Blogging for Light
Thursday, September 30, 2004
 
Mark 11:27-33
The Pharisees will not let up on their questioning of Jesus' authority. It must have been frustrating, although not unexpected, for Jesus. This time Jesus turns the tables on his accusers.

"I will ask you one question," Jesus replies in verses 29 and 30. (emphasis added). "Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism--was it from heaven or from men? Tell me!" (NIV)

The Pharisees answered that they didn't know. First of all, if they answered John's baptism was from men, they feared the people's reaction, who believed John was a prophet. But if they said John's baptism was from heaven, Jesus would ask why they didn't believe him, then.

So, Jesus replied that he would not tell them by what authority he was doing his miracles and teachings. They would not have believed him anyway.

On the contrary, when we come to Jesus with sincere questions and honest hearts, he is ready and willing to hear us and meet our needs. We need to make sure our motives are pure and that we are willing to hear what answers he has for us. As his children, we can come before a loving God and expect a response that is best for us.

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  • Wednesday, September 29, 2004
     
    Mark 11:20-25
    The Withered Fig Tree

    The fig tree that we read about in yesterday's passage is withered in today's. The tree can be viewed as a symbol of those who reject Jesus, and who, when they do not come to faith in him, are separated from him forever, withered like the fig tree.

    But instead of dwelling on this at this time, Jesus tell his disciples to focus on their faith. He wants them to embrace his teachings and have confidence in the power that comes from him. Verse 24 is a wonderful statement as Jesus says, "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that your have received it, and it will be yours." He quickly adds that we must forgive others as we pray, so the Father may forgive us our sins. If we ask for things but hold grudges against others or pray outside the Father's will, we will not receive what we ask for.

    I want to have faith in the power of Jesus and in his will. I want my life to be like a fountain of his love, not withered like the fig tree. That is my prayer for today and every day.

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  • Tuesday, September 28, 2004
     
    Mark 11:12-19
    Jesus Clears the Temple

    Many of us have a picture of Jesus as calm, compassionate, and winsome. And he was--he must have been to have attracted so many people to himself in such a hostile world. And he is today--a refuge for us in a climate of turmoil and ungodliness.

    But here is a picture of an angry Jesus. First, he seems angry at the fig tree (we'll read more about that tomorrow and see it as a picture of something else). But he displays what seems to be an uncharacteristic anger as he comes to the temple and overturns the tables of the money changers. Quoting Scripture in verse 17, he declares, "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations but you have made it a den of robbers." (Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11)

    There are times when righteous anger is appropriate and even necessary. We are to be angry at sin and its destruction in the world, yet compassionate toward the sinner, for we are all sinners. I need to look at the sin in my life and ask God to sweep it clean, just as Jesus cleared out the money changers. Then I can be a better witness to the world, displaying his purity and love.

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  • Monday, September 27, 2004
     
    Mark 11:1-11
    The Triumphal Entry

    The story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey is well-known--and repeated in churches around the world every Palm Sunday. It must have been an exciting time as the people hailed Jesus as king and honored him by spreading their cloaks and branches on the road. They shouted "Hosana"--Save us! and looked to Jesus to bring a new kingdom. They were probably hopeful that he had come to release them from the oppression of Rome and set up a new government, ruled for Jews by Jews.

    But Jesus' kingdom was of another world. One day he will come again as King and every knee will bow to him and every tongue confess he is Lord. (See Philippians 2:10-11) Until that time, we should worship him and encourage others to find Jesus as their Lord and Savior as well.

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  • Saturday, September 25, 2004
     
    Mark 10:46-52
    Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

    The story of blind Bartimaeus is a favorite story I remember from Sunday school days. In spite of the rebuke of others, Bartimaeus persisted in his request to come to Jesus, asking for mercy and healing from his blindness. Jesus responded to him when he named his specific request, saying his faith had healed him.

    Sometimes I think many people who are suffering in the world want to seek Jesus and cry out to him, but they hear voices of rebuke, telling them to be quiet, perhaps encouraging them to seek spiritual help anywhere but in Jesus. Because Bartimaeus was persistent and didn't heed these voices, he was able to come to Jesus for healing. Jesus asked him to name exactly what he wanted, and he received it.

    As we look around, we should seek to help those who are trying to find Jesus, but can't because of the conflicting voices they hear in the crowd. "There are many ways to God" is heard so often in our culture--but as believers we know that Jesus is the only way to God. And when we come to him, we can name our specific requests--he is able to give us what we ask according to the will of the Father, whether it's healing physically blind eyes or spiritually darkened one. He can bring light and restoration to all who come to him sincerely.

