Mark 6:45-56
Here is another amazing story of the power of Jesus, coupled with the compassion of Jesus. After he had fed the crowd of 5000 or more, he told the disciples to go on ahead of him in the boat, while he dismissed the large gathering. He then took the time to be alone, gaining strength from special time with his Heavenly Father. A storm came up, and Jesus could see out on the lake the disciples were struggling. He walked out on the water to them, frightening them, as they thought he was a ghost, but he reassured them, and as he climbed in the boat, the wind and waves died down.

Verse 51-52 says "They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves, their hearts were hardened."

At this point in Jesus' ministry, the disciples were still learning about who Jesus was. They didn't understand that Jesus wanted not only to heal people's physical needs, but he wanted to heal them spiritually--to bring them into a relationship with his Heavenly Father. The miracles he performed were tools to point to the power of God.

This power was further demonstrated as the boat Jesus and the disciples were in came to shore, and many ran to meet them. All who touched him were healed.

We can still receive his healing touch today--if we turn to him and recognize him as the Son of God who came to bring us eternal life. Jesus can bring us into a right relationship with the Heavenly Father, and in turn, heal relationships here, care for our wounded hearts and bodies. We just need to ask him--to let him into our boats, to reach out to touch him.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:24 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 6:30-44
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

The feeding of the 5000 is one of my favorite stories of Jesus' miracles. Jesus' immediate intention, it seems, is to go to a solitary place to rest and eat with his disciples. They went away by boat, but by the time they landed on shore, many had come to see Jesus. Verse 34 reads, "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 the disciples wanted to send them away to find something to eat, because they were in a remote place, Jesus involved them in a great miracle, saying, "you give them something to eat," then asking how much food was in the crowd. With the five loaves and two fishes that they found, they participated with Jesus in the miracle of feeding so many.

How often are we tired when others around us need us? When we call upon the strength and compassion that Jesus gives, we can see miracles unfold.


- posted by Suzi @ 4:42 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 6:14-29

John the Baptist is beheaded. The one who said, "prepare the way of the Lord"--who baptized Jesus as he began his ministry. The one who baptized those who wanted to turn from their sins. The one who pointed the way to Jesus.

This must have been a sorrowful time for Jesus and his followers--many of his followers had first followed John. To die in such a way--by the hands of a wicked and cowardly king who was afraid to break an oath in front of his dinner guests, but instead groveled to the wishes of Herodias and her daughter.

John lived a life faithful to God. He completed his mission proclaiming his message even when it led to death. Jesus said this of John in Matthew 11:10-12: This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'^[3] I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."

John paved the way. We can pave the way for others, leading them to the Lord, embracing the courage of John, given to us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:42 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 6:7-13

Jesus sent out his disciples to minister, seemingly fairly early in his ministry. He didn't send them out alone--they had his authority with them, and they had a friend--they went out in pairs. I'm reminded of the verses in Ecclesiastes 4:11-13: "Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. " (NIV)

As we work together with other believers, we can draw on the Holy Spirit to help us accomplish the work of God. Two together are great--but that third strand--the power of God--gives us extra and eternal strength. We do not need much else--the disciples took only a staff, and were dependent on those they visited to minister to them as well. If any did not welcome them, Jesus instructed them to shake the dust off their feet and leave.

But to those who did receive them, they had power to heal and drive out demons. In our world today, we are often isolated and independent. Perhaps if we drew together more and called upon the Lord together, we would see miraculous things happen in our time.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:29 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 6:1-6
In this passage, Jesus is preaching in his hometown of Nazareth, where he grew up as a carpenter's son, and his family was well known. They couldn't believe that this boy that they had known could speak with such authority and do miracles.

Because of their lack of faith--they could only see the boy Jesus that they had known, and not the Son of God, the Messiah--Jesus was unable to do many miracles.

Sometimes it seems it's easier to go halfway around the world to minister to people than it is in our own backyard--even in our own family. I've been amazed to watch the power of God work as I've traveled on missions trips to Ecuador, and see lives dramatically changed when God's people come to minister to them. But at home, it is somehow harder to be a "missionary"--which really is only one sent by God to do his work. We get caught up with daily tasks or assume that those closest to us already know God in the same way we do, and we don't need to proclaim his message in our words or actions.

