Once again Jesus asks us to really listen; "let him hear". This is important! In this little parable, hardly even a story, Jesus is asking the big question: "Are you going to live for me or for yourself." And to live for Him is to live transparently.
At first glance verses 21 and 22 seem almost unrelated. In verse 21 He is talking about lamps, which must be prominent. But in verse 22 the subject is secrets which should be hidden. What is the link?
My logical, analytical side likes everything clear and easy to understand, but the Asian mindset is quite different. Things only need to be tangentially related. so maybe there is a poetic, or an "opposites attract" reason for this paradox. Or maybe the incongruities are to grab our attention.
In verse 21, He asks a rhetorical question. Is a lamp to be hidden or displayed. The obvious answer: "To be set on a lampstand". What is the good of a hidden light? It is wasteful and illogical.
Maybe he is talking about the word here. The gospel of the kingdom. It is meant to be shown to all the world, meant to be really listened to.
Verse 23 begins with "For" meaning therefore, and, as or but. These verses are linked! Any "light" we try to hide will be exposed. It is almost as if he is saying "In your stupid, proud humanity, you may think you can keep some important things hidden, but they aren't going to stay that way.
Or maybe He is saying we aren't even aware of some essentials, they are hidden from us.
It could be our true characters that are hidden away from us, and the world. In the preceding parable of the sower, the soils superficially may have looked the same, but the harvest will show their real nature.
Jesus is talking to the disciples here . The 'stony soil' character of Peter and the 'thorns" of Judas' character were both brought to light during the crucifixion. Peter realised , maybe for the first time just how stubborn he was... and, by the grace of God, he changed! So we don't have to stay in the same place. Our character is revealed so we can change it. The soil can be tilled, the rocky subsoil broken up and the weeds turned in.
By contrast, when Judas learnt of the "deceitfulness of riches". He chose not to do the hard work of destroying the weeds. He would not change his ways and reaped the cruel reward.
God's character through Jesus was also revealed at the cross. A character of total self-denial and love for us.
Maybe we try to hide our Christianity too, we harbour the gospel but don't share it. Even then it will still shine through the cracks in our lives. The gospel will 'out' despite us.
What about our favourite "hidden" sins? Or those grudges we try to hide from our acquaintances? In fact anything that we use to make up the sham of the human life that is less than totally open to God's word? These will 'out' as well. Very scary thought!
Is it really possible to live transparently? This is a big ask. But the next couple of parables show how growth towards this goal is possible in the "kingdom of God".
Tuesday 20 November 2007
Sunday 11 November 2007
Mark 4:3-9, 13-20 Let Him Hear
"Time and effort" I said in my last post, which was a long time ago as I have been living out this innocuous little time-bomb of a parable.
Jesus starts with the word "Listen!" then finishes with "he who has ears to hear, let him hear!" He starts the explanation with "Do you not understand this parable?" Obviously He is saying something important and he wants us to get the message.
Jesus is telling the people about His kingdom, a kindom built around our choices, not the choices of the King (in marked contrast to all political systems then and since). I love Van Gogh's "Sower with Setting Sun" as it seems to show the tranquility of this kingdom's origins but also the light touch of the Sower.
In a way Jesus is fulfilling the parable as He tells it, He is spreading the word, or the seed, into hearts. So the kingdom comes with words, ideas and stories. What we do with them is what the story is about.
There are four responses that listeners to the gospel can make:
Jesus is so keen I understand this parable because my response determines the quality of my Christian life and experience.
As I spend more time in Mark, expect more frequent posts. If you don't see them, please send comments to wake me up.
Jesus starts with the word "Listen!" then finishes with "he who has ears to hear, let him hear!" He starts the explanation with "Do you not understand this parable?" Obviously He is saying something important and he wants us to get the message.
Jesus is telling the people about His kingdom, a kindom built around our choices, not the choices of the King (in marked contrast to all political systems then and since). I love Van Gogh's "Sower with Setting Sun" as it seems to show the tranquility of this kingdom's origins but also the light touch of the Sower.In a way Jesus is fulfilling the parable as He tells it, He is spreading the word, or the seed, into hearts. So the kingdom comes with words, ideas and stories. What we do with them is what the story is about.
There are four responses that listeners to the gospel can make:
- Dismiss it and let Satan keep it away from their heart
- Accept it gladly but don't let it take root. They have a superficial link to Christ, maybe they just can't submit totally to Him, maybe they just trust themselves too much and they are tripped up.
- Hear the word but don't spend any time in Scripture, busy with temporal things. Unlike the second group, which wither away, these people stay alive but they "yield no crop". They look alive but there is no fruit.
- Hear the word. Accept (receive, delight in) it, or, in contrast with the others, value it appropriately, grow closer to Christ, spend time in the word. These listeners bear lots of fruit, they fulfil the purpose Christ has in mind.
Jesus is so keen I understand this parable because my response determines the quality of my Christian life and experience.
As I spend more time in Mark, expect more frequent posts. If you don't see them, please send comments to wake me up.
Tuesday 25 September 2007
Mark 4:1-2, 10-12 He Began to Teach
Apart from the prototypical gospel of chapter one (The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel) the red letters thus far in Mark are mostly responses to challenges. Yes we have learnt a lot from Marks story so far: Jesus is powerful and attractive, He wants us to think and act in new ways and most of all He wants us, not just to be saved, but to become His family. This, however is the first place where Jesus can say what He wants.
Jesus is sitting in a boat just off the shore of Lake Galilee,. A great multitude gather within earshot. What will He do?
"He taught".
Mark uses this word in contrast to preaching (which means to herald) in Mark 1:21-22 where Jesus taught in the synagogue with authority and in Mark 2:13 where Jesus taught the multitude. In neither case was the content mentioned. So here we learn what Jesus really wants say... what is on His heart.
