Jonah 2
Jonah's Prayer

Wow, I hope I don't have to go through what Jonah did to come before God in repentance and seek his help and grace. But sometimes it seems we have to go to the depths of despair before we see our need and look up to help from our holy God. We may feel like engulfing waters surround us and even that seaweed is wrapped around our heads (verse 5)--threatening to suffocate us.

But God is always with us--he is but a heart's cry away. Like he rescued Jonah from the sea, he can rescue us from our sin and deliver us from difficult circumstances. It may not be easy--for Jonah to be rescued, he had to be swallowed by a great fish, and then (I'm sure not painlessly) vomited onto dry land.

I hope I don't need to be swallowed and spit out by difficult circumstances in life to learn that God is near and always ready to hold me up. But if, and probably when, that time comes, I pray that I may have the grace and strength to hold onto Jesus through the swirling waters, and come back onto dry land, ready to serve him.


- posted by Suzi @ 8:14 AM 1 comments

 
Jonah 1
Today I turn from the New Testament stories of Jesus found in the book of Mark to a completely different story, the tale of Jonah.

I find I can relate to Jonah. God gave him a task that he didn't want to do, so he ran away. When Tim and I decided to become parents, and God blessed us with three wonderful children, I didn't know that I had signed on for the teenage years as well. I lived through the toddler years, while Tim, who loved his kids, nevertheless felt the responsibility of providing for our growing family and worked a lot.

Then came their elementary years, which seemed to sail by in relative calm.

But the teen years arrived with a fury. For the most part, things haven't really been that bad, but the past couple days have been hard, dealing with questionable choices for friends, dealing with hormones from mother and daughter, trying to stay on top of school work. I feel like Jonah, wanting to run to the nearest ship and board--to take a break and get far, far away from the stress of life with teens.

But running from the Lord is not the answer, as Jonah found out. He just encountered more storms and even the possibility of his life ending. His troubles were not ending, they were just beginning! Life outside of God's will is not a good place to be.

As I go through the storms that come my way, I pray that I will have the strength to sail in the direction God leads me--not jump ship for waters that turn out to be even stormier. I will hang onto my faith and my God, knowing that is the safest place to be even when the waves may batter my little boat. I'll hang on to Jesus, because after all, he gave everything for me. I hope it doesn't take being swallowed by a whale (or great fish) for me to learn that lesson.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:23 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 16:9-20
The gospel of Mark ends with Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene, the 11 remaining disciples, and two of his followers who were walking on the road. The amazing story of Jesus' bodily appearance to many people after his resurrection can also be found in Matthew 28, Luke 24 and John 20-21.

Mark ends his gospel with verse 20: Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (NIV). We too, can go out and share the good news of Jesus' message of hope. Jesus told the disciples to stay and wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came in Acts 2. We now have this Holy Spirit when we receive Jesus as our Savior, and we can continue the work the disciples started in Acts. We can read of Jesus life and ministry in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and of the early church in Acts. But beyond reading, we can continue the work of Jesus in our churches and our daily lives. Because Jesus lives, we have life and a message of hope to share with a hurting world!
- posted by Suzi @ 11:10 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 16: 9-20
The gospel of Mark ends with Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene, the 11 remaining disciples, and two of his followers who were walking on the road. The amazing story of Jesus' bodily appearance to many people after his resurrection can also be found in Matthew 28, Luke 24 and John 20-21.

Mark ends his gospel with verse 20: Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (NIV). We too, can go out and share the good news of Jesus' message of hope. Jesus told the disciples to stay and wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came in Acts 2. We now have this Holy Spirit when we receive Jesus as our Savior, and we can continue the work the disciples started in Acts. We can read of Jesus life and ministry in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and of the early church in Acts. But beyond reading, we can continue the work of Jesus in our churches and our daily lives. Because Jesus lives, we have life and a message of hope to share with a hurting world!

- posted by Suzi @ 8:19 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 16: 9-20

The gospel of Mark ends with Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene, to the remaining eleven disciples (Judas had killed himself after his betrayal of Jesus), and to many others. He sent them out to spread the good news of his resurrection. He ascended into heaven, and verse 20 ends with "the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it." (NIV) Matthew 28, Luke 24, and John 20-21 tell more of the story of Jesus' appearance to many people after his resurrection. He opened their minds to the Scripture and explained how his sacrifice on the cross was necessary for the redemption of sins.