Jesus didn't give up on his hometown--he did come and preach there, and he was able to heal a few sick. We should seek to minister to those closest to us--knowing that it may be difficult, but worth all the effort in the end.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:59 PM 0 comments

 
Mark 5:21-43
Jesus the healer

In today's passage, there are two examples of healing by Jesus. Both of those

who asked for healing had great faith. One was a synagogue ruler, who came

to ask Jesus to heal his daughter. Perhaps he came at great cost, since most

teachers of the law were in opposition to Jesus, and this man came to him

openly. His faith was again tested when, after he asked Jesus to come heal his

daughter, some men from his home came and told him his daughter had

already died. Jesus encouraged him to have faith, and then he went to the

home and told the girl, who had indeed died, to get up. She stood up and was

healed.

The woman in the story didn't even want to bother Jesus. She just felt if she

could get close enough to touch him--even touch his clothing--that she would

be healed. But Jesus knew that he had been touched, and he sought out the

woman. He must have looked tenderly in her eyes, and said, "Daughter, your

faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." (v 34,

NIV)
- posted by Suzi @ 7:17 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 5:1-20
The healing of a demon-possessed man

Here is another story in Mark of Jesus casting out demons. This time he is in a different part of the country--were he is not as well known, in Gerasenes. The man possessed by demons lived among the tombs, where he would cry out and cut himself. People had tried to subdue him and even chain him, but he always broke his chains.

The man approached Jesus, and again, the demons recognized him as the Son of God. The pleaded with him to send them into a herd of pigs, so Jesus granted their request. The demons entered the herd, which promptly rushed down the steep bank and were drowned in the lake.

People were amazed when they saw this man, now clothed and in his right mind, sitting calmly before Jesus. He begged to go with Jesus as he saw him getting ready to depart in his boat, but Jesus instructed him to go tell others what God had done for him. Here, in a region where Pharisees and other "teachers of the law" had not spread rumors and hatred about Jesus, the message of Jesus could be understood, not clouded.

I think that sometimes, we entrap ourselves in so much religion and church stuff that we miss the real message of Jesus. Here, in a region far from "home," his message of healing and restoration was so clear--in such a contrast from the demonic situation. No one questioned him, and the man was free to go and spread the news of what Jesus had done, where in other passages Jesus cautions those he heals to be quiet, because his time had not yet come. Here, there was freedom, not danger.

I think it is important to attend church, study the Bible, be involved in an organized ministry. But it seems that after we get our encouragement from other believers in church, and from the Scriptures, we should be out sharing Jesus love in a world that will accept it, when they see the contrast of darkness and light, of hatred and love. We need to break out of our comfortable cocoon to touch a hurting world.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:17 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 4:35-41
Jesus Calms the Storm

Life can be going along pretty smoothly most of the time. We may be sailing contentedly along, enjoying the ride and the breeze. But then storms come along. We cry out to Jesus, and sometimes feel that he may be asleep--or just doesn't care. Why would he allow the storms of life to hurt his children?

But he has the power to calm the waves. I love the song sung by Scott Krippayne, "Sometimes He Calms the Storm." The chorus is:

Sometimes He calms the storm

With a whispered "Peace be still"

He can settle any sea

But it doesn't mean He will

Sometimes He holds us close

And lets the wind and waves go wild

Sometimes He calms the storm

And other times He calms His child

- posted by Suzi @ 7:17 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 4:30-34
The Parable of the Mustard Seed

³⁰Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? ³¹It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. ³²Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."
³³With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. ³⁴He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Christianity began with one man, Jesus. He chose 12 disciples to be his ambassadors--12 humble men, among them fishermen and a tax collector--not the learned teachers of the law. This handful of rough and tumble men turned the world upside down, and now people all over the world claim the name of Jesus.

A mustard seed is small, but it produces a large plant. Sometimes, our faith may be small, but if Jesus could use a group of uneducated men to change the world, he can help us grow in our faith as well. And others will see this and perhaps come to know Jesus as well.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:58 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 4:26-29
The Parable of the Growing Seed

²⁶He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. ²⁷Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."