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  • Friday, September 24, 2004
     
    Mark 10:35-45
    James and John's request

    This is the third time in the last two chapters of Matthew where the disciples are taught about servanthood, and where they are rebuked for trying to elevate their status instead of seeking to serve. First, in Mark 9:33-37, the disciples are arguing about who is the greatest, and Jesus cautions them to be like little children. Then in Mark 10:13-16, the disciples seem to have forgotten the importance of the role of children when they refuse parents from bringing the little ones to come see Jesus. Jesus says the children are examples--that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

    Yet here later in the same chapter of Mark, two disciples, John and James, are asking Jesus to elevate them to the highest positions in heaven--on Jesus right and left. It seems they hadn't understood the importance of elevating others above ourselves. They quickly answered that they could drink the cup Christ was to drink--referring to his suffering and death. They did eventually suffer, but at this moment I don't think they had any idea what they were asking for or agreeing to.

    It's easy to join the other 10 disciples and become indignant with them for their seeming arrogance. But when I look at my own life, I see how repeatedly I have been taught in Scriptures to put others above myself. And when I found wet towels on the laundry room shelf this morning, I wanted to call my daughter right away to chide her for not putting these things in the dryer ("she only thinks of herself") I mumbled to myself. But what was I doing? I had the time to put the towels in the dryer--she was probably in a hurry to get her clothes clean for school. And, at least, she does her own laundry.

    This is just a small example of selfishness (I could list many more on my part!), but a reminder that in little things we need to be mindful of others. We need to follow Jesus example in verse 45--to serve and not be served.


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  • Thursday, September 23, 2004
     
    Mark 10:32-34
    Jesus Again Predicts His Death

    Jesus again tells his disciples of his coming death and resurrection. This time, in Mark at least, there is no record of opposition to this statement, as there was earlier (see Mark 8:31-38). Jesus was preparing his disciples for what was to come. They probably dwelt on the part about Jesus suffering and death, not really hearing the part about his resurrection. In time they would understand, and Jesus was giving them this time by preparing them early on.

    Sometimes we receive bad news and can't see any good in it--or at least not right away. It must have been horrible for the disciples to hear their beloved teacher and Lord speaking of his rejection, beating and death. Could they have comprehended what it meant--and did they hear the words, "Three days later he will rise"?

    In tragic situations, often hope can be found if we look for it. Our greatest hope is in Jesus, and through his terrible suffering and death, came his resurrection and eternal life. Today, I will seek his hope, even in difficulty.

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  • Wednesday, September 22, 2004
     
    Mark 10:17-31
    The Rich Young Man


    When it comes to following Jesus, some of us just want a list of rules to follow. Do these things, and then you gain entry into heaven. The rich young ruler was looking for a way to enter the kingdom by following the ten commandments. This was a good thing, but it was only head knowledge. He needed to transfer what he knew to how he lived his life--how he viewed those around him from his heart. The one thing he couldn't give up to follow Jesus was his wealth.

    Others may have different issues that keep them from following Jesus. Perhaps pleasing others is more important than following God. Perhaps we are too devoted to a job or even volunteer activities to seek Jesus in prayer and Bible study. Even good things, like family and friends (and money can be a good thing if used properly) can keep us from God if not put in the proper balance in our lives.

    The disciples wondered who could be saved if not this rich young man who kept the commandments. Jesus said it is impossible with man, but all things are possible with God. And when we commit all things to our Lord, our eternal reward is great. Jesus said the first shall be last--coming back to the theme of servanthood of the last few days of study in Mark--of becoming like a little child.

    When we give up our own pride, our desire to please others rather than God, when we truly seek after Jesus, then we will find eternal joy. It's not easy, but in the long run it's worth it.

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  • Tuesday, September 21, 2004
     
    Mark 10:13-16
    The Little Children and Jesus


    As a stay-at-home mom (I now have teenagers), I am so grateful for the love and care for children that Jesus demonstrates in the Scripture. Sometimes, those who are home with preschool children all day long feel their work is unimportant or at least unrecognized. But Jesus sees those caregivers and values their little charges. In fact, he elevates children so highly that he says in Mark 10:14-15, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Then he took the children in his arms and blessed them.

