Mark – Page 20 – Be Still…

Mark 3:1-6 – Not on the Sabbath

Jesus had emotion. Of course he did. But do we often picture Jesus angry? There are instances in Scripture, and that helps us to know we are not alone when our tempers well up. How we handle that anger is the critical thing.

We should never lash out, and yet we should never stuff our anger inside. There are healthy ways to manage anger, but I’m not an expert here. So, if that is your struggle, start with prayer, mediation and exercise, and then seek counsel from a good anger management coach.

For today, though, let’s look at the dynamic playing out in our reading. It’s the Sabbath, the day of rest. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with anyone in my circle of friends that staunchly follows the rules of sabbath of no work. That would mean no cooking, no cleaning, no carrying, and in the case in point, no healing.

In my last post, I talked a little about Sabbath and it’s importance for us today. We need to set aside that quiet time with God on a regular basis to be fully devoted to that relationship. We need to be open to hear God’s voice. We need to find time to rest and regroup listening to God’s direction for us.

Jesus clearly sets us straight on sabbath when he says, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” Jesus has encountered critics here and they are described as having hard hearts. This angers him and then saddens him. What is his response? He heals the man, saves his life with a good deed, a miracle.

When I read of the people in the Bible, usually devout believers, that are out “to get” Jesus, I am always saddened. I know Jesus’ purpose was to live as a servant king to give us the blueprint for how to live our lives, but that he died for us always boggles my mind. I struggle with the fact that those who “knew the most” about the law were the very ones who didn’t recognize they were in the very presence of God.

I suppose it follows that if everyone was in love with Jesus and following him completely, there would be no crucifixion. With no crucifixion there would be no sacrifice for our sins or glorious resurrection. All a beautiful plan because our Lord loves us that much!

How does this speak to us today? Are our hearts hardened by life and circumstance? Are we ready to accept Jesus with our whole heart? Are we ready to expect his mercy any day of the week? How are you doing at setting aside time for sabbath with your king?

Let’s pray. Father, I relish our quiet times. I wish that everyone would make time in their day to spend time with you. For those that don’t know you, I ask that you use me in some way to change their behavior. I am saddened by this crazy world we live in, and my heart breaks for you, God. You are watching us demolish your creation, disrespect each other and be totally self absorbed. Forgive me when I fall victim to worldly desires. Thank you that you stand beside me to ground me and direct me, may I be obedient. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 2:18-28 – Old vs. New

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.

Mark 2:13-17 – Let’s Party!

Read Mark 2:13-17

Have you ever heard of a “Matthew Party”? This is something we always wanted to do intentionally. However, there were many instances when it happened naturally.

A Matthew Party is designed to be a gathering of believers and non-believers. Loosely based on today’s text, the idea is to be welcoming to the non-believers while surrounding them with believers. No “preaching” goes on, only fun. It allows the non-believers to connect with believers. If conversations go in the spiritual direction, that’s the Holy Spirit!

In our text, Jesus had just selected another disciple to follow him. This time it wasn’t a fisherman but a tax collector. In those days, tax collectors were often swindlers and extortionists. People feared tax collector because they were ruthless and not honest in their dealings. They were often rich, made so by taking money from over charging people’s taxes.

What was Jesus thinking? Why in the world would he associate with someone like that? And now he’s at a party with this sinner!

Perhaps we have judged someone based on their appearance, yes? Or maybe we questioned someone’s morals or life choices, even their employment? I know I’m guilty, but I’m not proud of it. Even worse, how many of us have avoided people who are different from us because we were “better than them”? Ouch!

Next time you see someone that looks or acts different than you, remember Jesus’ words, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Jesus came for us all, we are all sinners. It is not our place to judge or avoid those we don’t understand. Jesus loved them all, so must we.

Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for those times when I look upon another with some disdain for their dress, their demeanor, their attitude. Help me to remember that you love them, too. I am not perfect either, Lord, and I ask for your help to work on me. That is something I can do. Show me those that are looking for you so that I can show them the way. Use me to be their beacon in this scary world. Thank you for using me to share and giving me the words to say.

Mark 2:1-12 – Paralyzed

Read Mark 2:1-12

There is so much going on in this passage, I don’t know where to begin. I love how Mark uses words here to help us picture the scene. We can almost insert ourselves right along with the paralytic at the feet of Jesus.