Here Jesus again uses the picture of a seed growing--something his hearers could easily understand. It is a picture of the kingdom of God--of those who come to believe in Jesus. We hear the word of God, we believe, we grow, and we share his message with others, producing a harvest.

I wonder what type of metaphors Jesus would use in our society today--a less agrarian, more technological one. Could the kingdom of God be like a computer chip--so small yet storing so much information? Somehow, this analogy lacks the idea of growth, though....

Jesus came at the perfect time in history to share his message--a message which is timeless and applicable today. I will strive to grow, share, and eventually, when I am ripe, enter into his eternal kingdom. I hope many other ripe friends will join me.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:51 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 4:21-25, Matthew 5:14-16, John 8:12
Mark

²¹He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? ²²For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. ²³If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
²⁴"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you--and even more. ²⁵Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."

Matthew 5

¹⁴"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
(NIV)

I think it is so interesting that Jesus calls us the light of the world, as we see in the Matthew passage, and also refers to himself as the light of the world in John. Of course, he is the greater light, for he is God's own Son. Just as the moon reflects the light of the son, we reflect the light of Jesus.

The light of God exposes darkness and sin, which can be a painful thing. This morning as I was walking my dog, Raven, I walked east for several minutes, right into the bright morning sun. I was glad to turn south and then west, still enjoying the warmth and light of the sun, but not gazing into its brilliance.

Exposure to the light can be painful, but is always beneficial. We are to bring the light of the love of Jesus to all we encounter. The passage in Mark goes on to say, "he who has ears to hear, let him hear," and Mark goes on to say that we need to consider carefully what we hear, and how we use what we hear.

God gives us eyes to see his light and ears to hear his word. May we be reflections of that Light and hearers of his teachings, seeking him as we impart his light and word to others.


- posted by Suzi @ 6:40 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 4:1-20
The parable of the sower

This is a favorite Bible story of mine--one that I've heard over and over again, especially in a Sunday school of Vacation Bible School setting. I think of the song, "The word of God is like a little bitty seed, scattered all around....' And I remember various skits where the performers would dress up as plants that would sprout in the different ways Jesus mentioned--some snatched away because Satan removes it from them, some hearing at first with joy, but then growing up in rocky soil, they do not take root so they die very quickly. Others dressed like plants among thorns, who heard the word, but were choked by the worries of life, including the desire for wealth and things.

The try believers are like the seed sown on good soil, who hear the word, accept it, and produce crop. I'm afraid I am too often like the seeds among thorns, being worried by the distractions of daily life. I want to be the seed whose grows and reproduces other seeds in good soil, who hear, understand, and live out the word of God in their lives.




- posted by Suzi @ 7:51 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 3:31--35
³¹Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. ³²A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."
³³"Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.
³⁴Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (NIV)

I've often wondered what it would be like to be the mother or sister of Jesus. How special it would have been to be part of a family with the Son of God! But it wasn't till after Jesus resurrection that the siblings really understood what Jesus' mission was (most scholars agree that the books of James and Jude were written by Jesus' half-brothers, sons of Joseph and Mary). At this point in Scripture (see also Matthew 12:46-50 and Luke 8:19-21), his family members may have been searching for him, trying to understand his ministry and perhaps feared for him because of the opposition of the Pharisees.

Again and again in the gospels, Jesus is misunderstood, or at least not fully comprehended. The disciples are continually asking questions, asking him to explain things that they did not understand, especially when he began to tell them of his upcoming death and resurrection.

His family, even though they lived with Jesus, probably didn't understand everything either--because the Holy Spirit had not been given to the believers yet. (this happened in Acts 2, after Jesus' resurrection). So, even though his family had special ties to him, Jesus recognized that those who followed and believed in him were his true brothers and sisters.

How blessed we are to have the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures so that we can do his will. We know so much more than those who lived with him did, so we need not be envious of them.

Thank you Lord, that though I did not live at the time you were on earth, I have been blessed with Scripture, the Holy Spirit and the rich tradition of other believers who have gone on before me. Help me to be among those who do your will. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:02 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 3:20-30
²⁰Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. ²¹When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
²²And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub^[3] ! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."
²³So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? ²⁴If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. ²⁷In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. ²⁸I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. ²⁹But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."
³⁰He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit."