    Earlier in Mark, when the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest, Jesus took a child and said, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." (Mark 9:37, NIV)

    We need to care for "the least of these." In Matthew 25, Jesus tells his listeners that when they care for the needy or weak, they are caring for him. Verses 37-40 read: 37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
    40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

    I think Jesus often sees us as little children who need his care. I am so glad I have a heavenly Father, and when I am needy, I know he will take me in his arms and bless me. In turn, I need to look for the needy around me to bless them as well.

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  • Monday, September 20, 2004
     
    Mark 10:1-12
    Divorce

    Divorce is so prevalent in our culture today--and it doesn't seem to matter whether you're a Christian or not. Some statistics show that the rate of divorce is even more for believers than unbelievers. It's just that Christians believe in marriage, so they tend to remarry more often--and unbelievers may never marry, but live with a partner, or they may not remarry after an initial divorce.

    Sometimes divorce is not the fault of an individual. They may have been left by their spouse, not wishing for a divorce but forced into it. Or in an abusive situation, divorce seems the only option for the protection of the abused spouse and possibly children.

    The Bible says that God hates divorce--Malachi 2:16 reads: "I hate divorce ," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself [ 2:16 Or [ his wife ] ] with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.

    God hates divorce, because his plan for the family was to have two parents in a loving relationship who guide their children to the Lord. But, he loves divorced people. We have all made mistakes and sinned, and God can heal the pain of divorce and be a father to the fatherless and a husband to those who are single.

    Jesus was speaking here to the Pharisees, who were probably more concerned with trapping Jesus with their questions than finding out if they should treasure their wives. But rather than give an answer that may have dismissed women as second class, Jesus elevated women in his response, and in his ministry as well. Many women who followed supported Jesus.

    As Christians in our world today, we need to work hard at our marriages to protect the family unit and pass on godly values. With God's help, we can turn the statistics around and be examples to the world rather than following the culture of pain.


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  • Saturday, September 18, 2004
     
    Mark 9:42-50
    Causing to Sin

    42"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.[3] 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.[4] 47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48where
    " 'their worm does not die,
    and the fire is not quenched.'[5] 49Everyone will be salted with fire.
    50"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

    As a parent, I believe my husband and I have the responsibility of leading our children to Christ, and model a godly lifestyle that, hopefully, they will emulate. My main goal in life is to do all I can to help them follow Jesus and live a life pleasing to him.

    Now my kids are teenagers, and they are making their own decisions about life. My role now is to continue to guide them, but not force them to choose the exact path I have taken. My role is to pray for them, and to try to be a good example, keeping on my knees on their behalf and reading the Word on a regular basis.

    If I exam myself, in the light of the Scripture and with the power of the Holy Spirit, I may see sin exposed. As Jesus says in this passage, I need to cut out the harmful things in my life, even if I enjoy them. For much is at stake--including those who follow me.

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  • Friday, September 17, 2004
     
    Mark 9:38-41
    Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us

    38"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."
    39"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40for whoever is not against us is for us. 41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.

    It is presidential election season in the United States, and the attack ads are mounting. Those who support their particular candidate are often quite vocal and resolute about it. Anyone outside their camp may be viewed as the enemy. The slogan of either campaign could be, "Whoever is not for us is against us."

    In this passage in Mark, Jesus puts an interesting twist on this phrase. He says in verse 40, "Whoever is not against us is for us." Those who truly believe in Christ and use his name for good cannot be enemies of the gospel.

    So often in our Christian culture we subdivide, forming camps of denominational preferences and pointing at others not in our groups with judgment. But Jesus said that anyone who gives a cup of cold water in his name will not lose his reward.

    As I think of the aftermath of the hurricanes in the south, I'm sure many Christians are going to aid those in need. I'm sure Jesus smiles as they put aside their banners of doctrinal differences and go to serve those devastated by the storm. Ours is a gospel of grace and peace, of reconciliation. The enemy is not the other Christian--but Satan. We should bound together to make His grace evident to all.


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  • Thursday, September 16, 2004
     
    Mark 9: 33-37
    Who is Greatest?

    I often compare myself with others. I know this is not healthy, but in my sinful nature I get a kind of smug satisfaction with feeling a bit superior to others.

    "Well," I tell myself, "I don't work outside the home, so I'm available to my husband and children whenever they need me, unlike so-and-so." Or, "I work outside the home (during tax season), so I contribute to the family budget in a productive way. (unlike someone else who may not work at all.)" Or, "I attend BSF so I must be more spiritual than others who don't have that kind of discipline in their lives."

    I often do this to make myself feel better when I'm thinking that others really are a lot better than me. I try to think about the good things I do that others may not do, and thus elevate my status somehow.