The surprise is that He tells parables: "(symbolic) fictitious narratives (of common life conveying a moral)" says my Strongs.
Why stories? Probably because a story is more memorable, and it can pack a more emotional punch. But whatever the reason, Mark and the other gospel writers spend time with His "stories". They must be important.
In verses 10-12 ,Jesus seems to indicate that the parables were intended to stop the people understanding and to prevent their repentance. This doesn't ring true for me. Why would Jesus want only his "twelve" to know the mystery of the kingdom? Why would He try to hide His message?
He is just acknowledging the fact that becoming a Christian is a huge change. It is not just about accepting some propositions, some overnight change. It about becoming one of those who sit about Him who listen then stay to learn about the Speaker.
Jesus is attacking our penchant for the "quick fix". I want God to fix up my life and give me all the spiritual blessings I can possibly have NOW. Jesus says, "Listen to My stories, they are a time bomb, they will work on your mind, grow in your heart until you will want to sit with Me and let Me become your Brother.
In verse 12, Jesus is quoting Isaiah where the "returning and "forgiveness" is "healing". Jesus is still healing here and healing takes time and effort.
The first parable Mark reports talks about both of these things (time and effort) but before we get onto it, we need to look at what is happening.:
Jesus has been healing, arguing and forgiving. This has attracted a 'multitude' of people. People, like us, ready to rush off on their latest enthusiasm. Jesus dampens this down with simple little stories, that seem like stupidity at first. He slows the whole process down so people have time to 'become' His family.
It is paradoxical, we don't see until we know we don't see, we understand only when we know we don't understand. Here Mark presents Jesus as a teacher too interested in the learners to let them off easily, too intolerant of sinfulness to let its roots go uncut.
Jesus is sitting in a boat just off the shore of Lake Galilee,. A great multitude gather within earshot. What will He do?
"He taught".
Mark uses this word in contrast to preaching (which means to herald) in Mark 1:21-22 where Jesus taught in the synagogue with authority and in Mark 2:13 where Jesus taught the multitude. In neither case was the content mentioned. So here we learn what Jesus really wants say... what is on His heart.
The surprise is that He tells parables: "(symbolic) fictitious narratives (of common life conveying a moral)" says my Strongs.
Why stories? Probably because a story is more memorable, and it can pack a more emotional punch. But whatever the reason, Mark and the other gospel writers spend time with His "stories". They must be important.
In verses 10-12 ,Jesus seems to indicate that the parables were intended to stop the people understanding and to prevent their repentance. This doesn't ring true for me. Why would Jesus want only his "twelve" to know the mystery of the kingdom? Why would He try to hide His message?
He is just acknowledging the fact that becoming a Christian is a huge change. It is not just about accepting some propositions, some overnight change. It about becoming one of those who sit about Him who listen then stay to learn about the Speaker.
Jesus is attacking our penchant for the "quick fix". I want God to fix up my life and give me all the spiritual blessings I can possibly have NOW. Jesus says, "Listen to My stories, they are a time bomb, they will work on your mind, grow in your heart until you will want to sit with Me and let Me become your Brother.
In verse 12, Jesus is quoting Isaiah where the "returning and "forgiveness" is "healing". Jesus is still healing here and healing takes time and effort.
The first parable Mark reports talks about both of these things (time and effort) but before we get onto it, we need to look at what is happening.:
Jesus has been healing, arguing and forgiving. This has attracted a 'multitude' of people. People, like us, ready to rush off on their latest enthusiasm. Jesus dampens this down with simple little stories, that seem like stupidity at first. He slows the whole process down so people have time to 'become' His family.
It is paradoxical, we don't see until we know we don't see, we understand only when we know we don't understand. Here Mark presents Jesus as a teacher too interested in the learners to let them off easily, too intolerant of sinfulness to let its roots go uncut.
Friday 7 September 2007
Mark 3:31-35 I'm Related!
Mark now tells us about a little incident that may follow on from verse 20,21. His family are outside calling Him away.
Not following protocol, of honouring His parents, "Who is mother, or My brother?" He asks.
These are close relationships. Maybe the closest we can have. These are the people who really know us, because they saw us when we couldn't put up a facade. They saw us when we threw tantrums and met the teenage hormones. They really do know us because they have gone through a lot with us.
So who are mother and brother? He looks at those listening, gathered around Him. Does He look at us today?
"Here they are!" He concludes "Look at them...busy pleasing God." What is that? What is God's will for us? The answer appears to be just what these people were doing: gathering around Jesus and listening.
So this chapter and section ends with the wonderful promise that I can be as close to Christ as a brother, as a mother. I can have the privileged position of being related to universal royalty!
In Chapter 3, we see Jesus as healer, quite popular with the people, as the caller and appointer of His followers, as increasingly hated by the scribes, Pharisees and Herodians but here at the end as One who not only rescues us from Satan's stronghold but elevates us to the closest relationship with Him. He wants to bring us close and tell us stories (like in the next chapter).
Will I keep Him at arm's length?
Not following protocol, of honouring His parents, "Who is mother, or My brother?" He asks.
These are close relationships. Maybe the closest we can have. These are the people who really know us, because they saw us when we couldn't put up a facade. They saw us when we threw tantrums and met the teenage hormones. They really do know us because they have gone through a lot with us.
So who are mother and brother? He looks at those listening, gathered around Him. Does He look at us today?
"Here they are!" He concludes "Look at them...busy pleasing God." What is that? What is God's will for us? The answer appears to be just what these people were doing: gathering around Jesus and listening.
So this chapter and section ends with the wonderful promise that I can be as close to Christ as a brother, as a mother. I can have the privileged position of being related to universal royalty!
