Be Still…

Read Mark 10:32-52

They were on their way to Jerusalem. They are almost there. This was what Jesus had been preparing the disciples for on two prior occasions. Jesus came to earth knowing the road to Jerusalem would be his last journey on earth. He tries again to explain what they should expect.

A good leader always prepares those following to avoid surprises. Being prepared is the boy scout motto, too. I’d much rather go into the taking of a test having studied rather than to go in blind relying on what I think I know. I remember having to take a driver’s test twice because I figured I knew what I needed to know. After all, I had been driving for many years. Those little details will get you!

We see the disciples here seem to be in denial. They don’t want to hear Jesus’ predictions of his death and suffering. Jesus again speaks of his resurrection, but by the time he says anything about that, the disciples have stopped listening. Even if they were paying attention, they were confused and never quite understood the message. You have to admit it all seems a little hard to fathom bearing in mind how popular Jesus has been. How and why would that all change?

What did you think when James and John asked Jesus the favor? A little self-serving perhaps? It set up a great teachable moment about leadership and accomplishment. It is wisdom like this that has helped my husband and I in our business. We don’t want to flaunt this or that for purposes of recognition, but rather want to serve our team and our prospects. Recognitions will come, but that is not our driving force. We are called to be servants and to put others before ourselves.

Our final story in today’s reading is about a blind man being healed. This will be the last healing in the gospel of Mark. It is a transition story and one we can learn from. Bartimaeus had faith and was persistent. His plea to Jesus was heard and answered. He was asking the right thing. Just moments before Jesus’ followers James and John had asked for something, too. But their answer was different. It wasn’t the right thing to ask.

When we ask God for help, are we asking the right thing? Will God be anxious to answer us because of our faith and because our request aligns with his will? Think about your conversations with God lately. What have you been asking for? How have you been asking? Why are you asking for that?

Let’s pray. Lord, you are genius in how you put all of creation into place. Jesus’ time on earth was also calculated down to the last detail. There are so many teachable moments from your word, I thank you for revealing yourself to me. Forgive me when I ask for things out of selfish ambition and desire. You have such a better plan for me. help me to ask only for your will to be done. May I accept what that is and be certain that I am walking in your will for me. Don’t let the voices of the world penetrate my head and heart and cause me to stumble. I thank you for your presence in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Mark 10:13-31

Today’s reading would fit nicely with a passage we had not too long ago about children. Jesus truly valued children and we often see him pictured with children. It is important that we keep our expectation and reliance on God (as a child to his/her parents) and devotion to Jesus clear, like a child. In Jesus’ words, “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”  

The scene then changes, and Jesus encounters a man, a rich man. From all appearances, this man is devoted to Jesus. He has been a good man, following all of the commandments since he was young. But what happens when Jesus tells him what he hasn’t yet done? Jesus tells him to sell all that he has, give the money to the poor, and come follow him. The man went away sad.

It’s hard to let go of things, isn’t it? Have you ever had to downsize? If you’re a pack rat like me, it can be hard to part with things that we hold dear. But they are just things. I’m preaching to myself here probably more than anybody. When we prepared to leave the U.S. to move abroad in retirement, we parted with many things. We each had our struggles, and to see our life’s possessions being sold for pennies on the dollar of what we had paid was hard. We didn’t give our money to the poor, but we donated many carloads to those less fortunate. Those transactions were actually easier for me because I felt like I was passing on a piece of me to help another.

Jesus is getting to our hearts here. He goes on to tell us how hard it is to get into  the kingdom of heaven. Harder for the rich, why? Is it because they are focusing so much on what they have and accumulating more? Is it because their hearts are not open and accepting of Jesus and his love?

Throughout the moving process, there were times that I wished we could just walk away from it all, get in the car, and move to Mexico with just the clothes on our backs (and our four dogs of course). I often thought of this very Bible story, and at times I was ready to be faithful and respond as Jesus had requested. Then my selfishness set in again and I clung to things. Things.

While it is not practical for every follower of Jesus today to go, sell, give, come, follow, we can clear away the rubbish and keep our hearts open. We can simplify our lives to a place where we have more time for Jesus. We have that control. To say we don’t is a cop-out. We all have the same number of hours in a day, and how we elect to spend them is entirely up to us.

Perhaps we need to stop and re-evaluate. What are we spending the majority of our time doing? Is God getting only our left overs? Are your signs on the spending eternity with God?

Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for the desire you have placed in my heart to please you. I struggle sometimes with relationships and situations and ask for your hand to bring peace and reconciliation. Help me to part with those things that are not helping me be closer to you. Grant me wisdom to make good decisions. Reflect your love through me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Mark 9:30-50

Teachable moments are great. They may be on purpose or better yet when they just happen organically. We never want to stop learning. The disciples had such a grand spot in history of being in the presence of God. The account we have been reading from Mark, however, would suggest they didn’t realize their good fortune.

We hear in today’s passage several nuggets and examples of teachable moments. This is the second time now that Jesus has tried to warn them  about what is to happen to him. He is preparing them and planting the seed of truth even though they don’t understand right now. We may be experiencing something like that, not understanding the “why” at the moment. I trust that one day all will be revealed.

I was a little amused by the story of them quarreling on the road and not wanting to tell Jesus why. As a parent, we often find our children in one dispute or another, and sometimes we never know the root cause. Could it be time for a teachable moment? Jesus thinks so here, and I’m sure the disciples were very surprised when he sat them down, seeming to know exactly what their conflict was.

His teachable moment for them reaches across the ages for us, as well. “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” This would seem to be backwards. Doesn’t everyone strive to be on the top? Sports teams want to be #1. Companies want their product to be rated the highest against competitors. Yet, Jesus is talking of our heart, our character, our integrity. We need to look at our hearts and see if we are truly serving others and not ourselves.

Having been a children’s ministry director for years and being involved as a volunteer for many more working with children, verse 37 has always been a favorite of mine. It drives the point home.  “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” 

We can learn a lot from children. Their faith is so pure. Their innocence so refreshing. If we could only revive the complete trust and faith we had as children, the world would be a much better place. Many adults ignore children (unless they are their own), but so much wisdom can be gained and blessings received if we try to reach our inner child.

Jesus goes on to teach on several different points. If those spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. I’m choosing to take my quiet time now to spend reflecting on the innocence of childhood and how I can rattle my memory to have that unquestioning kind of faith.

Let’s pray. Father, thank you for this reminder today. You are always there to teach me and lead me. Help me in shedding my behaviors that are selfish and self serving so that I can be more of a servant. I long to serve others and help them grow closer to you. Fill me with your spirit so I will reflect you in all I say and do. Thank you for the freedom and courage to speak and share. In Jesus’ name. Amen.