Author: Dana Hagstrom

Read Mark 3:20-35

So much can be said about demons and demonic powers. It’s all around us. What do you picture when you think of demons?

Evil. Having just experienced the worst shooting in U.S. history we don’t need to be reminded that evil is alive and well.

Many of you know that David and I moved to Mexico in our retirement. People thought we were crazy and worry that we are safe here. I actually feel safer here than I did when back visiting in the United States. In either case, I know the areas to avoid, and I avoid them. That doesn’t always keep us safe though, does it?

God did not make us to live under a rock or behind closed doors. He designed us to be in relationship with him and with others. He gave us this beautiful creation to enjoy. How are you living your life? Are you feeling that God is smiling down on you? Or are you living in fear?

There is some interesting dialogue in our readings today. What things  struck you or confused you? I was surprised that teachers of the law thought that Jesus was demon possessed. I suppose they thought he was the head honcho demon able to call out other demons. But that would be counter productive, in the demon world, that is. Evil succeeds when it is nourished by other evil and not called out.

Again, we see that the cloud of untruth is filling the leaders of the day. It’s hard to fathom, but it is what needed to happen to move Jesus toward his earthly goal.

The other conversation that always makes me wonder is in verses 33-35. This is Jesus talking,  “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” The people were telling him his relatives were waiting outside. Jesus goes on and says, “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” 

This is really the great promise. So long as we are all doing the will of God, we are part of Jesus’ family. We are that close to our savior. We already knew we were his “friend” but to be his “blood”. Think about that for just a moment. You are sister, brother or mother to Jesus. How does that make you feel?

Let’s pray. Lord we know that your power is so great we cannot begin to fathom. You stand over evil and all that it stands for. In the wake of an evil act, we turn to you for peace and comfort. I often wonder why you allow evil in our world, Lord. I know it wasn’t your original plan for us. I long to live in your perfect will for me. I know that by doing that I am connected to you in a strong and mighty way. Thank you for watching  out for me and for giving me the fits you have given me. I pray that I will use them to the best of my ability, and all things I want to honor you, God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Mark 3:7-19

I know it’s a little odd, but when I started reading today’s passages I pictured a business trend chart. Jesus’ popularity is soaring in these early chapters of Mark. He is getting quite the name for himself.

Have you ever wondered how the word got out? There was no internet. There were no newspapers or radio stations. We may just have to picture good old fashioned word of mouth sharing. And, a lot of it.

I suppose the spectacle of a healing would carry a lot excitement.  Think of how you feel today when you hear of a miraculous healing or other mighty act of God’s intervention. Sometimes, I admit, I get jealous wondering why I don’t see any of my own miracles or miracles around me.

It’s in those times that I reflect and realize I have had several mini-miracles that very day. It’s quite likely I’ve felt the spirit’s power or guidance in some task or decision. God is moving. God is with us, too.

What I find curious is why Jesus doesn’t want the truth about “who” he is to get out. I suppose because teachers of the law and other religious leaders are already starting to feel threatened, and he knows they are not prepared to understand who he is. They are the very ones that lead to his demise (however short it was).

Imagine the crowds of people. Even Jesus needed time apart from that. And then he called the twelve. He completed his tribe, his closest followers. Oh to have lived in the presence of Jesus while he lived on earth. Can you even imagine? That’s what 24/7 ministry looks like.

So what does your follow look like? Are you all in? Are you in when you have time? Are you not sure? Who is Jesus really? We’ll encounter him more and more over the days to come in this gospel text.

Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you that I can follow you openly and without fear. I pray for my brothers and sisters who do have to be careful in their worship of you. I thank you for all the miracles you are working in  my life and in those around me. I love to look for you in all things, even the small stuff. Thank you for ruling over all and creating all things to work together. I ask for peace and power moving ahead with the things in my life. I know together we will conquer this and be able to help so many people. Thank you for your provision. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Mark 2:18-28

Fasting and Sabbath are two distinct disciplines, yet they can also be intertwined. I’m not going to lie – the first section in today’s reading on fasting left me a bit perplexed. How about you? Did you get a good understanding of the message here? I’d welcome your insights in the comments.

Let’s look at each discipline, starting with fasting. It seems as if fasting was a commonplace thing here, but in our day, it’s practice is farm from common. Jesus is not saying here NOT to fast. To the contrary. Jesus just wanted his disciples to be in a place of rejoicing while they were with Jesus, for their time was short.

How then do we relate this joy to old and new cloth and old and new wine? Again, I’d welcome your thoughts. I suppose if we think about how Jesus is ushering in the new covenant. The newness of life in Christ has made us new beings. Jesus has brought the bridge to our relationship with God, and all things are new. It is more important to embrace the new, leaving the old to be old. As with a ripped pair of jeans. To patch them, or put a bandaid on the problem, does not last and the patch will be ripped away. Likewise, new wine in old wineskin is said to burst the wineskin. While I don’t have first hand experience with this, I trust Jesus’ words.

We need to embrace our new life and new way of thinking. Jesus has come to give us that new reality. We now have access to God the Father like never before. When we fast now, it is simply to remove that which is keeping us from focusing on God and listening for his voice. We can fast from food (or preparation thereof), television, communication with the outside world. When we fast, we close out all distractions.

As far as Sabbath – I could talk on this for a long time. We will see time and again where Jesus does something on the Sabbath. For the Jews, the Sabbath was holy and no work was to be done. You’ll see time and again where Jesus “works” on the Sabbath and what a stir that causes.

Here, Jesus explains, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” If we look back to the creation, God rested on the 7th day. You’ll recall one of the Ten Commandments is to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

So what is Sabbath to you? Do you have one day a week that is devoted entirely to worshiping and communing with God? I’m afraid this, like fasting, is a discipline not practiced by the majority. Some people have shortened their Sabbath to fit their lifestyle and assigned half a day to spend with God. The important thing is that we do have those special, intentional times set aside for our Creator and King. He deserves it, and so much more!

We can intertwine the two, fasting and Sabbath, when we close out the distractions of food, drink, etc. only to focus totally on God. This is a private thing between you and God, not to be flaunted about. In these times of devotion, you will be enlightened and blessed in ways you can only imagine. We truly REST in him.

We may be using these disciplines to meet our needs, but we are certainly blessing the heart of God.

Let’s pray. Father forgive me for my busyness. Thank you that you are helping me manage my time better so that spending time with you can be a regular thing. Calm my heart so that I can close out all the temptations and distractions that scream for my attention. I want to be totally devoted to you, listening for you to speak to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.