our heart's hold on everything we own? Whether we give all away or simply stop pursuing material or even relational things, it is not what we have that is the issue, but what consumes our affections and loyalty - God must be the focus, the beginning and end of us and all we live for. Do we then live for the gospel and His glory, for others to know Him and make Him known?
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Possible Only With God
Mark 10:24-27
24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
The love of money (or anything that consumes you) keeps people from following Christ into God's presence. Trust must be in Christ alone, God's focus for our trust, our faith, or we will not be able to turn from those things to God (repentance) nor be delivered from other consequences of the evil in our hearts. This would seem to be an impossible task to not grasp what we think we desperately need, but nothing is too difficult for God. All is possible in Him.
24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
The love of money (or anything that consumes you) keeps people from following Christ into God's presence. Trust must be in Christ alone, God's focus for our trust, our faith, or we will not be able to turn from those things to God (repentance) nor be delivered from other consequences of the evil in our hearts. This would seem to be an impossible task to not grasp what we think we desperately need, but nothing is too difficult for God. All is possible in Him.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Repentance: Turn From and Toward
Mark 10:17-22
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Part of deliverance from sin is letting loose of all else to hold to Jesus Christ, God before us. Doing things (outward good deeds of religious motives) is only a beginning; the heart must be handed over in faith along with all the affections. If possessions mean more than following Christ to please God, we remain poor.
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Part of deliverance from sin is letting loose of all else to hold to Jesus Christ, God before us. Doing things (outward good deeds of religious motives) is only a beginning; the heart must be handed over in faith along with all the affections. If possessions mean more than following Christ to please God, we remain poor.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Trust as a Child
Mark 10:13-15
13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
If we are to come to Jesus as little children, simply taking God at His word for all Jesus did for us up to and beyond the cross, receiving the grace of the kingdom offered freely to drink of, then we enter by faith in what God alone could do to reconcile us to Himself. This is indeed good news!
13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
If we are to come to Jesus as little children, simply taking God at His word for all Jesus did for us up to and beyond the cross, receiving the grace of the kingdom offered freely to drink of, then we enter by faith in what God alone could do to reconcile us to Himself. This is indeed good news!
Sunday, October 25, 2015
God Joined Together
Mark 10:6-9
6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
People hardened their hearts to one another, so the law allowed for divorce; however, God intended from the beginning that two become as one flesh for life. So in the heavenlies we are one forever with God in Christ, never to be parted - the shadow of marriage here falls short of its intent to mirror God's union with His Bride unfortunately.
6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
People hardened their hearts to one another, so the law allowed for divorce; however, God intended from the beginning that two become as one flesh for life. So in the heavenlies we are one forever with God in Christ, never to be parted - the shadow of marriage here falls short of its intent to mirror God's union with His Bride unfortunately.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Accustomed to Teach
Mark 10:1
1 Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.
When Jesus had an opportunity, people wanting to hear or be made well, He taught them. It was His normal way of serving them - by teaching. Do we use our calling and gifts to teach others, either formally or one on one? The commission we are given is to make disciples everywhere by baptizing and teaching all areas of the scriptures, knowing He is with us always in this mission.
1 Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.
When Jesus had an opportunity, people wanting to hear or be made well, He taught them. It was His normal way of serving them - by teaching. Do we use our calling and gifts to teach others, either formally or one on one? The commission we are given is to make disciples everywhere by baptizing and teaching all areas of the scriptures, knowing He is with us always in this mission.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Seasoned Living Sacrifice
Mark 9:49-50
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
The salt of Christ in us as we conform to His image makes us living sacrifices, denying our self serving lives for God glorifying ones. So we can have peace with God and others as we seek not our own, but Him and others as the greatest two commands tell us. The salt of sanctification seasons us for service as we die daily and live forever.
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
The salt of Christ in us as we conform to His image makes us living sacrifices, denying our self serving lives for God glorifying ones. So we can have peace with God and others as we seek not our own, but Him and others as the greatest two commands tell us. The salt of sanctification seasons us for service as we die daily and live forever.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Millstone, Maimed, and Maggots
Mark 9:42-44
42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched—44 where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
By loving others and not causing them to sin or to keep them from the Lord, we will escape punishment that never ends, instead forever in the new heavens and earth in His presence. Though we look on those who suffer for sin, we do not rejoice, but sorrow.