    Jesus reprimanded his disciples for trying to see who of them was the greatest. They were focusing on superiority. In contrast to this, Jesus put a little child in front of them, saying they should welcome a child in his/her innocence and simplicity and thereby welcome Jesus. In verse 35, he said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

    Instead of focusing on how I may be better than others in order to make myself feel superior, I need to heed the teaching of this passage. Jesus modeled servanthood for us all. As I go about my tasks at home, I should think how I am serving my family or others, and not elevate what I'm doing to a lofty status. And most of all, in every task I should think of how I can serve Jesus, who gave so much to be and lived as a humble servant on earth.

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  • Wednesday, September 15, 2004
     
    Mark 9:14-32
    The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit

    After the amazing experience of the transfiguration of Jesus and the encounter with Moses and Elijah, the disciples come down from the mountain with their Lord to join the other disciples and come back to reality. The teachers of the law were up to their regular bickering, and a crowd of needy people came to Jesus. In Jesus' absence, a man had brought his son with an evil spirit to the disciples for healing, but they could not help him.

    In response to this inability to heal, Jesus replies in verse 19, 19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." The man asks Jesus to heal, him, "if he can." Again, Jesus addresses this doubt. 23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
    24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

    Jesus healed the boy at that time. He accepted the man's limited faith and his desire to have complete faith.

    Jesus is always able to heal. Sometimes his healing is not in our timetable--sometimes sickness ends in death--and ultimate healing takes place as the believer receives a restored and glorified body in heaven. No matter what happens, we need to put our faith in Jesus to work things out for our good in the end. As we come before him in prayer, he restores us in his way and in his time.



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  • Tuesday, September 14, 2004
     
    Mark 9:2-13
    The Transfiguration

    The transfiguration of Jesus must have been an exciting and wonderful moment for Peter, James and John. To have seen Jesus in a dazzling state, talking with Elijah and Moses--it must have been a holy moment that may have overwhelmed them with awe and confirmed that Jesus was truly the Lord and Messiah. A voice from heaven did indeed confirm Jesus' divinity--God spoke and said, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" (v 9)

    This glorious moment came after Jesus had told his disciples about his coming suffering and death. They must have been discouraged and frightened by his words. How wonderful to get a glimpse of his glory and holiness when they must have been disheartened.

    Still, they didn't understand everything. Peter (v 5) in his excitement, wants to erect shelters. They asked questions about Elijah--who did come before Jesus as John the Baptist. They didn't have the whole message of Jesus' coming figured out.

    We do have the whole message (and the disciples eventually did, too--after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 2). And God still does show us the difficulties of following him--carrying our cross--and yet reveals, through his Word and the Holy Spirit--the glory that we will someday see. So, when I'm down, I need to remember to come to God and look for the hope that he always offers. One day I'll get to meet Moses and Elijah, too--and the best part will be seeing Jesus in all his glory.

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  • Monday, September 13, 2004
     
    Mark 8:34-38, Mark 9:1
    The teaching of taking up my cross to follow Jesus has always been a difficult one for me to embrace. The cross is something hard to look at--the suffering that Jesus went through for our sakes is one I'm so grateful for, because his sacrifice bought me a relationship with my heavenly Father and gives me eternal life. I want to just accept this fact, and not examine it too closely.

    But Jesus tells us to take up our cross. I think this means not to run from the things that are ugly and painful in life. When we are wounded, we are more compassionate toward others who hurt. When we take on the sufferings of Jesus, we become closer to him. Romans 8:17-18 reads: 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (NIV)

    There is a reward for taking up our cross--for sharing in the sufferings of Jesus--we will share in his glory. If we keep our mind on the prize--our eternity in heaven--then our trials here on earth are lessened. Jesus is with us--now and forever. He has truly felt our pain, and can help us rise above it.

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  • Saturday, September 11, 2004
     
    Mark 8:31-38
    Jesus Predicts His Death

    31He 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. 32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
    33But 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."
    34Then 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. 35For whoever wants to save his life[3] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

    Here is the first time, in Mark, that Jesus speaks of his death to his disciples. Peter, who in yesterday's passage had proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, now rebukes Jesus for speaking of his death. The parallel passage to yesterday's reading in Matthew 16 reads as follows: 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ,[2] the Son of the living God."
    17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,[3] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[4] will not overcome it.[5] 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[6] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[7] loosed in heaven." (NIV)

    Now Jesus addresses Peter as Satan, recognizing that the words Peter speaks defy the plan that God has for the salvation of the world, namely his death and resurrection.