In Chapter 3, we see Jesus as healer, quite popular with the people, as the caller and appointer of His followers, as increasingly hated by the scribes, Pharisees and Herodians but here at the end as One who not only rescues us from Satan's stronghold but elevates us to the closest relationship with Him. He wants to bring us close and tell us stories (like in the next chapter).
Will I keep Him at arm's length?
Sunday 2 September 2007
Mark 3:28-30 Assured Condemnation
Jesus has refuted the accusation that He had an unclean spirit. Now He deals with the accusers!
Mark emphasises the importance of the passage by quoting Jesus' actual words. Most of Jesus' words are translated to the Greek in the Gospels. Mark, probably writing to a Greek-speaking audience, uses the Aramaic and Hebrew sparingly. But here he begins with the Hebrew word "Amen" - we have "Assuredly" or "Verily" in English. Mark only quotes this word 15 times in his gospel, and each time Jesus is saying something of great importance. This is no exception.
Jesus has answered the superficial question adequately, but now goes on to the basis of the accusation and what it means for the accusers, for our salvation and for the whole Godhead. Once again our Lord, doesn't stop where prudence dictates but in his concern for his enemies (that includes us) He ploughs on... unearthing a deep, disturbing truth.
"Assuredly"... The stakes are high, if you get this wrong you will be condemned for all eternity. Note carefully, this is worse than hellfire, this is becoming so infamous that your sin will be talked about and judged harshly for all eternity. "You will become a byword", He warns them.
Why does Jesus bother to warn the scribes at all? The answer is in v.23, "He called them (the Jerusalem scribes) to Himself". He is, in a personal and concerned way, offering the same privileges the disciples have. They too, could become heralds of the good news, cast out their own demons and go on to help form the Christian church. Basically He wants them saved.
Their main problem, Jesus states, is "blasphemay against the Holy Spirit". Even as they accuse Him of having Beelzebub, they realise that Jesus is of God. If they continue to fight the Spirit's convictions, they will eventually move beyond God's reach, to a place where repentance and forgiveness are impossible.
"Assuredly ... all sins will be forgiven.... and whatever blasphemies they may utter". Now this is very good news! Jesus, as Forgiver of sins, promises broad forgiveness. Forgiveness is assured as long as we keep listening to the Spirit!
The third implication of this passage is about the nature of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is definitely God, you can only blaspheme God, but Jesus is saying that the Spirit is already working on these scribes, even when Jesus is present. This negates the idea that the Spirit is simply "Jesus' influence". It also indicates that both Christ and the Spirit are concerned about our salvation. Both are working to bring us to forgiveness and healing. He loves us that's why He warns us.
Mark emphasises the importance of the passage by quoting Jesus' actual words. Most of Jesus' words are translated to the Greek in the Gospels. Mark, probably writing to a Greek-speaking audience, uses the Aramaic and Hebrew sparingly. But here he begins with the Hebrew word "Amen" - we have "Assuredly" or "Verily" in English. Mark only quotes this word 15 times in his gospel, and each time Jesus is saying something of great importance. This is no exception.
Jesus has answered the superficial question adequately, but now goes on to the basis of the accusation and what it means for the accusers, for our salvation and for the whole Godhead. Once again our Lord, doesn't stop where prudence dictates but in his concern for his enemies (that includes us) He ploughs on... unearthing a deep, disturbing truth.
"Assuredly"... The stakes are high, if you get this wrong you will be condemned for all eternity. Note carefully, this is worse than hellfire, this is becoming so infamous that your sin will be talked about and judged harshly for all eternity. "You will become a byword", He warns them.
Why does Jesus bother to warn the scribes at all? The answer is in v.23, "He called them (the Jerusalem scribes) to Himself". He is, in a personal and concerned way, offering the same privileges the disciples have. They too, could become heralds of the good news, cast out their own demons and go on to help form the Christian church. Basically He wants them saved.
Their main problem, Jesus states, is "blasphemay against the Holy Spirit". Even as they accuse Him of having Beelzebub, they realise that Jesus is of God. If they continue to fight the Spirit's convictions, they will eventually move beyond God's reach, to a place where repentance and forgiveness are impossible.
"Assuredly ... all sins will be forgiven.... and whatever blasphemies they may utter". Now this is very good news! Jesus, as Forgiver of sins, promises broad forgiveness. Forgiveness is assured as long as we keep listening to the Spirit!
The third implication of this passage is about the nature of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is definitely God, you can only blaspheme God, but Jesus is saying that the Spirit is already working on these scribes, even when Jesus is present. This negates the idea that the Spirit is simply "Jesus' influence". It also indicates that both Christ and the Spirit are concerned about our salvation. Both are working to bring us to forgiveness and healing. He loves us that's why He warns us.
Friday 24 August 2007
Mark 3:20-27 The Parable of the Plunderer
The crowds come on back. What draws them all? What was it about Jesus that pulls the crowds so consistently? Obviously He was still casting out demons and this brought on the next confrontation.
Whatever He was doing, He was so busy He can't eat properly. His worried family want to "lay hold of HIm", to teach Him some sense.
And not just His family, the scribes from headquarters said He is possessed by Satan.
How often have I called the work of God "madness" or "of the devil"? A typical reaction to things that are outside my cultural comfort zone.
I love Jesus' response to these cringing, self-serving accusations...He tells stories.
Can Satan cast out Satan? A house divided against itself... Infighting and division make it impossible for any group to stand against external threats. Even Satan's fractious kingdom couldn't stand such a division for long. Especially with so many people leaving his service.
Would a drug dealer run a rehab centre, or a pub run AA meetings?
But the parable explains exactly why Jesus is doing this. This is not madness but a well thought out strategy of conquest and pillage. Jesus tells about a robbery, not a quiet burglary, but a hold-up, a home invasion, an armed robbery.