Wow, Mark packs a lot into these few verses. The teachers of the law are so dumbfounded by Jesus' teachings, so different from their own, that they cannot admit he is the Son of God but instead refer to him as Beelzebub, or the devil himself. Jesus, who has been driving out demons, explains that Satan cannot drive out himself, and a house divided cannot stand.

We can apply this to our own lives, apart for Beelzebub or Satan--if we are divided as Christians, we are not as effective in our ministry. There are so many factions of the church and disagreements over doctrine--I wish we could all come back to the main truth of the Bible, that Jesus saves, that he has power over evil, and that we can tap into that power through His Holy Spirit, to minister to others.

The last part of this passage has troubled many people--regarding the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In my past studies and listening to many teachings regarding this, I believe that this means the "unforgivable sin" is rejection of the Holy Spirit for eternity. In other words, as long as we have breath and life, we can reject the truth of Scripture and still there may be hope that we turn to Jesus before life's end. The unforgivable sin, I believe, is rejecting God's gift to us, His Son and Holy Spirit, and dying in our sins, without knowing God in a personal way.

But when we come to him through his Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to do wonderful things--including driving evil away. I am thankful that God is victorious over sin and the evil that seems so prevalent in our world today. Someday, he will reign over all and everyone will recognize that Jesus is God, and there will be peace. Until then, we need to keep tapping into his power to fight the enemy.


- posted by Suzi @ 6:29 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 3:13-19
¹³Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. ¹⁴He appointed twelve--designating them apostles^[2] --that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach ¹⁵and to have authority to drive out demons. ¹⁶These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); ¹⁷James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); ¹⁸Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot ¹⁹and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

The message of the Bible is so simple that a child can understand it--God loves us, he created us to be in fellowship with him, we choose to sin, which breaks fellowship with God. But he so desired to restore that relationship with us, that he sent his Son on earth to pay the penalty for our sins through his death and resurrection.

God loves us and sent his Son to make a way for us, who are sinful, to be restored to him. A simple truth. But there are also thoughts and teachings in the Bible that are difficult to understand. Why did Jesus, who was God, need 12 followers around him to help preach the good news? Why would he appoint one, Judas, whom he knew would later betray him?

I think part of the answer is that Jesus was God and man. As a man, he needed people around him, to encourage him (as he asked them to do in Gethsemane). He needed people to spread the gospel, for he knew his time of ministry on earth would be short and others would have to carry on his work when he physically returned to heaven. He knew that Judas would betray him, but he showed that his love does not discriminate--he could pour his life and heart into even an enemy.

How great is that love!

- posted by Suzi @ 7:52 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 3:13-19
¹³Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. ¹⁴He appointed twelve--designating them apostles^[2] --that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach ¹⁵and to have authority to drive out demons. ¹⁶These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); ¹⁷James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); ¹⁸Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot ¹⁹and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

The message of the Bible is so simple that a child can understand it--God loves us, he created us to be in fellowship with him, we choose to sin, which breaks fellowship with God. But he so desired to restore that relationship with us, that he sent his Son on earth to pay the penalty for our sins through his death and resurrection.

God loves us and sent his Son to make a way for us, who are sinful, to be restored to him. A simple truth. But there are also thoughts and teachings in the Bible that are difficult to understand. Why did Jesus, who was God, need 12 followers around him to help preach the good news? Why would he appoint one, Judas, whom he knew would later betray him?

I think part of the answer is that Jesus was God and man. As a man, he needed people around him, to encourage him (as he asked them to do in Gethsemane). He needed people to spread the gospel, for he knew his time of ministry on earth would be short and others would have to carry on his work when he physically returned to heaven. He knew that Judas would betray him, but he showed that his love does not discriminate--he could pour his life and heart into even an enemy.

How great is that love!

- posted by Suzi @ 7:52 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 3:7-12
⁷Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. ⁸When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. ⁹Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. ¹⁰For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. ¹¹Whenever the evil^[1] spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God." ¹²But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was.

It seems in our culture today, more and more people are turning away from God. "Separation of church and state," which is not in the US Constitution or the Declaration of Independence, is a catch phrase that is often used to shut God out of public life. The 10 commandments are banned from the city square, the age-old tradition of marriage is being challenged, and abortion continues to be legal--in the US for over 30 years.

