Mark 4:35-5:43
Mark records 4 significant events that prove Christ's authority:
1. He reveals His authority over nature as He stills the sea and the wind.
2. He reveals His authority over every other spirit as He allows the legion of evil spirits to leave the man and enter the pigs.
3. He reveals His authority over every disease as He heals the woman with the issue of blood.
4. He reveals His authority over life and death as He raises the 12 year old girl from the dead.
Jesus questions the disciples about their lack of faith (v40) when they panic in the storm. The wind and waves still obey His command. How is our faith in the midst of terrifying circumstances?
Jesus is recognized by the powerful evil spirits in the Gerasene man. They are so strong that they caused the man to break every chain and shackle that ever was used on him. They caused 2000 pigs to rush down the shore and into the sea. Yet they quivered with fear in the presence of the Lord. The people who came out to see what happened were so afraid that they begged Jesus to leave their country. The power of Jesus Christ is above all other powers!
Jarius, a synagogue official, went against the establishment to ask Jesus to heal his daughter. Even when the news came that she had died, Jarius trusted the power and authority of Jesus. When He took her hand and raised her up, they were astounded. Now, they KNEW the authority that He has.
The woman with the terrible condition, who had hemorrhaged for 12 years, who had tried every other solution, but found no help... found that Jesus had the power to meet her need. Not only was she healed but He blessed her also.
I wonder what happened to Jarius, the man from Gerasene and the woman healed by touching His robe? Where were they when Jesus was led to the cross? Where were the shepherds that had seen Him in Bethlehem? Where were the multitudes that had been healed?
We know that Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth .. yet do we act with faith as these individuals did? Do we come to Him in our times of need? Do we reach out and touch His garment?
Father, teach us to act in faith and not fear. May we not be timid to trust You in storms and disease and even death. May we rest in the peace of Your presence and grace. Increase our faith and help us to know Your power and authority... for we ask it in the Name of our Mighty Savior, Jesus Christ. amen.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Mark 4 Mark records a series of parables that Jesus taught.
Verses 11 -12 Jesus says, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God; but those who are outside get everything in parables; in order that :'While seeing they may see and not perceive; and while hearing, they may hear and not understand lest they return and be forgiven. ' " This statement is really difficult for me, for why would God not want them to understand and turn and be saved? One commentary suggests that Jesus is being merciful - for if they DID understand and still reject Him, their judgement would be worse than if they didn't understand. Another commentary suggests that their rejection of Jesus was already known to Him, so He did not give them the gift of understanding . This is a quotation of Isaiah who was sent by God, but told that they ( Israel) would hear without understanding too. Holy Spirit, teach me what this means!
The parable of the sower reveals this truth :
some hear and don't even catch any of the Word - Satan snatches it away immediately.
some hear and receive it temporarily- but then there is no depth, so it doesn't last;
some hear and receive it, but allow worldly worries and temptations to destroy it;
some hear and receive it, and allow it to grow to maturity - reproducing its fruit;
I've heard people speak about this, indicating that all of us have these kinds of soil in us - we have hard soil that doesn't even catch the Word; then we may receive some of it but go no deeper; we may try again, but let go in order to manage the cares of this world; but then eventually we realize the great worth of the Word and allow it to penetrate our lives and produce fruit in us.
I've also heard it explained that some people never receive it, for their hearts are forever hardened, or rocky, or thorny.
My prayer is always that the hard heart can be changed. I have too many loved ones who have yet to receive the Word. I have hope in the Lord that even those who have refused Him so long - will one day be changed by His great grace.
Father, give them ears to hear and understand, that they may return to You and be forgiven all their sins. You alone can save, O Lord, for You are Yahweh, the self-existing One who reveals Himself! Reveal Yourself to us once again Father, that we may all bow before You in repentance and worship.
I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Verses 11 -12 Jesus says, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God; but those who are outside get everything in parables; in order that :'While seeing they may see and not perceive; and while hearing, they may hear and not understand lest they return and be forgiven. ' " This statement is really difficult for me, for why would God not want them to understand and turn and be saved? One commentary suggests that Jesus is being merciful - for if they DID understand and still reject Him, their judgement would be worse than if they didn't understand. Another commentary suggests that their rejection of Jesus was already known to Him, so He did not give them the gift of understanding . This is a quotation of Isaiah who was sent by God, but told that they ( Israel) would hear without understanding too. Holy Spirit, teach me what this means!