His story is about a rich and powerful man, the head of the gang, the mastermind, Mr Big, And one night the tables are turned, he now becomes the victim of violent crime. He is subdued, tied up and his house plundered.
I can see him hog-tied in the corner watching helplessly as his most treasured possessions are stripped from his home. I can hear him shouting pathetic insults and impotent threats, but he is being robbed. He knows what it feels like now!
Jesus is plundering Satan's kingdom. He is the divine Viking, the SAS troops of an invading, colinising army, Francisco Pizarro. He is here for a purpose; to release as many of Satan's hostages as He can.
To do this He must overpower the "strong man", Satan. It is obvious now that the great power we live in fear of, has been beaten and bound. Great news! There is a Saviour, someone more powerful than our greatest enemy, someone able to rescue us.
Now it is my choice, I can rejoice in the rescues or I can be the mouthpiece of Satan, carping about the methods used and the sanity of the people carrying on Christ's conquest today.
Whatever He was doing, He was so busy He can't eat properly. His worried family want to "lay hold of HIm", to teach Him some sense.
And not just His family, the scribes from headquarters said He is possessed by Satan.
How often have I called the work of God "madness" or "of the devil"? A typical reaction to things that are outside my cultural comfort zone.
I love Jesus' response to these cringing, self-serving accusations...He tells stories.
Can Satan cast out Satan? A house divided against itself... Infighting and division make it impossible for any group to stand against external threats. Even Satan's fractious kingdom couldn't stand such a division for long. Especially with so many people leaving his service.
Would a drug dealer run a rehab centre, or a pub run AA meetings?
But the parable explains exactly why Jesus is doing this. This is not madness but a well thought out strategy of conquest and pillage. Jesus tells about a robbery, not a quiet burglary, but a hold-up, a home invasion, an armed robbery.
His story is about a rich and powerful man, the head of the gang, the mastermind, Mr Big, And one night the tables are turned, he now becomes the victim of violent crime. He is subdued, tied up and his house plundered.
I can see him hog-tied in the corner watching helplessly as his most treasured possessions are stripped from his home. I can hear him shouting pathetic insults and impotent threats, but he is being robbed. He knows what it feels like now!
Jesus is plundering Satan's kingdom. He is the divine Viking, the SAS troops of an invading, colinising army, Francisco Pizarro. He is here for a purpose; to release as many of Satan's hostages as He can.
To do this He must overpower the "strong man", Satan. It is obvious now that the great power we live in fear of, has been beaten and bound. Great news! There is a Saviour, someone more powerful than our greatest enemy, someone able to rescue us.
Now it is my choice, I can rejoice in the rescues or I can be the mouthpiece of Satan, carping about the methods used and the sanity of the people carrying on Christ's conquest today.
Sunday 19 August 2007
Mark 3:13-19 He Appointed Twelve
I've been discipled lately. That's why no posts - actually I've been avoiding this post!
It worries me that I may be called to do "something" and frankly that is confronting.
Anyway back to my discipling... I won't bore you with the grimy details except to say that at church and work I've been 'chastened' three times in the last few weeks but I've learned three big lessons:
Jesus has been so crowded that he had to have a small boat ready in case they crushed Him. But now He goes up the mountain and He called out the twelve He "wanted".
Mark says they responded to call, they "came to Him". Mark names the twelve and Jesus gives three of them (does He have favourites?) nicknames. Simon becomes Peter (a piece of rock) and James and John, the "Sons of Thunder".
Jesus wants a support crew to do exactly what He was doing; to carry on His preaching, healing and casting out of demons. He appoints them to these tasks. This is the real qualification for working for the Lord, that He has appointed us.
I love that word that Mark uses here for "appointed", in Greek it is poieo. According to my Strongs it means "to make or do (with very wide application)". The old KJV says "ordained", and that has been an emotive word too. But I know it best in haematopoiesis : the making of blood
This incredible process occurs inside our bones where haematopoietic stem cells can produce any of the three main types of blood cells. As each stem cell matures it changes in such a way that eventually it can only be a red cell or T cell or macrophage or any of the other cells that make up our blood. What it becomes is determined by need. If there is an infection, many more granulocytes are produced, if there has been a loss of blood then red cell production rises.
In the same way Jesus appointed these men to share His work, He could no longer do it all Himself. Actually, looking at the next few chapters there is lot more red ink. Jesus is able to preach more and tell parables, maybe the disciples are busy with the healing and casting out spirits.
That was what He needed then, does He still call and appoint those who answer the call? Does He need anything done in the world today? Am I being called? What will He "make" me into?
It worries me that I may be called to do "something" and frankly that is confronting.
Anyway back to my discipling... I won't bore you with the grimy details except to say that at church and work I've been 'chastened' three times in the last few weeks but I've learned three big lessons:
- Consult widely before changing things
- Don't speak in the heat of the moment
- Always speak kindly
Jesus has been so crowded that he had to have a small boat ready in case they crushed Him. But now He goes up the mountain and He called out the twelve He "wanted".
Mark says they responded to call, they "came to Him". Mark names the twelve and Jesus gives three of them (does He have favourites?) nicknames. Simon becomes Peter (a piece of rock) and James and John, the "Sons of Thunder".
Jesus wants a support crew to do exactly what He was doing; to carry on His preaching, healing and casting out of demons. He appoints them to these tasks. This is the real qualification for working for the Lord, that He has appointed us.