    It seems ironic that Peter, who was given such blessing in Matthew 16:17-19, could speak the words of the devil in the next passage. One minute Jesus is telling him he is the rock of the church, not to be overcome by Hell, that he will have the keys to the kingdom of heaven, that whatever he binds on earth will be bound in heaven, and the same with loosing.

    This reminds me of our own fickle natures. One minute we may be singing God's praises, one in the Spirit with him and other believers, and the next minute we may be unjustly criticizing someone, being petty, or even indulging in outright sin. God recognizes both sides of our nature--he blesses us when we seek him, and rebukes us when we stray.

    Sometimes the blessings are not easily apparent--and we may even have to wait until we get to heaven to receive them. And sometimes it seems we may get away with sin in our lives, because we blind ourselves to the destruction we cause when we stray from the love of our heavenly Father. I want to be sensitive to the voice of God--to seek his blessings and turn away from things he would rebuke. Even when the teachings of the Bible are hard--as these words of Jesus must have been to the disciples--I hope I can see the truth and follow Jesus even when it's difficult.


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  • Friday, September 10, 2004
     
    Mark 8:27-30
    Peter's Confession of Christ

    27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"
    28They 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.[2] "
    30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

    On Wednesday's post, I marveled at how the disciples lacked understanding of who Jesus was and what he wanted to teach them. But in today's passage, Peter clearly gets the message: Jesus is the Christ. In the parallel passage of Matthew 16:16, Peter proclaims, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Also in Matthew, Jesus goes on to bless Peter, telling him that this revelation came not from man, but from God.

    One of the things I love about BSF is the way I often find that Scripture that may be difficult for me to understand on my own is revealed as the Holy Spirit reveals new insights to others who share with me. Through Bible study, listening to lectures, answering questions on a weekly lesson sheet, and sharing in a small group, God speaks to me to illuminate his Word. How blessed we are in this age today to have so many resources to help us!


    Even so, we must always pray that the Holy Spirit reveals the truth to us, as he did to Peter. For true revelation comes from God alone, but he uses many amazing tools to make his Word clear to us.

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  • Thursday, September 09, 2004
     
    Mark 8:22-26
    The Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida

    This story of healing a blind man is interesting in that Jesus touched the man twice before his sight was completely restored. At his first touch, he could see, but not clearly--Jesus touched the man again, and everything was bright and fresh.

    I remember the first time I got glasses. I was in first or second grade, and when I put them on, I couldn't believe how fresh and clean the world looked. I wanted to drink in all the bright clearness and enjoy this new look at God's creation and his people. Now, I'm in my 40s and wear contact lenses with reading glasses for close up work. The glasses/contacts worked for many years, but now I need additional help in seeing some things.

    Sometimes we ask for God's touch for something in our lives, and we receive it. But he wants to be so generous with us--he wants to give us a bright and beautiful world. Unfortunately, sin clouds the beauty of the world God wants for us. But if we ask again--he can give us a new perspective--we can see through His eyes. Not through rose-colored glasses, but view the world as he does, and as he wants us to do. My prayer is to have this heavenly vision as I look out at those around me.

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  • Wednesday, September 08, 2004
     
    Mark 8:14-21
    The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod

    Sometimes as I read the gospels, I am amazed at the lack of understanding that the disciples had. Why didn't they get the miracles or comprehend the parables? Jesus was right there, teaching them every day! What wouldn't I give to have Jesus present in the flesh--someone I could see and hear and touch--who was the very Son of God!

    But I have to remember that the disciples did not yet have the Holy Spirit living within them--that only came at Pentecost (see Acts 2). And I need to look at myself--maybe I don't have Jesus visible in front of me, but I have the power of the Holy Spirit living in me. I have the entire Bible and 2000 years of church history, not to mention the fellowship of many believers. And still, many times I fail to understand what Scripture teaches.

    When I read the Bible, I need to ask God to open my eyes and heart to his teaching through the Holy Spirit. Sure, I would like to have been there with the disciples and hear Jesus' voice, see the intensity of his message on his face, feel his arms of comfort around me. But for now, I am happy to have his Word, Christian friends, and His Spirit within. For, someday soon, I will see him face to face, and at that time I won't need to ask for understanding--all will be revealed.