Jesus also told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which they received in Acts 2. We now have this gift, when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Like the disciples in the book of Acts, we can tell and show the love of Jesus to all we meet. Jesus' life and ministry is recorded in the Bible in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and the early church's story is in the book of Acts. But we can go beyond reading and live the life Jesus has called us too--to go out to a hurting world that needs to hear the message of hope that Jesus gives.



- posted by Suzi @ 8:19 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 16:1-8
The Resurrection

Jesus is alive! How amazing this news from an angel, sitting in front of the tomb where the stone had been rolled away, must have been to these women who loved Jesus and had seen him die. The angel told them not to be alarmed (as they must have been by such a sight), but to tell the disciples. He specifically mentions Peter--perhaps because Peter must have been in great despair, not only because Jesus had died, but he had denied him as Jesus had predicted.

What wonderful news! Because he lives, our deepest pain and hurt can be healed and we can be restored. How amazing it is to serve a risen Savior!

- posted by Suzi @ 6:50 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 15:42-47
The Burial of Jesus

After the terrible ordeal of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, it is comforting that someone who cared about Jesus had the authority and courage to ask for Jesus body and lovingly wrap it and place it in a new tomb. In John 19 we read that Nicodemus accompanied Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to wrap with Jesus body. In this way, they lovingly put their Savior to rest.

This sad, but peaceful transition leads us to our next passage tomorrow--the wonderful news that Jesus lives! I can't wait to write about that next time--but you don't have to wait to read the passage--read on to Mark 16!



- posted by Suzi @ 7:23 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 15:33-41
The Death of Jesus

As Jesus was dying on the cross, he took the burden of our sins upon himself. Darkness covered the land for three hours, as Jesus cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" For that terrible time, a holy God could not look at his Son as Jesus became sin for our sake.

Then Jesus willingly gave up his life and breathed his last. In the other gospels, he cries out, ""Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46) and "It is finished." (John 19:30) The temple curtain, which had separated the people from the Holy of Holies where God's presence dwelt, was torn in two. This symbolized that Jesus had now made a way for people to come to God without the sacrifice of animals. Jesus had become the perfect sacrifice for sin, and through him, anyone who believed could now come before the Father.

Even the centurion who witnessed Jesus' death came to believe that he must be the Son of God. There were women--friends and devote followers of Jesus--who stood at a distance watching. They could not have known the significance or the hope of this event in their despair and sorrow. But they would know soon--just as we can know now that Jesus lives and because of that, we can have hope for eternity.


- posted by Suzi @ 6:27 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 15:21-32
The Crucifixion

Not only was Jesus mocked by the soliders who lead him to and then carried out the crucifixion, but once he was on the cross, he was between two robbers who were also crucified (and still insulted Jesus), and he endured the insults of the chief priests and teachers of the law who mocked him.

In verse 31, we read the mocking comment, "He saved others, but he can't save himself!" Jesus could have called a legion of angels to come to save him, but he endured the pain and shame of the cross so we could have eternal salvation. He was willing to undergo the scoffing and torture and the paralysis of the cross so we could have life and freedom.

I hope I can be grateful and mindful of his sacrifice every day, coming to him in worship and adoration for all he has done for me.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:29 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 15:16-20
The Soldiers Mock Jesus

I wonder how many people were led to be crucified by the men who mocked Jesus in this passage. Perhaps many of criminals sentenced to death were worthy of punishment--after all, they may have been murderers or stirred up trouble and riots. Did they see something different in Jesus? Had they become so callous by their duty with other "charges" that they could not sense that here was a man worthy of the title "King of the Jews"? Had they become so insensitized to the suffering and agony of beating and crucifixion that they mocked this man, so unworthy of his treatment, torture and death?

It is easy for me to pass judgment on the soldiers who strike Jesus and make fun of him as they put dress him in a purple robe. But how often do I neglect him, if not mock him, by my absence from prayer and Bible study? How often do I dismiss the price he paid for my salvation as something that was easy for God to do?