I love that word that Mark uses here for "appointed", in Greek it is poieo. According to my Strongs it means "to make or do (with very wide application)". The old KJV says "ordained", and that has been an emotive word too. But I know it best in haematopoiesis : the making of blood
This incredible process occurs inside our bones where haematopoietic stem cells can produce any of the three main types of blood cells. As each stem cell matures it changes in such a way that eventually it can only be a red cell or T cell or macrophage or any of the other cells that make up our blood. What it becomes is determined by need. If there is an infection, many more granulocytes are produced, if there has been a loss of blood then red cell production rises.
In the same way Jesus appointed these men to share His work, He could no longer do it all Himself. Actually, looking at the next few chapters there is lot more red ink. Jesus is able to preach more and tell parables, maybe the disciples are busy with the healing and casting out spirits.
That was what He needed then, does He still call and appoint those who answer the call? Does He need anything done in the world today? Am I being called? What will He "make" me into?
Friday 10 August 2007
Mark 3:7-12 Don't Preach!
The Pharisees have begun their plotting against Him, so Jesus withdraws to the sea. But it wasn't a quiet withdrawal because a "great multitude" is mentioned in both verses 7 and 8. People come from all the surrounding areas. His popularity is increasing.
But why do they come? Because of the "many things He was doing". They come not to hear the preaching or even the teaching but to see miracles!
How often do I want God to "do something" when He offers far greater?
Jesus fears the crowds would crush Him. I get the feeling that He is uncomfortable with this popularity. Sure He meets their needs for healing and getting rid of the unclean spirits, but He sternly warns the spirits "not to make Him known". He has enough popularity and pressure.
Once again the unclean spirits know who he is and bow down to Him. They have fought against Him in heaven because they wouldn't worship Him. Now they bow and admit He is indeed God.
But Christ has no need of spirit preachers and commands them to stop.
I have to have more than just a knowledge of Jesus before I can "make Him known". And Mark in the next section tells what this qualification is.
But why do they come? Because of the "many things He was doing". They come not to hear the preaching or even the teaching but to see miracles!
How often do I want God to "do something" when He offers far greater?
Jesus fears the crowds would crush Him. I get the feeling that He is uncomfortable with this popularity. Sure He meets their needs for healing and getting rid of the unclean spirits, but He sternly warns the spirits "not to make Him known". He has enough popularity and pressure.
Once again the unclean spirits know who he is and bow down to Him. They have fought against Him in heaven because they wouldn't worship Him. Now they bow and admit He is indeed God.
But Christ has no need of spirit preachers and commands them to stop.
I have to have more than just a knowledge of Jesus before I can "make Him known". And Mark in the next section tells what this qualification is.
Sunday 29 July 2007
Mark 3:1-6 Sabbath: Good
I don't get why Jesus had to provoke this incident.
He could have waited and healed the man later, couldn't He? He knew the Pharisees were watching to see if he would heal on Sabbath, an offense in their sight, so why provoke them?
Mark, I guess, is trying to continue the theme of "new wine in new wineskins" ie. the new kingdom of God is to be lived out from very different motives. He already quotes Jesus saying "the Sabbath was made for man", now he's showing what "for man" means.
But is this really worth making people so mad that they would work together with their political enemies to destroy Him? He obviously thought so!
I really like the fact that He asks a question that would entrap his enemies. Obviously the Sabbath is a day to do good and to save life, even to the Pharisees keeping the Sabbath so God will notice them. But they are far too busy trying to catch Him breaking their little rules. So they won't answer.
This really irks Him. He looks angrily at each one.
I like this Jesus. Yes... there is a big problem here. They are concerned about looking good, God with doing good. God with saving life and they with immediately, on their precious Sabbath, going out to plot, with the Herodians of all people, to destroy Jesus.
Jesus is angry because they have hard hearts. My Strongs defines hardness as stupidity or callousness, blindness. They were blindly defending themselves and their ideas in the face of reality. We usually can't treat long-term brachial palsy these days, this man's hand could not be healed by a human. Couldn't they see that their little test proved that Jesus is indeed Lord?
So I guess Jesus is saying:
Hey, this has been another great Bible time for me. Thanks, Jesus! Make me more self forgetful and more healing.
He could have waited and healed the man later, couldn't He? He knew the Pharisees were watching to see if he would heal on Sabbath, an offense in their sight, so why provoke them?
Mark, I guess, is trying to continue the theme of "new wine in new wineskins" ie. the new kingdom of God is to be lived out from very different motives. He already quotes Jesus saying "the Sabbath was made for man", now he's showing what "for man" means.
But is this really worth making people so mad that they would work together with their political enemies to destroy Him? He obviously thought so!
I really like the fact that He asks a question that would entrap his enemies. Obviously the Sabbath is a day to do good and to save life, even to the Pharisees keeping the Sabbath so God will notice them. But they are far too busy trying to catch Him breaking their little rules. So they won't answer.
This really irks Him. He looks angrily at each one.
I like this Jesus. Yes... there is a big problem here. They are concerned about looking good, God with doing good. God with saving life and they with immediately, on their precious Sabbath, going out to plot, with the Herodians of all people, to destroy Jesus.
Jesus is angry because they have hard hearts. My Strongs defines hardness as stupidity or callousness, blindness. They were blindly defending themselves and their ideas in the face of reality. We usually can't treat long-term brachial palsy these days, this man's hand could not be healed by a human. Couldn't they see that their little test proved that Jesus is indeed Lord?
So I guess Jesus is saying:
- Sabbath is a day of forgetting how I look and doing what others really need
- Others really need salvation
- My hardness of heart bothers God, when my plans and positions take precedence over people
- Jesus is more concerned with having his enemies and me face reality than He is with His own preservation.
Hey, this has been another great Bible time for me. Thanks, Jesus! Make me more self forgetful and more healing.
Sunday 22 July 2007
Mark 3:23-27 Lord of the Sabbath
The 'new wine' needs totally 'new wineskins'! Jesus shows us just what these new ways of operating really are. In this section, ending at Mark 3:6, we deal with the Sabbath and how it works in the new kingdom?