42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched—44 where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
By loving others and not causing them to sin or to keep them from the Lord, we will escape punishment that never ends, instead forever in the new heavens and earth in His presence. Though we look on those who suffer for sin, we do not rejoice, but sorrow.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Followers on Our Side
Mark 9:38-41
38 Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.
If someone is following Christ truly, they do not have to be following you also; we each live and die to Him. When others do not speak evil of Christ and walk in another church, meeting needs of people as His children, we must rejoice and encourage our brothers and sisters as they run the race to that goal in eternity. It is not about miracles, but about true faith acting in obedience out of love.
38 Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.
If someone is following Christ truly, they do not have to be following you also; we each live and die to Him. When others do not speak evil of Christ and walk in another church, meeting needs of people as His children, we must rejoice and encourage our brothers and sisters as they run the race to that goal in eternity. It is not about miracles, but about true faith acting in obedience out of love.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Servants First
Mark 9:35-37
35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”
Humility and glorifying God while serving others' needs before our own - these things make a servant seeking Him and others to be first and not self. Likewise, we are told to accept those who receive the gospel in Jesus; we are to see them as His children and love and serve them as He does to us as well as them. In following and loving God we must love and serve, something we need constant reminder of.
35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”
Humility and glorifying God while serving others' needs before our own - these things make a servant seeking Him and others to be first and not self. Likewise, we are told to accept those who receive the gospel in Jesus; we are to see them as His children and love and serve them as He does to us as well as them. In following and loving God we must love and serve, something we need constant reminder of.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
The Predestined Time
Mark 9:30-32
30 Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. 31 For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” 32 But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.
Jesus knew if He made His whereabouts known as the rulers began openly to try to kill Him, that the time was not right. So He quietly went toward that inevitable death - in His time. He had to do as He said from centuries before; as God, He was the word given of how and when to die for us. His sovereign plan included both death and resurrection, but the disciples could not grasp it, and were too afraid to ask because they must have feared the answer...
30 Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. 31 For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” 32 But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.
Jesus knew if He made His whereabouts known as the rulers began openly to try to kill Him, that the time was not right. So He quietly went toward that inevitable death - in His time. He had to do as He said from centuries before; as God, He was the word given of how and when to die for us. His sovereign plan included both death and resurrection, but the disciples could not grasp it, and were too afraid to ask because they must have feared the answer...
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Help My Unbelief!
Mark 9:22-24
22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Jesus' compassion extends into our faith; we must trust His divine ability and expect what He alone can do when it His will to do so. Belief, faith, is hearing God can and wills to move, and so telling Him and then waiting for the time and way He will do what He said. We too often must cry out for help to believe when the task seems put of possibility for us. God is always greater. Trust His ways, not ours.
22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Jesus' compassion extends into our faith; we must trust His divine ability and expect what He alone can do when it His will to do so. Belief, faith, is hearing God can and wills to move, and so telling Him and then waiting for the time and way He will do what He said. We too often must cry out for help to believe when the task seems put of possibility for us. God is always greater. Trust His ways, not ours.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Jesus in the Conversation
Mark 9:14-16
14 And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. 15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. 16 And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”
We can get into hard discussions with those who do not agree with what the Bible says, but it goes nowhere until Jesus is brought into the conversation. He brings the amazement and attracts people as He draws them to Himself through us. We must have Him in us and in our reasonings to reach the hearts and souls of men. God wants hearts as well as minds.
14 And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. 15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. 16 And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”
We can get into hard discussions with those who do not agree with what the Bible says, but it goes nowhere until Jesus is brought into the conversation. He brings the amazement and attracts people as He draws them to Himself through us. We must have Him in us and in our reasonings to reach the hearts and souls of men. God wants hearts as well as minds.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Resurrection Prophetically Hidden
Mark 9:10-13
10 So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. 11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”
The disciples did not understand 'rising from the dead' because people do not die for 3 days and live again. They also did not grasp or want to hear that Jesus would suffer much and hated by others as He spoke truth, confronted others with repentance, and eventually die horribly and painfully. They could not see He did it for them. And for us. The Scriptures told of these things, but it was hidden and not believed. Now we can believe, and trust God that all promised is in Christ alone. That good news comes from God showing it to us, our agreement to the truth, His enlightenment, and our acceptance.