I am uncomfortable reading about Jesus suffering. But I need to be reminded that my sin was paid for with a price. And I need to come to my knees daily and thank him for what he has done for me to give me eternal life with him in heaven.

- posted by Suzi @ 9:02 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 15:1-15
Jesus Before Pilate

In fifteen short verses, Mark describes Jesus' appearance before Pilate. Jesus answered yes to the question of whether he was King of the Jews, but was silent before other charges hurled at him by the chief priests. Even though the people could have asked for his release, since it was the custom to have a prisoner released at Passover, they asked for a murderer instead. The chief priests stirred up the crowd to have them ask for Jesus' death. Pilate, wanting to please the people, yet not finding a reason to have Jesus killed, consents to the demands of the crowd, and has Jesus flogged and crucified.

This is a very short summary of all that Jesus endured for our sake--the humiliation and torture of flogging and being bound before Pilate, and the path to his death that would buy our freedom from sin.

What an amazing Lord we serve! May we be worthy of his service, and know that he knows all about any suffering we endure and can relate to us in any pain.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:45 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 14:66
Peter Disowns Jesus

This is the well-known passage on Peter's denial. Even though he had just boasted that he was willing to die for Jesus, (verses 29-31 of this chapter) Peter was so frightened by his circumstances that he denied knowing Jesus and even cursed. Then, as he heard the rooster crow, he remembered Jesus words, "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." (verse 72)

Peter's response to his denial and awareness of his abandonment of his Savior was to break down and weep. He must have been heartbroken to realize how he had so boldly claimed to be willing to die and then so shamefully denied Jesus. Fortunately, this isn't the end of the story, and after Jesus' resurrection, Jesus has a conversation with Peter (John 21;15-19) in which he reinstates him and asks him to feed his sheep. Peter became a pillar of the early church, and is transformed into an amazing evangelist in the book of Acts.

It's good to know that we have a loving and forgiving Savior. Even after we turn away from him, he still reaches out to us, ready to receive us when we come to him with repentant hearts. The God who transformed Peter can do a miraculous work in our hearts as well.


- posted by Suzi @ 7:05 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 14:66
Peter Disowns Jesus

This is the well-known passage on Peter's denial. Even though he had just boasted that he was willing to die for Jesus, (verses 29-31 of this chapter) Peter was so frightened by his circumstances that he denied knowing Jesus and even cursed. Then, as he heard the rooster crow, he remembered Jesus words, "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." (verse 72)

Peter's response to his denial and awareness of his abandonment of his Savior was to break down and weep. He must have been heartbroken to realize how he had so boldly claimed to be willing to die and then so shamefully denied Jesus. Fortunately, this isn't the end of the story, and after Jesus' resurrection, Jesus has a conversation with Peter (John 21;15-19) in which he reinstates him and asks him to feed his sheep. Peter became a pillar of the early church, and is transformed into an amazing evangelist in the book of Acts.

It's good to know that we have a loving and forgiving Savior. Even after we turn away from him, he still reaches out to us, ready to receive us when we come to him with repentant hearts. The God who transformed Peter can do a miraculous work in our hearts as well.


- posted by Suzi @ 7:05 AM 2 comments

 
Mark 14:53-65
Before the Sanhedrin

A lot happens in this passage. Jesus has just been arrested, and most of his followers have fled, including a young man mentioned in Mark 14:51-52, who fled without his night shirt because he was so frightened. Some scholars believe that this was Mark, the writer of this gospel. In any case, Jesus was abandoned by those closest to him.

To Peter's credit, he does follow at a distance, to the courtyard of the high priest. The Sanhedrin (the ruling class of the Jews) sought to find some fault in Jesus, something worthy of death. Many people made up stories about him, and Jesus said nothing. Finally the high priest asked Jesus directly if he was the Christ. Jesus finally answered--for the first time in his ministry he gave a direct answer about his identity to these Jewish rulers. He replied in verse 62: 2"I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

This was sufficient evidence for the rulers, and they deemed Jesus worthy of death for what they considered blasphemy, which it would have been if it weren't true. The men could not see the truth of Jesus' statement, just as they had misunderstood his whole ministry. Rather than bowing down to worship the Lord, they spit on him, blindfolded him and struck him with their fists.