But Jesus entered public life. He touched those who were diseased and needed healing. So many came to him, he had to get in a boat to speak to them. Even the evil spirits recognized his power and deity.

I look forward to the day when every knee will bow and confess Jesus is Lord. For now, my prayer is that my life will reflect his love and that others will come to know the healing power of the Savior.


- posted by Suzi @ 6:30 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 3:1-6
Here again, we see Jesus doing what the Pharisees considered unlawful on the Sabbath-this time, instead of gathering grain, Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand. Knowing they are seeking a way to trap him in breaking the law, Jesus asks publicly, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" Of course, the Pharisees remained silent.

Jesus looked around at them in anger, verse 5 says, and was deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts. Then, he healed the man.

It's easy for me to look at the Pharisees, who began to plot how they might kill Jesus at this point, and view them with righteous anger and marvel at their stubbornness. But if I look at myself, I can ask, how often do I have a stubborn heart? How often do I nitpick about little things, when God wants to do a healing work in me or those around me?

Jesus was able to heal the man despite the opposition of the Pharisees. I pray that he uses me as an instrument of healing, not a stubborn bystander who can't believe.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:25 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 2:23-28

Here Jesus is again confronted by the Pharisees about behavior the teachers of the law find questionable--the disciples are gathering grain to eat on the Sabbath--doing what the Pharisees consider is unlawful. Elsewhere in the gospels, they confront Jesus because he healed a man on the Sabbath as well.

Legalism, or nitpicking, is still common in Christian life today. We may judge others because we disagree with the way they dress, talk, or act, when those things may not be contrary to biblical teaching. On the other hand, there may be danger in being too lax--which may be more of a problem today. It seems that the Sabbath is no longer set apart for worship and reflection on God, but is a shopping day, a work day, or a day to get things done around the house.

I am guilty of both--sometimes I judge others because I think they may not be obeying the letter of the law--in their manner of speech or thought (as if I could know their thoughts or hearts!) Other times, I myself am guilty of not setting apart a day of rest, reflection and worship with others.

It seems to me that Jesus came to bring balance to our lives. Of course, his main purpose was to give salvation and eternal life, but as we live our lives on this earth, we need balance. Jesus came in a time where the religious leaders were unbalanced in their legalistic rules about everything. Jesus came as a liberator--our freedom and life is found in him, not in a list of rules that aren't even biblical. Yet he also came to fulfill the law, not to change it, so we need to seek to follow the truth of the Word without being a slave to rules that we make up ourselves.

Lord, help us find balance in you. Thank you for the freedom you give us, and at the same time, thank you for your Word which has instruction for our daily lives. I like this acronym: BIBLE: Basis Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:34 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 2:18-22
I love new things. As my husband and I were out looking for a different vehicle (we finally decided to keep what we've got for now), we test drove some 2004 models. I love the smell of the new interior, clean and fresh from the factory. I also enjoy visiting (but not necessarily working) my husband at new construction sites. It may sound weird, but I like the smell of sheetrock, new lumber, and even fresh drywall mud.

Last night we started a new thing with our little church plant. We had a backyard Bible club (to be continued tonight and tomorrow night). The weather was questionable, so everything but game time was either inside the house or in the garage. We didn't have the conveniences of a church building with a big kitchen and tables and chairs, but we did just fine, and the children who came received the gospel message and everyone seemed to have a good time. My cupcake/ice cream cone treats were consumed and I think enjoyed.

When Jesus came to minister as a man, he brought a new order. People who came to him had to adapt, to adjust to a new way of thinking. His presence among the people was a reason to rejoice, not to fast. There is a time for fasting, and Jesus even pointed this out, but Jesus came to bring new life, to free us from sin and death.

I will celebrate this newness in my life today, and every day.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:18 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 2:13-17
In this passage Jesus calls a new disciple, Levi (also known as Matthew). He was a tax collector, the lowest of the low among his contemporaries, for he took money from the Jews and gave it to the Roman government, keeping a generous portion for himself. But Jesus saw something in him, and when he looked at Levi, Levi's response was immediate--he followed Jesus at his call.