The disciples are accused of breaking the Sabbath law, probably the part where the commandment says ...you shall do no work, because they plucked some grain to eat on the Sabbath.
Jesus reminds the accusers of a story of King David when he ate the showbread in the temple because he was "in need and hungry". This was only to be done by priests!
The implication is that the disciples were hungry and so it was alright for them to be picking grain, even though it seemed contrary to the law because it was to satisfy a real need. In any case it is a pretty fine point of law.
But, as usual, he presses the point home by adding that the Sabbath was made for man not the other way around. So the first principle of 'new wine' Sabbath keeping is that it is good for us. The Sabbath was made, in Eden, to enhance humanity's existence. It is a gift from the Creator to all humans.
God wants us to keep the Sabbath, not as a method of impressing God, but for enhancing our relationship with Him. Jesus explains it by by saying in effect "because the Sabbath is a gift to man, then the 'Son of Man' , through His humanity, can use it for His own good (including satisfying the disciples' hunger).
He, of course is not just a man, He is the Creator as well! He is "Lord of the Sabbath" because He made it! He gladly rules over the Sabbath and ensures that it is a blessing.
So, as He did with fasting, Jesus takes a facet of spirituality and makes it new, not by changing the action, but by changing the motivation behind the action. We are to fast to clear our mind and to clear our time for relating to God. In the same vein, we are to keep Sabbath in order to know its LORD
Once again, Jesus shows that He has authority. He is the Creator and is Lord of His creation, the true 'Time Lord'. He defines the purposes of week, and blesses those who seek for Him.
So far Jesus has shown He has authority in :
He really is LORD!
The disciples are accused of breaking the Sabbath law, probably the part where the commandment says ...you shall do no work, because they plucked some grain to eat on the Sabbath.
Jesus reminds the accusers of a story of King David when he ate the showbread in the temple because he was "in need and hungry". This was only to be done by priests!
The implication is that the disciples were hungry and so it was alright for them to be picking grain, even though it seemed contrary to the law because it was to satisfy a real need. In any case it is a pretty fine point of law.
But, as usual, he presses the point home by adding that the Sabbath was made for man not the other way around. So the first principle of 'new wine' Sabbath keeping is that it is good for us. The Sabbath was made, in Eden, to enhance humanity's existence. It is a gift from the Creator to all humans.
God wants us to keep the Sabbath, not as a method of impressing God, but for enhancing our relationship with Him. Jesus explains it by by saying in effect "because the Sabbath is a gift to man, then the 'Son of Man' , through His humanity, can use it for His own good (including satisfying the disciples' hunger).
He, of course is not just a man, He is the Creator as well! He is "Lord of the Sabbath" because He made it! He gladly rules over the Sabbath and ensures that it is a blessing.
So, as He did with fasting, Jesus takes a facet of spirituality and makes it new, not by changing the action, but by changing the motivation behind the action. We are to fast to clear our mind and to clear our time for relating to God. In the same vein, we are to keep Sabbath in order to know its LORD
Once again, Jesus shows that He has authority. He is the Creator and is Lord of His creation, the true 'Time Lord'. He defines the purposes of week, and blesses those who seek for Him.
So far Jesus has shown He has authority in :
- Teaching Scripture
- Casting out Demons
- Healing diseases
- Cleansing lepers
- Forgiving sin
- Calling sinners
- Fasting
- the Sabbath
He really is LORD!
Tuesday 17 July 2007
Mark 2:18-22 They Cannot Fast
(remember that you can click on the reference in the title to see the text)
I had my aching, abscessed upper-left wisdom tooth pulled out a couple of hours ago, so I can't eat with the family. I'm fasting! (for another hour), so the numbness can wear off and I won't damage the blood clot where the tooth used to be. That means I'm fasting for my own good, but why were John's disciples and the Pharisees fasting?
I think the preceding three stories at least may hint at the reason.
The leper wanted to be cleansed. Jesus spoke and he was clean! But then was asked to comply with Moses' law for his cleansing. In this case, there was an appropriate law and it should be followed.
The paralytic was forgiven. Once again the power came from Christ's word. (Oh, he was healed too). But here were offerings for forgiveness and Christ did not ask that these be followed, in this case. Why, because forgiveness is invisible so it would be no testimony to the priesthood? And there is no offerings for healing (the visible part) anyway.
The last story is about the sinners and tax collectors feasting with Christ. What was happening here was that Christ, as a physician, was calling them to be healed of their disease (sin). We are now at a meal, getting even further from the temple and its sacrifices. Maybe Mark is writing this progression down.
I thinks John's disciples and the Pharisees are fasting to be:
God will notice them
The feasting at Levi's would surely make their fasting look pretty ridiculous especially if it was obvious that the leper, the paralytic and the sinners were getting all that the fasters wanted so badly!
"Don't you get it?" Jesus asks them, "the goodies you want are here with me in the kingdom of God. If you are in the kingdom then you can't fast, you are too busy celebrating. This is a totally new thing, you can't drag in the fasting and other things that Moses never commanded, you have to start again. Only the new will do!"
He disconcertingly adds that one day the He would be "taken away", then we will have to fast. Was this prophetic of his crucifixion or was this about his ascension to heaven?
There is a time for fasting, it is when we are separated from Christ. Not for calling, cleansing or forgiveness, they already exist for us in Christ, but for seeking our friend, "the Bridegroom". Fasting is a way of cutting through obstructions. So He doesn't dismiss fasting, just says that the purpose of fasting is different now.
Maybe I should fast from food, TV, when I want more of Christ.
I've enjoyed this Bible study, I didn't understand the "new wine in new wineskins" before...But now its time to test out my remaining teeth.