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  • Tuesday, September 07, 2004
     
    Mark 8:1-13
    Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand


    Jesus' compassion for the multitudes is again evident in this passage, as he feeds 4000 people who have come to hear his message. As with the feeding of the 5000, he enlisted the help of his disciples. As before, they asked Jesus where they could get food for this great crowd in such a remote area. Perhaps they realized that only Jesus himself could perform such a miracle, as before, or perhaps they were slow learners, unable to fathom the fact that Jesus could do such a feat again.

    It seems there are times in my life where I am slow at learning about God's compassion and forget how he has worked in my own life. I may come upon a situation I have faced in the past, and ask God why I am being tried again, forgetting how he was with me, patiently teaching me then, as he is willing to do now. Like the disciples, I ask where I can get the resources to accomplish the task ahead of me. But, when I believe and put my hand in God's hand, I see that he can lead me as he has always led me.

    I don't want to be like the Pharisees. Jesus would not give them a sign of his Lordship because they did not believe. I want to continually put my faith in Jesus, trusting him even when it is hard. I want to be like the man we'll read about in Mark 9, who asked for healing for his son, but was unsure of his faith Jesus responded to him, . "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (v 23-24, NIV)



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  • Friday, September 03, 2004
     
    Mark 7:31-37
    The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man

    A couple of years ago I revisited my childhood home and neighborhood park. I was 43 years old at the time. I wandered over to the tree I had climbed many times in my youth, especially as a teenager, when I wanted to be alone and contemplate my life and the world's (mostly my world's) problems. The tree had grown, but I had not (at least not vertically). Before I knew it, I was tumbling down, landing on a teenage friend of our kids who thankfully broke my fall, but could not save my ankle from being sprained.

    I was on crutches for two or three weeks (and after this I cut my hand and needed nine stitches). During this time, I grew to appreciate in a small way what disabled people go through. I rode a motorized cart in the grocery store. I couldn't drive for awhile. I had to depend on other people for many things, or ask them to wait for me.

    So, here again in Scripture we see Jesus healing a person with another disability. I love how he healed the blind, those who couldn't walk, how he drove demons out of people, and in this case, how he restored hearing and the ability to speak to this man.

    More often, our disabilities are invisible. Perhaps we do not see the needs of those around us. Perhaps we don't listen to the cries of those who need help. Perhaps we are silent when we should speak up for righteousness sake. Maybe we don't walk the path he has chosen for us.

    Jesus can heal these "disabilities" too. I pray that I may see with His eyes, hear with His ears, speak His words, and walk in His light.

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  • Thursday, September 02, 2004
     
    Mark 7:24-30
    The Faith of a Syrophoenician Woman

    Jesus' popularity continues to grow, especially since the feeding of the 5000. He goes to more remote areas, to avoid growing opposition to his ministry, and to teach his disciples privately. However, people continue to learn of his presence and seek him out. In today's passage, a woman who was not a Jew came to Jesus to ask for help.

    In a parallel passage in Matthew 15:24, Jesus responds to this women, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." But the woman persisted, and Jesus rewarded her faith by healing her daughter.

    Sometimes, I don't want to respond to the needs of those who are outside my inner circle, who may not be like me. At times I may have a legitimate fear--of teens who befriend my own children who have known problems that I fear. I still need to be cautious, but reach out to those outside my comfort zone, showing them the love that Jesus showed.



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  • Wednesday, September 01, 2004
     
    Mark 7:1-23
    Mark 7

    Clean and Unclean

    The Pharisees are again showing their legalism and hardened hearts as they accuse Jesus and his disciples of being unclean, since they ate some food without a ceremonial washing first. The Pharisees had many rules and regulations that were not in the Scriptures, including, as verses 3-4 state parenthetically: (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.[1]) (NIV) Jesus also pointed out that they disregard the commandment about honoring their fathers and mothers, by allowing people to tell their needy parents that they cannot help support them because their income is needed as "a gift to God."

    Jesus saw right through their exterior "righteousness" to their hardened hearts. As he explained later to the disciples,"It doesn't matter what food you eat--for it goes out of the body. But in verses 20-24 he explains, "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' 21For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' " (NIV)

    We may be guilty of making judgments of people based on the way they look, the clothes they wear, the car they drive, the neighborhood they live in. But Jesus looks within--to see the character of a person--what is in their heart. I am struggling with this even this week, as today is picture day at my kids' Christian school, and my 16-year-old son is still sporting his mohawk. But I know his heart, and his willingness to follow God, read his Bible, and be kind to others. I need to be less concerned with appearances and more concerned with my own heart, and the hearts of my family members.

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