Mark 4:21-25 – How Bright Are You?

Read Mark 4:21-25

This is a beautiful parable, so I chose to set it apart from the others. We don’t put a light under a bushel or bed for sure. At least I don’t. Perhaps a lamp shade, but that is only to protect our eyes from the direct light.

In other places in the Bible, this same parable (or one similar) goes on to say that we need to be like the light. We need to shine with the love of God pouring out of us. We are not supposed to hide our faith or who holds our allegiance. We are God’s children, and we need to shine! How bright are you shining?

Here in Mark, however, the parable takes a little different direction. The light reminds us that the truth that will be revealed. Things we try to hide from view, sinful behavior for example, will not be hidden forever. There will be no secrets. God knows our every move, he sees our hearts. There is no hiding from God. We should always keep that in the front of our minds. If we did, it would benefit our actions, our words, and our decision making.

Then Jesus adds here, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given and you will receive even more.”  That is some promise. I don’t know about you, but it really makes me want to be more attentive to the words of Jesus. I want to be listening for the voice of God. Listening is key. We need to be still and be listening.

Sometimes it’s hard to listen, isn’t it? There are so many voices that can clutter our minds. The noises and distractions that surround us are sometimes deafening. Silence is sometimes hard to find.

I feel sorry for those who don’t listen, whether by choice or by circumstance (they don’t know Jesus). Jesus says, “But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” How tragic. We need to stay connected. We need to be listening. Our relationship with God and others depends on this.

I can do better at listening, how about you?

Let’s pray. Father God, forgive me when I forge on ahead of you. Help me to slow down and wait for you. Open my ears that I can hear, and open my heart so I can listen and obey. I thank you for the ability to write and share with others, and I pray that you will use my words to help others draw closer to you. Help us all to listen intently as we grow closer to you. Guide my path today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 4:1-20 – Harvest Time

Read Mark 4:1-20

In light of the time of year I am first writing this, it is very appropriate. My friends in the field are busy with harvesting the crops that they planted earlier in the season. The farmer in our parable today is God, and his seeds are producing another kind of crop.

Each time I hear a parable, even if I’ve heard it many times before, it takes on a new meaning and a new beauty. Teaching in parables is genius, and Jesus knew exactly what he is doing. Do you think all of the people understood? Probably not, but Jesus broke it down for those closest to him, and we have privy to that same revelation.

Jesus also clears up the matter I’ve been struggling with in previous posts about the teachers of the law. He reminds us that their actions fulfill prophecy (Isaiah 6:9-10). While I knew that in my heart, my head is happy to have the actual Bible reference.

So what about you – what type of soil are you? When the seeds are scattered, are you surface level, being choked by circumstances or fertile and open? As followers, I’m sure we all want to enthusiastically claim the latter. If truth be told, can’t we see ourselves in all of the examples? I sure can.

Satan lies in wait to swoop in if there is a chance that a new believer may be born. Satan will also use circumstances to cloud our minds and harden our hearts. Finally, Satan will dangle materialism and evoke worry so that the good things we hear (and try to practice) are crowded out by earthly desires. Good news–Satan’s power is limited by the blood of Jesus. We can stand firm and thwart Satan’s attempts to have us believe in lies.

We need Jesus to help. We are not strong enough on our own. That’s where the problem lies. We can’t combat Satan on our own. We may think we’re tough, but we are not. Satan’s grasp is tight, but Jesus’ loving embrace will loosen that grip. It’s all about Jesus. He will water our soul and nourish us so that we have no more hunger for the prizes Satan offers.

I am reminded of a saying, “you can’t take it with you,” when it comes to what we’ll return to Heaven with. We don’t have to pack, Jesus just wants us. He doesn’t care about our possessions, but he does care about our heart. How did we love, how did we share, how did we give? Those things keep the soil fertile and help produce a much larger crop.

Think about the soil of your heart right now. Are you ready for more Jesus?

Let’s pray. Father, you are so good and so timely with this message today. When the worries of the day crowd in and threatened I need to stand firm and call upon your name. It is your strength that I need to stay strong, to be ready for more of you. Please continue working in me to cultivate me to be able to reach more people in your name. Use our business as a means of touching those who might not otherwise have seen your love in action. May all I say and do this day be a reflection of your goodness and mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Mark 3:20-35 – What About Demons?

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.

Mark 3:7-19 – Who Are You Following?

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.

Mark 3:1-6 – Not on the Sabbath

Read Mark 3:1-6

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.

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