I had my aching, abscessed upper-left wisdom tooth pulled out a couple of hours ago, so I can't eat with the family. I'm fasting! (for another hour), so the numbness can wear off and I won't damage the blood clot where the tooth used to be. That means I'm fasting for my own good, but why were John's disciples and the Pharisees fasting?
I think the preceding three stories at least may hint at the reason.
The leper wanted to be cleansed. Jesus spoke and he was clean! But then was asked to comply with Moses' law for his cleansing. In this case, there was an appropriate law and it should be followed.
The paralytic was forgiven. Once again the power came from Christ's word. (Oh, he was healed too). But here were offerings for forgiveness and Christ did not ask that these be followed, in this case. Why, because forgiveness is invisible so it would be no testimony to the priesthood? And there is no offerings for healing (the visible part) anyway.
The last story is about the sinners and tax collectors feasting with Christ. What was happening here was that Christ, as a physician, was calling them to be healed of their disease (sin). We are now at a meal, getting even further from the temple and its sacrifices. Maybe Mark is writing this progression down.
I thinks John's disciples and the Pharisees are fasting to be:
- Clean
- Forgiven
- Called of God
God will notice them
The feasting at Levi's would surely make their fasting look pretty ridiculous especially if it was obvious that the leper, the paralytic and the sinners were getting all that the fasters wanted so badly!
"Don't you get it?" Jesus asks them, "the goodies you want are here with me in the kingdom of God. If you are in the kingdom then you can't fast, you are too busy celebrating. This is a totally new thing, you can't drag in the fasting and other things that Moses never commanded, you have to start again. Only the new will do!"
He disconcertingly adds that one day the He would be "taken away", then we will have to fast. Was this prophetic of his crucifixion or was this about his ascension to heaven?
There is a time for fasting, it is when we are separated from Christ. Not for calling, cleansing or forgiveness, they already exist for us in Christ, but for seeking our friend, "the Bridegroom". Fasting is a way of cutting through obstructions. So He doesn't dismiss fasting, just says that the purpose of fasting is different now.
Maybe I should fast from food, TV, when I want more of Christ.
I've enjoyed this Bible study, I didn't understand the "new wine in new wineskins" before...But now its time to test out my remaining teeth.
Friday 13 July 2007
Mark 2:13-17 Follow Me
This Jesus, who by forgiving sin does greater miracles than He does by healing paralysis, now shows what forgiveness is in practice. He demonstrates that enemies (sin and sickness) are not to be feared "for the LORD your God, the great and awesome God, is among you
Deuteronomy 7:21
Jesus concentrates on teaching, then He calls Levi (Matthew) to discipleship. His teaching demands a radical change such as Levi's was. As Levi was the worst of sinners, a dreaded tax collector.
But even converted tax collectors have friends! So Matthew hosts a dinner to introduce Jesus to his friends, tax collectors and sinners! I wonder what sort of person you have to be to earn the sobriquet of 'sinner'?
It was no little gathering because it uses the word 'many' is use twice in verse 15 but the most interesting thing is that "they followed Him". Jesus is attractive to sinners! No need to be afraid.
But the self-righteous ones disliked this fraternisation and complained to Jesus' disciples. They weren't up to challenging Christ Himself, or maybe they were just creating doubt. But actually it creates the opposite because I once heard a liberal theologian saying that you can only believe those parts of the gospels that were against the social norms of the time. So, even by this sorry logic, Jesus willingly associates with sinners! Good news indeed!
In any case it got back to Jesus who comes up with a great line on many levels. True the well don't need a doctor, only the sick. So Jesus came to call, not the righteous but sinners!
That is against the social norms of our degenerate day, let alone His! I want "a better class of people", 'nice people', 'good Christians" at my church and dinner table. But Jesus was, and is. on a mission, one that actively calls, even the rejects of society, to become disciples.
The truly 'righteous' don't need to be called because they are already with Christ.
And the 'self-righteous' scribes and Pharisees are not being called as they are far too busy building up their 'self worth' by calling others 'sinners'. They don't feel any need of forgiveness. And theyobviously don't believe even miracles of healing can show that Jesus can forgive. "You have to work hard to be forgiven", they say.
Jesus is clear on his mission. He has come to call sinners and forgive them. He is looking for sinners, he wants to be with them, even eat and drink with them. And they responded.
He still says "Follow Me"... Who wouldn't?
Deuteronomy 7:21
Jesus concentrates on teaching, then He calls Levi (Matthew) to discipleship. His teaching demands a radical change such as Levi's was. As Levi was the worst of sinners, a dreaded tax collector.
But even converted tax collectors have friends! So Matthew hosts a dinner to introduce Jesus to his friends, tax collectors and sinners! I wonder what sort of person you have to be to earn the sobriquet of 'sinner'?
It was no little gathering because it uses the word 'many' is use twice in verse 15 but the most interesting thing is that "they followed Him". Jesus is attractive to sinners! No need to be afraid.
But the self-righteous ones disliked this fraternisation and complained to Jesus' disciples. They weren't up to challenging Christ Himself, or maybe they were just creating doubt. But actually it creates the opposite because I once heard a liberal theologian saying that you can only believe those parts of the gospels that were against the social norms of the time. So, even by this sorry logic, Jesus willingly associates with sinners! Good news indeed!
In any case it got back to Jesus who comes up with a great line on many levels. True the well don't need a doctor, only the sick. So Jesus came to call, not the righteous but sinners!
That is against the social norms of our degenerate day, let alone His! I want "a better class of people", 'nice people', 'good Christians" at my church and dinner table. But Jesus was, and is. on a mission, one that actively calls, even the rejects of society, to become disciples.
The truly 'righteous' don't need to be called because they are already with Christ.