10 So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. 11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”
The disciples did not understand 'rising from the dead' because people do not die for 3 days and live again. They also did not grasp or want to hear that Jesus would suffer much and hated by others as He spoke truth, confronted others with repentance, and eventually die horribly and painfully. They could not see He did it for them. And for us. The Scriptures told of these things, but it was hidden and not believed. Now we can believe, and trust God that all promised is in Christ alone. That good news comes from God showing it to us, our agreement to the truth, His enlightenment, and our acceptance.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Glimpse into Future Glory
Mark 9:1-2, 9
1 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.” 2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. ... 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Jesus let His followers know they would see what He would do on the cross and from out of the grave. He then showed them a glimpse of the glory of God as He shown in front of them. And then they were told to keep what they saw to themselves until He was alive again after dying. That is the power of God's kingdom - to have God Himself with the power of life and death offer life from death to us all, proving it in front of our eyes that He can and will for us.
1 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.” 2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. ... 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Jesus let His followers know they would see what He would do on the cross and from out of the grave. He then showed them a glimpse of the glory of God as He shown in front of them. And then they were told to keep what they saw to themselves until He was alive again after dying. That is the power of God's kingdom - to have God Himself with the power of life and death offer life from death to us all, proving it in front of our eyes that He can and will for us.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
True Gain is Not Ashamed
Mark 8:35-38
35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
By putting our death to self daily on the cross of Christ, following Him in place of our own goals and purpose, so we find life in Jesus the Christ. What is worth more than our lives found in Him? So we must never be ashamed of being nailed to our death with Him, for our life in Him and His word we live by should never make us stand down nor fear what man can do - the only shame is found when we step down from the cross and live for ourselves...
35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
By putting our death to self daily on the cross of Christ, following Him in place of our own goals and purpose, so we find life in Jesus the Christ. What is worth more than our lives found in Him? So we must never be ashamed of being nailed to our death with Him, for our life in Him and His word we live by should never make us stand down nor fear what man can do - the only shame is found when we step down from the cross and live for ourselves...
Monday, October 12, 2015
God's Plan Includes Suffering
Mark 8:31-33
31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
Jesus was telling His followers plainly that He must be killed to rise again, but Satan kept fighting to stop the inevitable by moving Peter to deny God's work, no matter his personal loss of his Master. The things of God outweigh the desires of man - whether comfort, friendship, acceptance, or any other good (but self satisfying above God's glory) thing. His ways and thought are not ours, and by faith we must accept and wait as we patiently seek the reason while it is out of reach.
31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
Jesus was telling His followers plainly that He must be killed to rise again, but Satan kept fighting to stop the inevitable by moving Peter to deny God's work, no matter his personal loss of his Master. The things of God outweigh the desires of man - whether comfort, friendship, acceptance, or any other good (but self satisfying above God's glory) thing. His ways and thought are not ours, and by faith we must accept and wait as we patiently seek the reason while it is out of reach.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Who Do You Say I Am?
Mark 8:27-29
27 Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” 28 So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”
Many have varying ideas and opinions of who Jesus is, but the only true answer is that He is the Christ, the Messiah, the anointed and chosen one of God to deliver us from His wrath on our justly due punishment by our sin. Sin is rebellion against God and all He says is good and right in our thoughts, desires and actions - our hearts and deeds. Only the anointed, the one who is God and man, could pay the penalty for us because He is pure as God and tempted as a man like us. This is the gospel, the good news, that Jesus is the Christ!
27 Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” 28 So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”
Many have varying ideas and opinions of who Jesus is, but the only true answer is that He is the Christ, the Messiah, the anointed and chosen one of God to deliver us from His wrath on our justly due punishment by our sin. Sin is rebellion against God and all He says is good and right in our thoughts, desires and actions - our hearts and deeds. Only the anointed, the one who is God and man, could pay the penalty for us because He is pure as God and tempted as a man like us. This is the gospel, the good news, that Jesus is the Christ!
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Do You See and Hear?
Mark 8:18-21
18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.” 21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”
God shows us His working, whether by miracles to his followers when walking among them, or now in His control of circumstances and leadings for His glory's outcome. We should understand that it is not so much the number of baskets, but His care, provision, and goodness to us by means only He can provide that matters. How can we not understand if we are His with he Spirit of the living God now living in us (which these disciples did not yet have)?
18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.” 21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”
God shows us His working, whether by miracles to his followers when walking among them, or now in His control of circumstances and leadings for His glory's outcome. We should understand that it is not so much the number of baskets, but His care, provision, and goodness to us by means only He can provide that matters. How can we not understand if we are His with he Spirit of the living God now living in us (which these disciples did not yet have)?