I hope the eyes of the world can be opened to the truth that Jesus is Lord. He submitted to humiliation and death for our sakes--shouldn't we be willing to devote our lives to him?

- posted by Suzi @ 6:28 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 14:43-52
Jesus Arrested

Even though Jesus was teaching in the temple courts every day, a detachment of soldiers (John 18:12) came to arrest him, armed with swords and clubs. Judas, Jesus' disciple, came to betray Jesus with a kiss--a form of greeting used to give respect to the one receiving the kiss. Yet for Judas it was an act of betrayal.

In the three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) the passages of Jesus arrest describe the arresting group as a crowd, and Matthew and Mark add that it was sent from the chief priests, and that they were armed. John adds that it is Peter who cut off the high priest's servant's ear, and Luke, the doctor, adds that Jesus touched the man's ear and healed him. Jesus told Peter to put away his sword (John 18:11) and that he will drink the cup his Father has for him.

The Scripture must be fulfilled, Jesus says in this passage--referring to Isaiah 53:7-12, where Isaiah writes in verse 7: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." (NIV)

Even in his arrest, Jesus accepts his circumstance, protects his disciples (John 18:8) and incredibly heals a servant. He submits to the Father's will and continues to love and serve those around him.

Do I love my enemies or perceived enemies in such a fashion? How willing am I to protect those who are close to me? Jesus sets an amazing example for us to follow, even in the most difficult of situations.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:30 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 14:32-42
Gethsemane

The scene at Gethsemane never fails to move me. Jesus knew that he was soon to be arrested, betrayed and denied by his own disciples, tried in a mock trial held before dawn, and crucified the next day. He knew that he would be taking away the sins of the world, and that as he bore them on the cross, his Father would have to turn away from that scene--if ever so briefly, yet so painfully.

At this time, Jesus longed for the human companionship of his friends, but more important, for their prayers. Yet, in their human weakness, they fell asleep, not aware of what was about to take place. Jesus asks the Father if it is possible, to take this cup of hardship away, but also prays, not my will but yours be done.

How often to we fall asleep, failing to do the work or follow the will of the Father? The disciples did the same. Yet, in the book of Acts, they are transformed as they encounter the living, resurrected Savior and are filled with the Holy Spirit.

We need to ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to do the will of the Father. We need to be alert, for the time of the Son's return may be soon, and Satan would like nothing better than inactivity in those who proclaim the name of Christ. My prayer is that I can follow Jesus even in difficulty, and be mindful of temptations that threaten to take my time from him.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:49 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 14:27-31
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

Jesus tells his disciples that they will all fall away as the Old Testament scripture predicted "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered." (Zechariah 13:7, NIV) Of course the disciples boldly claim that they would not scatter, but would stand by him even if all left him. Peter proclaimed this most confidently, but he is the one who denied Jesus three times after Jesus' arrest.

I find it interesting and a cause of great hope that Jesus adds that, even though they will scatter, after he is risen, he will go ahead of them into Galilee. They seem to completely miss the fact that Jesus is promising to come back after his death, focusing instead on the proclaimed abadonment of their Savior.

In the book of Acts, the church faces persecution after the death of Stephen, the first martyr. In this case, the church scatters because of this, but it is a good thing, because the message of the gospel is taken to regions beyond Jerusalem and Judea. Yet it is also interesting that the apostles remain in Jerusalem, a sort of headquarters for the church. In Acts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, they are truly fearless and boldly proclaim the gospel in spite of opposition.

When I am frightened or feel weak, I want to ask the same Holy Spirit who filled the apostles for courage. And I know that even in difficulty, Jesus gives us hope and promise, and he fulfills his promises. He is alive--and we worship a risen Savior!

- posted by Suzi @ 6:49 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 14:12-26
The Lord's Supper

This passage is the story of the Passover meal that Jesus had with his disciples on the night before his crucifixion--the Last Supper, the Lord's Supper, or the institution of what we now call communion--the sharing of the bread and the cup to remember Jesus' sacrifice for us.

Christians celebrate communion in a variety of ways--but the significance of that shared meal should not be lost to any of us. Jesus shed his blood, symbolized by the cup. His body was broken, symbolized by the bread. When we take the cup and the bread, we need to remember that his sacrifice was not easy. He suffered pain, he bled, and he was separated from his Father for our sakes, so that our sin could be removed from us.