Levi was so overjoyed at meeting Jesus that the introduced other of his tax collector friends to Jesus at a special dinner. The Pharisees, observing (perhaps from a distance), noted that Jesus was eating with "sinners." When they confronted Jesus with this observation, he replied, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (v 17).

How glad I am that Jesus looks at me, a sinner, and calls me to follow him! Do I obey like Matthew, and follow him immediately when he calls, leaving behind my sin and calling others to meet Jesus? I hope I do not become so comfortable in my faith that I become self-righteous, or forget what Jesus called me from. I hope instead that I can live a life worthy of his call, and invite others to join me in following him.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:41 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 2:1-12
As Jesus saw the faith of the friends of the paralytic, he said, "Son, your sins are forgiven." The teachers of the law, still blind to who Jesus really was, said "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus cared more about this man's salvation than being questioned by the Pharisees. He knew their hearts, and proved his authority to forgive sins by also healing the man.

Jesus amazed people by his teaching, his compassion and his healing, both spiritual and physical. He was not afraid of what others thought of him, but instead always followed his Father and his will. Now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have Jesus' compassion and teach from his Word if we ask him for wisdom and discernment.

I don't think I'll ever be saying to a wheelchair-bond person, "Get out of that chair and walk," but God can use us to help disabled people in other ways. Maybe some have medical skills so they can help to physically heal someone. Maybe God wants us to pray for a disabled friend, to help one if he/she is discouraged, to pray God will help them use their disability to encourage others. I am amazed at Joni Eareckson Tada and how she has used her disability to reach out to others and form a whole ministry to encourage others. She has said, "I'd rather be in this wheelchair knowing Jesus than to be able bodied and not know him the way I do now."

Whether we are physically whole, or disabled in some way, Jesus is there to give us healing. Sometimes he chooses to heal our bodies, other times he works on our spirits. Sometimes he uses our weaknesses to touch our friends, other times he has to focus on strengthening us first. I am thankful that Jesus is the Great Healer--in whatever way he chooses to heal.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:57 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 2:1-12
¹A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. ²So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. ³Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. ⁴Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. ⁵When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
⁶Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ⁷"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
⁸Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? ⁹Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? ¹⁰But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, ¹¹"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." ¹²He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

There are so many things that can be explored in this passage of the paralytic man coming to Jesus. The first thing that strikes me is the faith of his friends and their love for him, including the determination they had to get him to see Jesus. It must have made quite a scene for the crowd, standing in this home, and, as they listened to Jesus teach, they watched above him as the roof/ceiling slowly but steadily opened up. Perhaps bits of dirt and clay fell upon the crowd--maybe they moved back to make way as they witnessed the incredible sight of a man being lowered through the roof.

I can envision Jesus calmly preaching, not surprised by what was going on about him.

Are we these kind of friends--willing to go the extra mile to bring our friends to Jesus? Would we be willing to cut a hole in the roof, perhaps willing to pay for repairs to the roof and sheetrock so that a friend could get to Jesus for his healing?

Tomorrow we'll come back to this passage to look at how Jesus forgave this man's sins because of his friends's faith, and how he also healed him.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:16 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 1:40-45
I recently finished reading Second Touch by Brock and Bodie Thoene. It chronicles the story of a young woman with leprosy and what her life was like as an outcast during the time of Jesus. She lived apart from society, among a group of other lepers, who formed their own community and watched each other waste away and eventually die.

It must have taken great courage for the man in this story in Mark to come to Jesus. Lepers had to cry out "unclean" as they approached a group of non-leprous people. Others would have shrieked and run away from their hideous deformities and foul smell.

But Jesus reached out to this man and healed him. As before, he cautioned this man to tell no one about the miracle, since it could bring unwanted attention from those who would eventually seek his life, and since the time was not yet right for Jesus to fully reveal himself as Messiah. But the man could not keep quiet, so grateful for the touch (literally) that God had on his life.

So Jesus withdrew from that area, but the people still found him and came to him. How fortunate we are now to be able to come to him at any time. We may not have diseases that appear on the outside, but we have leprous hearts that need the healing and cleansing of the Savior.