The parable of the sower reveals this truth :
some hear and don't even catch any of the Word - Satan snatches it away immediately.
some hear and receive it temporarily- but then there is no depth, so it doesn't last;
some hear and receive it, but allow worldly worries and temptations to destroy it;
some hear and receive it, and allow it to grow to maturity - reproducing its fruit;
I've heard people speak about this, indicating that all of us have these kinds of soil in us - we have hard soil that doesn't even catch the Word; then we may receive some of it but go no deeper; we may try again, but let go in order to manage the cares of this world; but then eventually we realize the great worth of the Word and allow it to penetrate our lives and produce fruit in us.
I've also heard it explained that some people never receive it, for their hearts are forever hardened, or rocky, or thorny.
My prayer is always that the hard heart can be changed. I have too many loved ones who have yet to receive the Word. I have hope in the Lord that even those who have refused Him so long - will one day be changed by His great grace.
Father, give them ears to hear and understand, that they may return to You and be forgiven all their sins. You alone can save, O Lord, for You are Yahweh, the self-existing One who reveals Himself! Reveal Yourself to us once again Father, that we may all bow before You in repentance and worship.
I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Matthew 3
Jesus continues to display His authority, even though He is being watched and criticized . As He goes into the synagogue He meets a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees are waiting to trap Jesus.. their hard hearts without any compassion for the man they are using as bait. " Is it lawful to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?" Jesus asks.
Think about that question. Sabbath or not... it is clear that Jesus chooses to do good and to save lives. In spite of any law or tradition of man. The fact that Jesus is angry about their hard heartedness shows how deeply He feels about their self-righteous and sinful behavior, their lack of compassion or love for each other.
But, the people get it.. crowds from all over flock to Him. The word spreads far and near. So many come that they need to have an escape route prepared so they won't be crushed by the multitude. Here is One who cares... Who acts.. and Who loves them.
Finally, Jesus withdraws to the mountain and calls for the twelve that He will appoint as His disciples. He gives them His authority and sends them out with His message.
As He comes back home, the crowds again surround Jesus and His disciples. Even His own family cannot get near.
Jesus is accused by the scribes from Jerusalem of being from satan because He casts out the demons. Jesus patiently explains that this is impossible and that they will be condemned for their blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, Who is the One Who does conquer the evil spirits.
Jesus also gives a gracious word to those who are following and believing in Him.. He calls them His "brother and sister and mother". Doing the "will of God" is the way to come to Him. It is not about biological relationships, but spiritual unity with God through Jesus Christ, for this is the will of God.
Father, all glorious , You are so gracious to us. The fact that You care about us in our brokenness and poverty and that Jesus came to do good and to save us... O what a Great and Good God You are!
Lord, we want to be like those who draw close to You, to even touch You, so that we might be healed and saved and blessed by Your Presence. Thank You that now we have been given Your Spirit, to dwell in us and fill us so that we might do the will of God and be Your brother and sister and mother too! What amazing grace! We give You all our praise and proclaim Your holy Name. Amen.
Jesus continues to display His authority, even though He is being watched and criticized . As He goes into the synagogue He meets a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees are waiting to trap Jesus.. their hard hearts without any compassion for the man they are using as bait. " Is it lawful to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?" Jesus asks.
Think about that question. Sabbath or not... it is clear that Jesus chooses to do good and to save lives. In spite of any law or tradition of man. The fact that Jesus is angry about their hard heartedness shows how deeply He feels about their self-righteous and sinful behavior, their lack of compassion or love for each other.
But, the people get it.. crowds from all over flock to Him. The word spreads far and near. So many come that they need to have an escape route prepared so they won't be crushed by the multitude. Here is One who cares... Who acts.. and Who loves them.
Finally, Jesus withdraws to the mountain and calls for the twelve that He will appoint as His disciples. He gives them His authority and sends them out with His message.
As He comes back home, the crowds again surround Jesus and His disciples. Even His own family cannot get near.
Jesus is accused by the scribes from Jerusalem of being from satan because He casts out the demons. Jesus patiently explains that this is impossible and that they will be condemned for their blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, Who is the One Who does conquer the evil spirits.
Jesus also gives a gracious word to those who are following and believing in Him.. He calls them His "brother and sister and mother". Doing the "will of God" is the way to come to Him. It is not about biological relationships, but spiritual unity with God through Jesus Christ, for this is the will of God.
Father, all glorious , You are so gracious to us. The fact that You care about us in our brokenness and poverty and that Jesus came to do good and to save us... O what a Great and Good God You are!
