Mark 12:1-12 – Who is in Charge Here?

Read Mark 12:1-12

We see corruption all around us today, and Jesus describes it beautifully here in his example. I suppose the word beautiful and corruption should not occur in the same sentence. But Jesus is warning them and us to be on the look out for evil. It will take on forms we might not realize. It may invest trusted leaders; nobody is immune.

If we have a heart beat, we are a target for Satan’s evil schemes. I posted something recently: Devil says, “They’re all mine.” Jesus says, “Over my dead body.” Think about that for a moment or two.

Today’s reading is thought to happen very soon after the teachers of the law were questioning Jesus’ authority in our prior text. Now they are feeling a bit put in their place as they see themselves in Jesus’ story. They retreat. Do you think the rest of the people understood the significance?

Do you see the players in this story. Just in case, we have the owner of the vineyard (God), the vineyard (Israel), tenants/farmers (religious leaders),  servants (prophets), son (Jesus). Reread if you need to for context. The concern here is the tenants’ improper use of their authority. This wisdom is for us today, any of us in church leadership. Pastors are especially suspect. Who are we serving and following?

The quoting of Psalm 118 here. “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” Jesus, the rejected one, is now the cornerstone and foundation for the new Christian church. On Jesus, we build our trust. He is our sure foundation.

“This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.” Anything that the Lord does is wonderful to see. Imagine the brilliance of the sun, or the magnificence of a sunset each evening. The budding of the trees with each new Spring, and the leaves turning at harvest. It is all God’s doing and for that we should be gratefully awestruck.

Have you ever felt rejected? Maybe you’re walking through a time of sadness right now. I don’t know if it helps, but know that you are in good company. Even Jesus was rejected, and from that rejection (the Lord’s doing for us) something beautiful came to be. Think on the price Jesus paid for you. How do you respond?

Let’s pray. Father, thank you for this illustration into your truth. I never want my self ambition to keep me apart from you. I never want to be so focused on the wrong thing that I forget who is in charge and who has my back. I pray for those who are still allowing evil into their hearts and  minds, filling them with lies that only keep them from you. Use me Lord to help them realize that they are being deceived by the evil world. Satan is crafty and we must stand strong. You have equipped us with the battle gear we need. May I never forget to arm myself to defend your kingdom and proclaim your great love for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Hosea 7:1-16 – Totally Lost

Read Hosea 7:1-16

Despite Hosea’s plea of the last chapter to return to God, the people remain totally lost. The tendency here would be to say: that was then and this is now. But can we really say that? I don’t think so. I think people today are just as lost as they were then. There must be something about human nature that keeps us all lost like this. Selfishness? Arrogance? What is it do you think?

No one cries to God for help, it says in verse 7. How true is that today. I heard not long ago about a Facebook Live that depicted a murder. As it was happening. Do you think anyone reported it? Sad to say there were MANY views (I don’t remember the number now but it was a lot more than any Facebook Live I’ve every done has ever gotten). But nobody reported it. What is wrong with us?

It’s easy to compare ourselves to them and say, “well, I’m not that bad.” Don’t do this. We can get complacent if we rest on our laurels, even for a moment. We need to be warriors for God. Maybe that means we rally in prayer. Maybe that means we head to the front lines and wrestle with people who prefer wicked behavior. But we can’t turn our eyes away!

One verse that really jumped out at me in this passage was verse 2. It’s a good reminder to know that God is watching us. He sees it all. We cannot hide. We are all sinful, and we are all caught up in something that displeases God in some way. We may not even be aware…but God is. Our unawareness is sinful.  

How many times do I look at my own sinfulness and compare it to others? That isn’t the point.  My sinfulness is mine, and I must claim it, seek forgiveness for it, and be cleansed. Someone else’s sins are just that, someone else’s. How much should I get involved? To the extent that others might need to know the loving, compassionate, forgiving God that I know. That is what is up to me – to let them know the truth, not judge their need for forgiveness.

Take a moment to think about the people you know in your circle of friends and acquaintances. Does anyone stand out as really needing to cleanse their heart? Who do you think of that is lost and apart from God?

Let’s pray. Lord, we are all thinking of someone who is lost and apart from you. Lord shower those persons with your love and mercy. Open their hearts to realize they are missing you. Guide us to those folks with a eagerness to share your message. With open ears may they hear and be found. Lord use us to make an impact on your kingdom. Give us the refreshment we need to be good soldiers and warriors for you. Equip us with what we need and wash our fears away. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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