I love verse 26--"When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." Next time I sing a hymn after communion, I want to remember that verse, and know that I am a disciple of Christ singing with him as his first disciples did so long ago, as I thank him for his sacrifice.


- posted by Suzi @ 6:37 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 14:1-11
Jesus Anointed at Bethany


The plot to kill Jesus thickens in this passage. The chief priests are looking for a way to arrest Jesus, but they don't want to do it during the Passover feast, for fear of a riot. Meanwhile, Jesus is having dinner in the home of Simon the Leper, when a woman comes to show her love for Jesus by pouring expensive perfume on his head. When others protested about the waste of money this was, Jesus chided them by saying she had done a beautiful thing for him, and in fact was preparing his body for burial. He added that this act would be remembered wherever the gospel would be preached throughout the world.

At this time, Judas, one of the 12 disciples, left to go to the chief priests to betray Jesus. Perhaps he was disillusioned with Jesus at this point--maybe he had hoped for a Messiah who would overthrow the Roman government. Perhaps he saw this "waste" of money, in his view, as the last straw.

I've often thought that the aroma of the perfume must have lingered for days, and perhaps this was the one physical comfort Jesus had on the cross--the lingering scent of the love poured out by this woman who adored Jesus.

How often am I willing to make a sacrifice, like this woman did--not only being concerned only about my Lord and not what others think, but also a sacrifice that costs me personally, as this expensive perfume surely did. I want to give myself to him, to do something that lasts, that can linger, to comfort those Jesus loves, and in doing so, showing my adoration for him.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:40 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 13:32-37
The Day and Hour Unknown

We don't know the hour or time of Jesus' return. The New Testament Christians believed Jesus would return in their lifetime, but now, 2000 years later, we still await his return. It could be tomorrow, it could be another 1000 years from now. Only the Father knows the time.

In the meantime, we need to be ready. I want Jesus to come to find me in his service, not complaining about household tasks, not lamenting about my children's progress or lack thereof at school, not seeking selfish desires, but following Him.

For he could appear at any time to take us home to be with Him. What a glorious day that will be! Let's be ready!

- posted by Suzi @ 6:52 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 13:1-31
Signs of the End of the Age


Popular books have been written in our day that tell stories of what the end times might be like. It certainly seems that the end may be near, when we hear horrible stories of war and terrorism around the globe.

Jesus tells his disciples--and us as well--not to be deceived and to be on our guard for false teachers who claim to be Christ at the end. He speaks of days of distress, of the sun being darkened and the moon not giving light (v. 24, also found in Isaiah 13:10, 34:4, and quoted by Peter in Acts 2:20).

The end times will be terrible, especially for those who have not found hope in Jesus Christ. But there is still time to find hope in him and seek his face. Even when heaven and earth pass away, Jesus words will never pass away. (verse 31). That is a comfort to me--his Word and his Holy Spirit are always with those who put their trust in him.


- posted by Suzi @ 6:36 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 12:41-44
The Widow's Offering

Jesus loved to elevate the lowly, the poor, the crippled, the children, the lonely. As he watched a poor widow give two copper coins, he knew that she was giving all she had to the Lord's service.

It's not too much of a hardship for us to write a check to our church weekly or give to other charities. It gives us joy to know we can help with needs of others or further the cause of the gospel.

But to give everything! Yet, isn't that what Jesus requires of us--our whole selves? He doesn't demand all of our money, but he does want all of our heart. We need to look at our motives in giving and be sure we give out of gratitude and not just for show, as the rich people in this story may have been doing.

Jesus, take my whole life and make it yours. My family, my health, my wealth, my heart--help me surrender all to your control. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:47 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 12:35-40

Whose Son Is the Christ

Jesus quotes the Old Testament here, as he asks the crowd how David, in Psalm 110:1 said “the Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet. In Mark 12:37, Jesus goes on, “David himself calls him ‘Lord.” How then can he be his son?” (NIV)

Jesus is pointing out to the crowd that he himself is the Lord, a descendant of David. The crowd was delighted with his teaching. Peter also quotes this verse in Psalms in Acts 2:34-35, teaching that Jesus was a descendant of David, and that Jesus had risen from the grave, unlike David whose bones were in his tomb. So Jesus is a risen Lord that we can worship today.