Lord, we want to be like those who draw close to You, to even touch You, so that we might be healed and saved and blessed by Your Presence. Thank You that now we have been given Your Spirit, to dwell in us and fill us so that we might do the will of God and be Your brother and sister and mother too! What amazing grace! We give You all our praise and proclaim Your holy Name. Amen.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Mark 2 There are three specific events here that establish or illustrate the authority of Jesus.
Verses 1-13 tell the story of the paralytic man who was let down through the roof by his friends. Jesus establishes His authority to forgive sins on earth in this situation. He could have simply healed the man, as He had done with so many before, but He doesn't. He purposely says what He knows full well will be confrontational... " My son, your sins are forgiven." Jesus does know that this is the man's greatest need. He also knows that He will be questioned and even condemned for these words. But, it is necessary, vital really, that His authority to forgive sins to be established.
Verses 14-22 tell the story of Jesus at Matthew's house, dining with "tax-gatherers and sinners". Here Jesus shows His authority over the traditions of the religious leaders. He has come to heal the sick and to save the sinners - this was His purpose and priority. They were focused on avoiding the needy and showing off their self-righteous ways by fasting, etc. Their priorities were focused inward on theirselves. His were on those who needed a Savior!
Verses 23-28 - Here Jesus reveals His authority as "Lord.. of the Sabbath". They questioned the disciples choice to pick and eat grain as they walked through a field. Jesus teaches that the Sabbath was a gift, not a time for judging others. Even the Sabbath is His to rule!
As Christ's witnesses we are to proclaim His superiority and His eternal authority, as well as His power, grace, and truth. He alone can forgive our sins, cut through vain religious practices and false teaching. So, we give thanks for the One who has all authority in heaven above and earth below!
Praise to our God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who gives us life and grace and shows compassion upon all who call on Him. Father , be ever honored and glorified by our words, actions, and lives. Keep us walking with You today and every day. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Verses 1-13 tell the story of the paralytic man who was let down through the roof by his friends. Jesus establishes His authority to forgive sins on earth in this situation. He could have simply healed the man, as He had done with so many before, but He doesn't. He purposely says what He knows full well will be confrontational... " My son, your sins are forgiven." Jesus does know that this is the man's greatest need. He also knows that He will be questioned and even condemned for these words. But, it is necessary, vital really, that His authority to forgive sins to be established.
Verses 14-22 tell the story of Jesus at Matthew's house, dining with "tax-gatherers and sinners". Here Jesus shows His authority over the traditions of the religious leaders. He has come to heal the sick and to save the sinners - this was His purpose and priority. They were focused on avoiding the needy and showing off their self-righteous ways by fasting, etc. Their priorities were focused inward on theirselves. His were on those who needed a Savior!
Verses 23-28 - Here Jesus reveals His authority as "Lord.. of the Sabbath". They questioned the disciples choice to pick and eat grain as they walked through a field. Jesus teaches that the Sabbath was a gift, not a time for judging others. Even the Sabbath is His to rule!
As Christ's witnesses we are to proclaim His superiority and His eternal authority, as well as His power, grace, and truth. He alone can forgive our sins, cut through vain religious practices and false teaching. So, we give thanks for the One who has all authority in heaven above and earth below!
Praise to our God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who gives us life and grace and shows compassion upon all who call on Him. Father , be ever honored and glorified by our words, actions, and lives. Keep us walking with You today and every day. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Mark 1 Jumping right in to the ministry of Jesus, Mark covers a lot of ground in every chapter. He goes from John the Baptist's introduction of Jesus to the calling of His disciples, and to the healing of many. What strikes me as I read this chapter is that Jesus is noted for His preaching with
"authority". Jesus spoke of the Kingdom, He commanded unclean spirits to leave and to not speak, and He healed all that came to Him. But it is His teaching that amazes them the most!
Verse 15 " ..the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" seems to summarize the message that Jesus came to preach. (v38) So, I find myself thinking... what exactly is He saying? When we talk about the "gospel", we usually mean the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus and what He accomplished by dying on the cross for us. But, this message is preached from the beginning of Jesus' ministry. The Bible Knowledge Commentary says that Jesus is making two proclamations:
1) "The time has come" - is a proclamation that the Old Testament era has now been fulfilled. As Paul wrote in Galatians 4:4-5 " But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that the might receive the adoption as sons."
and...
2) " ... the kingdom of God is at hand". - Kingdom - means "royal rule" or reign. BKC says that this refers to " God's sovereign activity of ruling over His Creation." It is near, "in the sense that Jesus, the Agent of God's rule, was present among them".