Friday, October 9, 2015
Leaven that Hardens Hearts
Mark 8:15-17
15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?
Jesus fed thousands from little and had enough left over for each disciple; yet these miraculous acts were lost along with teaching to avoid small things corrupting greatly as yeast does in dough. Spiritually, they were dull in senses until His Spirit gave understanding. So it is with us - apart from His life quickening in us, we have unreceptive eyes and ears of our hearts.
15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?
Jesus fed thousands from little and had enough left over for each disciple; yet these miraculous acts were lost along with teaching to avoid small things corrupting greatly as yeast does in dough. Spiritually, they were dull in senses until His Spirit gave understanding. So it is with us - apart from His life quickening in us, we have unreceptive eyes and ears of our hearts.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Seeking Signs as Proof
Mark 8:11-12
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”
Some argue with Christians and the Bible they stand on because they demand proof - but then refuse to even consider the truth when they hear it. With hard hearts of disbelief and closed eyes and ears they make Jesus sigh deeply as well, and are given no sign to entertain but the same truth as proof. Unless He draws them, they cannot believe, and their disbelief keeps them from hearing and turning from sin to Him for mercy and grace.
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”
Some argue with Christians and the Bible they stand on because they demand proof - but then refuse to even consider the truth when they hear it. With hard hearts of disbelief and closed eyes and ears they make Jesus sigh deeply as well, and are given no sign to entertain but the same truth as proof. Unless He draws them, they cannot believe, and their disbelief keeps them from hearing and turning from sin to Him for mercy and grace.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
His Supply is More Than Enough
Mark 8:4-8
4 Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?” 5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” 6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. 7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. 8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments.
Jesus fed 4,000 people with 7 loaves of bread, yet had leftovers enough to fill 7 large hamper sized baskets. Only God Himself can create something out of nothing, for that many would have eaten more than 7 loaves and some fish, let alone have leftovers. He meets needs out of infinite compassion and is able to do the unexplainable. God among us, Emmanuel, proved this in many ways, even taking the dust we are made of to heal the blind, making new sight. We see this when He makes us new.
4 Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?” 5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” 6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. 7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. 8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments.
Jesus fed 4,000 people with 7 loaves of bread, yet had leftovers enough to fill 7 large hamper sized baskets. Only God Himself can create something out of nothing, for that many would have eaten more than 7 loaves and some fish, let alone have leftovers. He meets needs out of infinite compassion and is able to do the unexplainable. God among us, Emmanuel, proved this in many ways, even taking the dust we are made of to heal the blind, making new sight. We see this when He makes us new.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Deaf Hear and Mute Speak!
Mark 7:35-37
35 Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. 36 Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
When Jesus touches a man, though God Himself tells him to say nothing to anyone, the joy of knowing the One who changed your life cannot but be widely proclaimed. Jesus not only made sick and possessed well, He changes us on the inside to overflow with thanksgiving and joy in the freedom we have gained in Christ. We are ourselves astonished, and so tell others of being made well inside and out.
35 Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. 36 Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
When Jesus touches a man, though God Himself tells him to say nothing to anyone, the joy of knowing the One who changed your life cannot but be widely proclaimed. Jesus not only made sick and possessed well, He changes us on the inside to overflow with thanksgiving and joy in the freedom we have gained in Christ. We are ourselves astonished, and so tell others of being made well inside and out.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Crumbs of Faith
Mark 7:27-29
27 But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.” 28 And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs.” 29 Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”
Though we non-Jews were not God's chosen nation, yet Jesus recognizes our faith as seen in this Greek woman. Ultimately God had already promised Abram to be the father of many nations, bringing us all by the faith of him into the fold of His people. So the crumbs we eat of salvation to be made well in our reconciliation with God in Christ are freely given and humbly desired and accepted as we are grafted into God's people. Such depth of the wisdom and work through the grace of the cross from death to life!
27 But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.” 28 And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs.” 29 Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”
Though we non-Jews were not God's chosen nation, yet Jesus recognizes our faith as seen in this Greek woman. Ultimately God had already promised Abram to be the father of many nations, bringing us all by the faith of him into the fold of His people. So the crumbs we eat of salvation to be made well in our reconciliation with God in Christ are freely given and humbly desired and accepted as we are grafted into God's people. Such depth of the wisdom and work through the grace of the cross from death to life!
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