Mark 11:12-25 – Glad I’m Not a Fig

Read Mark 11:12-25

Well, the scene I was expecting in yesterday’s reading happened today. I didn’t read ahead! Sometimes we look ahead to see what’s coming and that can ruin the story for us. Have you ever read the last chapter in a book to see how it ends? Here, it doesn’t matter, we know how it ends. When all is said and done – Jesus is VICTORIOUS!

The money changer story had to be there as it was a pivotal point. The Mark tells us the Pharisees ‘began’ to plan Jesus’ death. They were seriously afraid, most likely threatened, because people were following Jesus and their authority was being questioned. Have you ever been in a place where your authority was questioned? How did that feel?

The story about the fig tree has always amazed me. It seems like it can only be conceptual and not actual. It is probably both, I just need to open my mind. I certainly wouldn’t want to have God’s condemnation on me and my bearing fruit.

Personally, I feel I am just now coming “into season.” All those years up to now have been my planting and watering years. I have been growing steadily, from a seedling to a young tree.

Having planted a bit of an orchard when we lived in Wisconsin, I know that the fruit doesn’t show up for several years after planting. Even then, there is care required to make sure the branches are pruned and ready for the fruit to arrive. As I look back on my life, I have been pruned well, felt pain often, and now I am ready to bloom.

Having moved away from our orchard before the years of plenty, I was always curious about how ‘our’ fruit turned out. We visited our old neighborhood recently. There was fruit everywhere. One of the trees had grown so big the branches were literally falling over and laying on the ground. It was sad. Clearly, that poor tree had not been pruned, and so much of the fruit laid rotting on the ground.

So let that be a lesson to us, pruning is helpful. Our struggles and pain can be just what we need to prune us and ready us for what God has planned for us.

Jesus used this example as a teachable moment for his disciples as well. The poor fig tree was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Jesus believed that his words would not be empty and that God would move. No one will ever eat of that tree’s fruit again. He spoke it, believed it, and it came to pass.

God’s hand is mighty. We need to believe in it 100%. He will act. Our part is to forgive others so that we can be set free. When we are harboring negative emotions, we are not truly cleansed and open for the work God has for us. We cannot fully trust in his provision or plan. What are you holding on to? Who do you need to forgive?

Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for my lack of focus and the stronghold my emotions have had on me this week. You have given me such a beautiful purpose, but my humanity has gotten in the way. Help me to let go of the hurts of the past and truly forgive those who have hurt me. Help me love on those around me as they deserve. My pity party is over! Thank you that you are already pulling back the curtain and letting the light back in. These dark days are over because of what did and how much you love me. You have given me a job to do. Thank you for the opportunity to shine once again for you and make you proud of me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 11:1-11 – All the Bells and Whistles

Read Mark 11:1-11

When reading today’s passage, I felt like it should be Spring, preparing for Easter. Did you have that same sense? This is one of the four accounts of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem that my church tradition, at least, celebrated as Palm Sunday.

All through Mark’s gospel, Jesus has been looking ahead to Jerusalem. He knew that that was where his fate would lead him. If you have read the other gospel accounts of this Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, you may notice that Mark seems a little more low key than the others.

Another striking difference is that while Jesus goes directly to the temple, in Mark’s account he simply looks around and leaves. You may recall it is at this moment, in other gospels, that Jesus encounters the money changers and other vendors in the temple which infuriates him. This is the temple for heaven’s sake, not the Walmart! We almost expect that scene here, and when it doesn’t happen it seems odd. To me, at least.

Mark’s focus on Jesus’ road to Jerusalem has been more human and purposeful. We have already seen Jesus angry, frustrated and a little put out with his disciples. We have seen his humanity. Mark also downplays the pomp and circumstance of Jesus’ arrival in comparison to the other gospels. Yes, there are shouts of praise and honoring behavior, but maybe less intense.

Jesus certainly does deserve our shouts of praise. Unless you are reading this for the first time, you know how the story goes and what Jesus has done for us. He’s been telling the disciples all along how the story is going to play out. A bit of foreshadowing I suppose. We’ll be walking through that later in the posts to follow.

Did Jesus march triumphantly into your life or has he always been there as a close companion? Maybe there have been times in your life when you, like the disciples, have been a little confused by what is happening in your life. Many times we ask ourselves, “Why me?” Once on the other side of a complex situation, I’ve often looked back and seen God’s fingerprints all over. Sometimes you have to look harder than others, but God is constant. He is there in the good times and bad. We can be sure of that, whether we feel him close or not.

Take a moment to re-read today’s text. Picture yourself there, watching Jesus, riding on a donkey, entering a big city with people surrounding him. You know where he’s going. Imagine if he had run the other way? He didn’t. He loves you that much.

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for marching into my heart and life in a new way each day. You never press in without invitation. Thank you that you are always standing ready. May my heart and mind be welcoming to you. May only praise be on my lips. Help me to not find fault, feel guilt or be in denial when it comes to the beautiful creature you have made me. Rescue me from this pit of uncertainty and self-doubt. We’ve been down this road before and you helped me be victorious. Thank you for the strength I feel brewing inside. I am about to blossom again all because of your love for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 10:32-52 – Almost There

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.

Mark 10:13-31 – How Rich Are You?

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.

Mark 10:1-12 – Marriage

Read Mark 10:1-12

As you can imagine, this text is not one of my favorites (especially vv. 11 and 12). It is why I stayed in an abusive marriage for 15 years. I was beaten and watched my children be beaten. I cowered at any loud noise or raised voice. I prayed and prayed for God to rescue us. I had made a bad decision. It not only left me broken, but it has left a lasting scar on each of my children’s hearts. For that I am devastated. I cannot fix it. I caused it.

I have worked through recovery, like an alcoholic or drug abuser. I was broken. I had been brainwashed to think I was nothing; that I was stupid. I believe in a loving God who does not want us to live a life of torture and fear. I continually pray for forgiveness for what I have done. I have devoted myself to serving him and using my story to help other women avoid making the same mistake.

My story has a happy ending as I have found the man of my dreams. His story is his for him to tell, but suffice it to say he was hurt and abused, too. Two broken souls have united to make a beautiful union, stronger than ever to serve God together. That is exactly what we do. I believe in my heart that God intended for us to be together. I don’t know where either of us would be apart, if we had stayed unmarried to avoid adultery.

In studying a commentary or two on this text, here are some helpful insights. Some marriages fall short of God’s intention. While Jesus didn’t say “do NOT remarry”, he made it clear that to do so would affect the divorced spouse. A residual relationship exists by the mere fact we were married and shared those years together. As I understand it, my remarriage then negatively affects my abusive spouse. (I wrestled with this during my recovery phase, worked the 12 steps was amazing journey.)

We are also taking these words quite literally. For us to follow to the letter sets a very steep expectation. While Scripture, especially the words of Jesus, are alive for us today, this passage reminds us that we should not take the marriage relationship lightly. It is intended by God to join the couple forever as a beautiful union. So friends, be careful in choosing your mate. Make sure they are the one God intends for you. Keep God at the center of your marriage, always and forever.

Let’s pray. Lord I struggle still with this passage. I thank you that I am now in a position of strength. I thank you for the empowerment you have given me to overcome the hurts of my past. I pray as hard as ever for my children that they, too, will feel your peace and that their joy will be restored. Help them to remember that you, their heavenly Father, will never hurt them. I pray for all those women, and men, in abusive relationships. May they be looking to you for rescue and restoration. Forgive me for making bad choices that keep me separated from you. Thank you that you are burning brightly inside me to give others hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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