Jesus preached with authority and acted with authority, because all authority was given to Him by the Father. Jesus gives 2 commands that required a response in light of His proclamations -
1) Repent - turn away from all other things that one has trusted in
2) Believe- trust in His good news - " to commit oneself wholeheartedly to an object of faith. Thus to believe in the good news meant to believe in Jesus Himself as the Messiah, the Son of God. He is the content of the good news. Only by this means can one enter into or receive (as a gift) the kingdom of God." BKC
Father in heaven, thank You for bring us into Your Kingdom, under Your rule and reign. May we all repent and believe! There is nothing in this world that is worth our devotion, but Jesus only! Once again stir our hearts to be fully committed to following You. Be glorified and exalted in all the earth. We need to know You more and more. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, we pray. In Jesus' name. amen
"authority". Jesus spoke of the Kingdom, He commanded unclean spirits to leave and to not speak, and He healed all that came to Him. But it is His teaching that amazes them the most!
Verse 15 " ..the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" seems to summarize the message that Jesus came to preach. (v38) So, I find myself thinking... what exactly is He saying? When we talk about the "gospel", we usually mean the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus and what He accomplished by dying on the cross for us. But, this message is preached from the beginning of Jesus' ministry. The Bible Knowledge Commentary says that Jesus is making two proclamations:
1) "The time has come" - is a proclamation that the Old Testament era has now been fulfilled. As Paul wrote in Galatians 4:4-5 " But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that the might receive the adoption as sons."
and...
2) " ... the kingdom of God is at hand". - Kingdom - means "royal rule" or reign. BKC says that this refers to " God's sovereign activity of ruling over His Creation." It is near, "in the sense that Jesus, the Agent of God's rule, was present among them".
Jesus preached with authority and acted with authority, because all authority was given to Him by the Father. Jesus gives 2 commands that required a response in light of His proclamations -
1) Repent - turn away from all other things that one has trusted in
2) Believe- trust in His good news - " to commit oneself wholeheartedly to an object of faith. Thus to believe in the good news meant to believe in Jesus Himself as the Messiah, the Son of God. He is the content of the good news. Only by this means can one enter into or receive (as a gift) the kingdom of God." BKC
Father in heaven, thank You for bring us into Your Kingdom, under Your rule and reign. May we all repent and believe! There is nothing in this world that is worth our devotion, but Jesus only! Once again stir our hearts to be fully committed to following You. Be glorified and exalted in all the earth. We need to know You more and more. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, we pray. In Jesus' name. amen
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Ecclesiastes is an interesting book. We remember it mostly for the 3rd chapter where we read, " A time to give birth, and a time to die.... " and so on. As I have been reading it over the last few days I have been struck with how relevant it is... really speaking about life. As the writer tells us, " there is nothing new under the sun."
" A generation goes and a generation comes..." Past, present, future.. all of us are born, live, and die. What really doesn't matter is how rich or poor we are, what we do for a living, or what we accomplish. What matters is that we "fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person." ( 12:13)
Wisdom is better than foolishness.
Good is better than evil.
Enjoying the life that God has given you... is a blessing.
There is wisdom in living a life of simplicity.. keeping in perspective that all we have is from God. That we do not know what will happen, when it will happen, or why. Nor can we do anything about it! " Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. " ( 11:5)
God has "set eternity in {our} hearts.. " All time is in His hands. The best thing we can do is to remember that.. and to live each day as best we can... with Him.
Father in heaven, You are infinite and eternal. We cannot begin to grasp Your greatness or fathom Your perfect holiness. May You be exalted in all the earth, O Lord. May men and women come to know that there will be a day that they will stand before You and hear the verdict .. the truth about themselves. Lord, before that day, will You bring many more people to the Savior. Let Your Kingdom be seen and known here. Open eyes and hearts to receive Your salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord. Thank You for saving me. Be glorified in my life today, I pray, in the Name of Jesus. amen.
" A generation goes and a generation comes..." Past, present, future.. all of us are born, live, and die. What really doesn't matter is how rich or poor we are, what we do for a living, or what we accomplish. What matters is that we "fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person." ( 12:13)
Wisdom is better than foolishness.
Good is better than evil.
Enjoying the life that God has given you... is a blessing.
There is wisdom in living a life of simplicity.. keeping in perspective that all we have is from God. That we do not know what will happen, when it will happen, or why. Nor can we do anything about it! " Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. " ( 11:5)
God has "set eternity in {our} hearts.. " All time is in His hands. The best thing we can do is to remember that.. and to live each day as best we can... with Him.