The teachers of the law wanted the people to believe that Jesus was a false teacher, but Jesus warns the crowd concerning them. He described them as hypocrites, marching around in flowing robes and taking seats of honor, but devouring widows’ houses and for show making lengthy prayers.

As we worship our risen Savior, we should be mindful of our attitudes about ourselves and how others view us. Are we haughty and dismissing of others? Or do we put Jesus and others above ourselves, as we read in yesterday’s passage. Seek the Lord first, and others next. That is the key to Christian living—the key to pleasing God and ultimately, the key to our own joy in serving Him.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:39 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 12:28-34
The Greatest Commandment

Finally, there seems to be a teacher of the law asking Jesus a sincere question without a motive to trap him behind it. "What is the greatest commandment?" he asks. Jesus' response is "'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.^{[5] 30}Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'^{[6] 31}The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'^[7] There is no commandment greater than these." (NIV)

If we focus on loving the Lord before all else, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, what a difference we could make in the world! I love how the whole commandments can be summed up in these two statements--love God, love your fellow human beings.

Sometimes it is difficult to love those we disagree with, or who can't see our point of view. It's hard to set aside emotions to put into practice the action of love. But this is what God calls us to do, and when we seek him first--with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, he will enable us to love those who seem unlovable.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:46 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 12:18-27
Marriage at the Resurrection

The Sadducees are now asking Jesus questions about marriage and the resurrection. Jesus answers them by saying that there will be no marriage in heaven, and regarding the dead rising, God is the God of the living.

Jesus is the true resurrection, and we have life in him, even after we die. God told Moses his name is "I AM"--so that he is without beginning and ending, he is the God of now, of the living.

It is hard for me to imagine what heaven will be like--to be like the angels in heaven and have a new body. But Jesus promises new life in him in heaven. As a person in a good marriage, it's also hard for me to imagine no marriage in heaven. But I know that all believers will be the bride of Christ, and that my marriage now is just preparation for that great wedding day when we are joined together with Christ for eternity. And single people on earth can take heart, because their groom awaits them in heaven for the perfect marriage.

What a day that will be!


- posted by Suzi @ 6:49 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 12:13-17
Paying Taxes to Caesar

As self-employed people, my husband and I know exactly how much we pay in taxes every year. Tim makes quarterly payments, so he has to write a check four times a year in order to make sure that we won't get penalized for underpaying. So we are always grateful for any tax breaks, and are mindful of any excessive spending by our government. We are also grateful to live in a free society where we have so many liberties and where we can enjoy the services of government as well.

The Jews of Jesus day lived under an oppressive Roman government. They hated paying taxes, and hated tax collectors. They hated the inscription of Caesar on their money. Knowing the general consensus of the Jewish people about the Roman government, the Pharisees decided one more ploy to trap Jesus--they would ask his opinion about taxes.

But again, Jesus turns the tables, seeing right through their trap. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar and to God what is God's."

So, I guess our family should continue to pay taxes, with a grateful heart that we don't live under the oppression of Rome. And, we should give all of ourselves to God, who is gracious and loving, and who is the source of all good things.


- posted by Suzi @ 7:31 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 12:1-12
The Parable of the Tenants

Mark returns in this chapter to the recording of another of Jesus' parables. As his death draws nearer, Jesus tells a rather pointed parable about men disrespecting and even killing those who were sent to collect fruit from a vineyard in the owner's absence. Finally, the owner sends his son, and since he is the heir to the vineyard, they decide to kill him so they can take the vineyard for themselves.

But the owner will one day return to take the vineyard for himself, and the evil tenants will be thrown out and killed.

Jesus is the Son whom God sent. The prophets--up to the time of John the Baptist, had heralded his coming, but they were rejected by many and sometimes killed. Jesus came, and many rejected his message and he was killed, too.

But he didn't stay dead. And now we have the opportunity to choose to accept him as our Savior, or reject him as the evil tenants did. If we choose to follow him, we will live with him and enjoy the fruits of his vineyard forever.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:35 AM 0 comments