Word has definitely spread about Jesus and the miracles he has been doing. Did you notice what happens in this account? We are expecting him to tell the paralyzed man to get up and walk, to pronounce the healing. What does Jesus do instead? He tells the man his sins are forgiven.

I didn’t see that coming, did you? What do this man’s sins have to do with him being paralyzed? Have you ever thought about that? I imagine a hush went over the room at his words. The teachers of law that were present probably exchanged a knowing glance. Jesus was fully aware of the situation. Of course he was. Jesus used this as a teachable moment to show his authority.

And then, as expected, Jesus tells the man to get up and go home. The man leaves as he is instructed. How did the man feel? Was his gratitude overflowing? We read that he “jumped up”. That sounds pretty ecstatic to me. He, like the crowd, was likely stunned and amazed. Do you think he expected healing?

Think back a moment to the four men that brought this paralyzed man to Jesus in the first place. This is a miracle in itself to have maneuvered him to the roof, digging a hole big enough in the thatched roof, and having the tools, rope or whatever, to lower him down at just the right spot. This didn’t “just happen”. There was thought, intention and strong faith inspiring these men. They were no doubt friends of the paralyzed man. There was a lot of caring going on. Was there anticipation? What about adrenaline? Do you suppose fear? And, after it was all over, who was going to repair the roof for heavens sake?

I may often let myself get caught up in details. I shouldn’t let myself be paralyzed by wanting to know all the facts. I need to walk by faith and be confident that God is going to show up. Just as these men were confident and driven by their faith. That is the message I need to hear today.

What spoke most to you? Reflect on that message today.

Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you that you are the one in control of my life. Forgive me when I forget and push forward on my own. Thank you that you are calming my spirit to not need to know every detail, every answer, every truth. I put my trust in you and your provision. May my faith heal me and make me whole. May my faith be large like the men in our passage today. No obstacle is too big. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 1:29-45 – Healing Touch

Read Mark 1:29-45

I’m curious – what verse in today’s reading really spoke to you? There are so many that spoke to me. Feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you.

So it seems like today’s reading picks up immediately following the last where Jesus has encountered an evil spirit and called him out. Now it appears that Jesus’ disciples are going to take a bit of a rest at Simon and Andrew’s home. I note that there are only four disciples at this point: James, John, Andrew and Simon (Peter). We also learn here that Simon has a mother-in-law, which would mean he also has a wife. She is not mentioned.

I have always been tickled when I picture the mother-in-law being healed and instantly responding by making a meal. Does this resonate with anyone? Are you the meal provider in your house? What happens when you get sick?

For anyone wanting to count the number of miracles or healings that Jesus performed, this passage makes it nearly impossible. Apparently word spread quickly about the happenings in the synagogue, as Jesus was bombarded with sick and demon possessed people. What was his response? Heal them and make them whole.

Another nugget for me in this reading starts in verse 35 when Jesus gets away from it all for some quiet time. We are told from the time we are children that we should “be like Jesus”, and this is one great example for us. Find a quiet place where you are able to shut out the world and all distractions and spend time with God. If Jesus needed it, we must all the more need it. I know my days are so much better when I am grounded first. Some people have their quiet time at night – how much better their sleep and rest will be. The key – spend quiet time away from the noise of life.

Finally, what do you think about Jesus’ words to the man healed of leprosy? Jesus told him “sternly” not to tell anyone about this, and gave him the requirements that needed to be done. Did the man listen? Apparently not as it says he went out and spread the word, telling “everybody” what had happened.

Why do you think he didn’t listen to Jesus’ instructions?

What he did do is something we have a hard time doing. That is telling everyone about what Jesus has done for us. Why is that? Do we think we don’t have a good enough story? What is your story?

The important thing to remember is who the subject of our story is. It is Jesus. It is what Jesus did, not what we did. We got the benefit of what Jesus did, but the hero is Jesus. Sometimes when we frame it like that it is easier to say because we can take a little of the attention away from us. Jesus loved us and died for us. He is the one living in us and changing us from the inside out. Does that help?

Let’s pray. Lord I thank you for how you have changed my life. You amaze me every day with your goodness and mercy. I don’t know that I deserve what you promise me, but I am grateful that you find me where I am. Thank you for the restoration you are bringing to my life. I thank you for the boldness and assurance I am feeling when I share your good news. May your grace and mercy abound for those who are walking in darkness. May they feel you knocking on the door of their heart. Thank you for the quiet time we have and the refreshment you provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.