Father in heaven, You are infinite and eternal. We cannot begin to grasp Your greatness or fathom Your perfect holiness. May You be exalted in all the earth, O Lord. May men and women come to know that there will be a day that they will stand before You and hear the verdict .. the truth about themselves. Lord, before that day, will You bring many more people to the Savior. Let Your Kingdom be seen and known here. Open eyes and hearts to receive Your salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord. Thank You for saving me. Be glorified in my life today, I pray, in the Name of Jesus. amen.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Matthew 26 This long chapter covers the plot to kill Jesus, Judas' betrayal, the anointing at Bethany, the last Passover, the time of prayer in Gethsemane, and the trial by Caiaphas. It also covers Peter's denial of Jesus.
I want to focus on Peter during this time:
Luke 22: 7-13 tells us that Peter and John were the disciples sent to prepare the Passover for them all.
John 13:5- 9 tells us about Peter's reaction to Jesus washing his feet; first refusing and then asking for a complete washing.
Matthew 26: 33 tells us that Peter pledged to "... never fall away" from Jesus.
John writes, "Peter said to Him, 'Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.'"
Luke gives further details: Jesus says, " Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." ( 22: 31-32)
Matthew 26:36 - 45 describes Peter and the others, unable to pray even one hour with Jesus... falling asleep instead.
John 18:10 tells us that it is Peter who takes a sword and cuts off the slave's ear.
Matthew 26:38, along with all 3 other gospels tell us that Peter followed the procession as they took Jesus to he courtyard of the high priest.
All four gospels report Peter's denial of knowing Jesus.
Within a few hours Peter goes from the height of devotion to the depth of denial. Truly, he was "sifted" by Satan. He tried to be strong and courageous , taking up his sword and following Jesus to the courtyard even as the others fled. But, it is the accusation of servant girls and bystanders that bring him to deny His Savior.
When the rooster crowed... Peter fled with great weeping. He got it. He knew his failure, his weakness, his lack of faith and courage. Peter was humbled, humiliated really, by his own actions.
And, aren't we all? How precious is this truth, to know that failure and weakness... does not mean the end. It is actually a beginning... for it gets us to the posture that truly pleases the Lord. " Blessed are the poor in spirit... those who mourn.. the gentle" . The last shall be first, Jesus has continually taught. Peter had to learn a hard lesson and it took a sifting to do it.
Father in heaven, You know us full well. You know our weaknesses and failures. You let us go through things that bring us low.. humbling us even, so that You may then use us according to Your will. Oh what grace! Thank You for the blessing of sifting! Be glorified O Lord! How precious is Your Truth and Lovingkindness to us who come to You in the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
I want to focus on Peter during this time:
Luke 22: 7-13 tells us that Peter and John were the disciples sent to prepare the Passover for them all.
John 13:5- 9 tells us about Peter's reaction to Jesus washing his feet; first refusing and then asking for a complete washing.
Matthew 26: 33 tells us that Peter pledged to "... never fall away" from Jesus.
John writes, "Peter said to Him, 'Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.'"
Luke gives further details: Jesus says, " Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." ( 22: 31-32)
Matthew 26:36 - 45 describes Peter and the others, unable to pray even one hour with Jesus... falling asleep instead.
John 18:10 tells us that it is Peter who takes a sword and cuts off the slave's ear.
Matthew 26:38, along with all 3 other gospels tell us that Peter followed the procession as they took Jesus to he courtyard of the high priest.
All four gospels report Peter's denial of knowing Jesus.
Within a few hours Peter goes from the height of devotion to the depth of denial. Truly, he was "sifted" by Satan. He tried to be strong and courageous , taking up his sword and following Jesus to the courtyard even as the others fled. But, it is the accusation of servant girls and bystanders that bring him to deny His Savior.
When the rooster crowed... Peter fled with great weeping. He got it. He knew his failure, his weakness, his lack of faith and courage. Peter was humbled, humiliated really, by his own actions.
And, aren't we all? How precious is this truth, to know that failure and weakness... does not mean the end. It is actually a beginning... for it gets us to the posture that truly pleases the Lord. " Blessed are the poor in spirit... those who mourn.. the gentle" . The last shall be first, Jesus has continually taught. Peter had to learn a hard lesson and it took a sifting to do it.
Father in heaven, You know us full well. You know our weaknesses and failures. You let us go through things that bring us low.. humbling us even, so that You may then use us according to Your will. Oh what grace! Thank You for the blessing of sifting! Be glorified O Lord! How precious is Your Truth and Lovingkindness to us who come to You in the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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