Thank you, Lord, for your healing touch. Whether we need physical healing or spiritual healing, or both, we know that you are capable of making us whole. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:07 AM 1 comments

 
Mark 1:35-39
³⁵Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ³⁶Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"
³⁸Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." ³⁹So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

As I write this, it's about 9 am. Not very early in the morning--certainly not anywhere near dark during this Minnesota summer. I just read my sister's blog, and she was up at 4:30 am (although it was a bit early for her, too--usually the walk is around 5:30, I think). She comes home and has her Bible study before the rest of her day begins.

In this passage, and elsewhere through the gospels, we read of Jesus arising early to meet with his heavenly Father. He goes to a solitary place to recharge, become renewed and refreshed for the challenges that are ahead of him. I go to my computer, reflect and write, before the phone rings or people come into the room and ask questions, or I remember all I should be doing.

First things first. But Jesus didn't stay on his knees all day. In fact, when the disciples came looking for him, he didn't reprimand them, saying, "Can't you see I'm praying? Leave me alone for just a few more minutes." No, he got up, ready to meet the needs of others. I find it interesting that Jesus didn't respond to the needs of "everyone" who was looking for him, but instead wanted to move on to others who needed to hear his message and receive his healing touch. "For that is why I have come," he replied.

It is wonderful to think that Jesus no longer limits himself to a physical body--so that all who have need of him can come to him and he will answer. We should follow the example he gave on earth--though we are limited, we can find energy and renewal through time spent with God each day. And then, we can respond to the needs of those around us, seeking God's wisdom for where we should be and who we should minister to, and when it is time to move on to something new.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:58 AM 1 comments

 
Mark 1:29-34
²⁹As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. ³⁰Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. ³¹So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
³²That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. ³³The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Jesus is the healer. He healed the stranger, and he healed his friends and their relatives. Mark says, "the whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases."

Today many of us have various diseases and sicknesses, not all of them physical. In the blogging world, I have learned of a boy with leukemia and his father is blogging about how God is helping them through this difficult time. Through this illness, they have seen God at work, and many people have been given the opportunity to help and pray. So sometimes, Jesus does not heal, at least not right away, but he draws people to himself during difficult times.

Jesus also drove out demons. I sometimes wondered why Jesus wouldn't want people, even demons, to declare the truth that he was the Son of God. As I've studied the Bible, I've come to realize that in the early days of his ministry, this revelation would have been counterproductive among the Jews who were not yet ready to receive this message. Jesus showed himself worthy of the title of God's Son, though he certainly did not have to do so, and by the time of his death and resurrection, many were able to understand his message and ministry and dedicate their lives to him. Jesus had to work to heal their hearts, their sicknesses, and their spirits before they could come to him.

Today Jesus works in the same way. He comes to us, offers himself to us, heals us, though not always in ways we expect or in timing we want. But we need to be willing to be healed, to allow him to clean us, drive out evil from us, take us through suffering that may be necessary before we are whole. Not everyone accepts his healing touch, but if we are willing, he can change us forever, and walk with us day by day. Then, like Peter's mother-in-law, we can get up and be about the work of His kingdom.





- posted by Suzi @ 6:12 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 1:21-28

By the time we reach Mark1:21, Jesus has been baptized, commissioned by the Father through the Holy Spirit, tempted in the desert, and called his first disciples. Now, he takes the disciples to Capernaum to teach in the synagogue. The people were amazed at his teaching--it must have been exciting to hear Jesus preach and teach. Here was this "ordinary" man--a carpenter's son--who was speaking with such confidence and authority--not in a manner of the teachers of the law, but of his own authority.

As if his speaking style and winsome way were not enough, a man posessed by an evil spirit approached Jesus. The spirit recognized Jesus as the Son of God, and pronounced him as the Holy One of God, as well as questioned what Jesus would want of him.

Jesus commanded the evil spirit to be quiet and come out of the man. The spirit obeyed, violently, shaking the man he had inhabited. The people continued in their amazement, even more so after witnessing this miracle, the first recorded in Mark.

If evil spirits recognize Jesus as God's Holy one, shouldn't we do so even more? If those who first listened to him speak and preach were amazed at his teaching, shouldn't we listen carefully to his recorded words in Scripture?

Lord, help me to seek your holiness. Help me listen to your word, and follow your teaching. And, as news about you spread over Galilee in this text, help me to spread your love and teaching to everyone I encounter. Amen.






- posted by Suzi @ 7:47 AM 0 comments