And the 'self-righteous' scribes and Pharisees are not being called as they are far too busy building up their 'self worth' by calling others 'sinners'. They don't feel any need of forgiveness. And theyobviously don't believe even miracles of healing can show that Jesus can forgive. "You have to work hard to be forgiven", they say.
Jesus is clear on his mission. He has come to call sinners and forgive them. He is looking for sinners, he wants to be with them, even eat and drink with them. And they responded.
He still says "Follow Me"... Who wouldn't?
Tuesday 10 July 2007
Mark 2:1-12 That you may know
I love this story. It cuts to the core of what Jesus was all about.
Jesus, after some time, returns to Capernaum to Simon and Andrew's house and 'immediately' He is crowded out
So "He preached the word to them." Jesus is right on task but He about to be interrupted.
Interuptions really rile me up. I resented having to spend so many of my days off cleaning up after last month's storm, despite the good feeling from having thrown out so much junk, cleaning under the house and getting the garden looking good.
But not so Jesus! He looks at the motives, not of the paralytic but of his friends. He saw "their faith". Is this what intercessory prayer is about?
So he forgives the man's sins.
What gives here? Isn't healing the big thing, isn't this the reason the paralytic was brought? Sure he is forgiven but he's still helplessly paralysed.
Is this how God answers prayer? He gives what is needed, not what is asked for. What is more important from God's perspective, health or holiness?
The scribes are there, "reasoning in their hearts". And doing a good job of it. Their reasoning goes like this:
All perfectly logical and true. They are good thinkers. But also human. They, as locals, probably knew this paralytic and knew what sins he had committed. Maybe they had even told him that his paralysis was a result of his sinfulness. And now they accuse Jesus of sin as well. How often have I been ready to think the worst?
But Jesus knows their thoughts. This is amazing! Can He read minds or is He just a shrewd observer of humanity. In any case He answers the implications of their logic with a great question, the answer of which determines my salvation.
"Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ' Your sins are forgiven you" or to say 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'?"
A "no-brainer": it's easy to SAY either, but it's impossible for a human to actually DO either - only God could heal a paralytic (even modern science has to wait for nature to take its time to heal paralysis - there is no immediate cure, even today).
The easiest to SEE however, is the healing. Forgiveness is invisible. So Jesus answers the scribes' unspoken question by using the visible to prove the invisible and also to prove His own divinity.
"That you may know" - I can be sure.
"that the Son of Man" - what Jesus consistently, and humbly, calls Himself
"has power on earth" - He already has authority in heaven, now He claims it here
"to forgive sins" - proof that He is God, and can meet my true needs
"Arise" and "Immediately he arose..."
This is the part I like.: Jesus has the power to do impossible healing so He can do the bigger impossible - forgive. At least one of the reasons that Jesus heals is so I can believe that He forgives, that He can indeed save, even in this world. My salvation is secure!
Glorify God saying "We never saw the like!
Jesus, after some time, returns to Capernaum to Simon and Andrew's house and 'immediately' He is crowded out
So "He preached the word to them." Jesus is right on task but He about to be interrupted.
Interuptions really rile me up. I resented having to spend so many of my days off cleaning up after last month's storm, despite the good feeling from having thrown out so much junk, cleaning under the house and getting the garden looking good.
But not so Jesus! He looks at the motives, not of the paralytic but of his friends. He saw "their faith". Is this what intercessory prayer is about?
So he forgives the man's sins.
What gives here? Isn't healing the big thing, isn't this the reason the paralytic was brought? Sure he is forgiven but he's still helplessly paralysed.
Is this how God answers prayer? He gives what is needed, not what is asked for. What is more important from God's perspective, health or holiness?
The scribes are there, "reasoning in their hearts". And doing a good job of it. Their reasoning goes like this:
- Only God can forgive sins
- Jesus has just forgiven this man's sins
- Therefore Jesus is claiming to be God
- But anyone can claim to be God - that's blasphemy - a big sin indeed (unless He really is God, which is unlikely)
All perfectly logical and true. They are good thinkers. But also human. They, as locals, probably knew this paralytic and knew what sins he had committed. Maybe they had even told him that his paralysis was a result of his sinfulness. And now they accuse Jesus of sin as well. How often have I been ready to think the worst?
But Jesus knows their thoughts. This is amazing! Can He read minds or is He just a shrewd observer of humanity. In any case He answers the implications of their logic with a great question, the answer of which determines my salvation.
"Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ' Your sins are forgiven you" or to say 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'?"
A "no-brainer": it's easy to SAY either, but it's impossible for a human to actually DO either - only God could heal a paralytic (even modern science has to wait for nature to take its time to heal paralysis - there is no immediate cure, even today).
The easiest to SEE however, is the healing. Forgiveness is invisible. So Jesus answers the scribes' unspoken question by using the visible to prove the invisible and also to prove His own divinity.
"That you may know" - I can be sure.
"that the Son of Man" - what Jesus consistently, and humbly, calls Himself
"has power on earth" - He already has authority in heaven, now He claims it here
"to forgive sins" - proof that He is God, and can meet my true needs
"Arise" and "Immediately he arose..."
This is the part I like.: Jesus has the power to do impossible healing so He can do the bigger impossible - forgive. At least one of the reasons that Jesus heals is so I can believe that He forgives, that He can indeed save, even in this world. My salvation is secure!
Glorify God saying "We never saw the like!
Sunday 8 July 2007
Mark 1 The Real Jesus
In the "Christian Growth" section of the newly opened Argenton branch of Koorong, I found this great book Jesus Mean and Wild. Mark Galli bases his book on Mark's Gospel so I grabbed a copy.
He suggests that Jesus, contrary to the prevailing view, is not gentle, meek and mild all the time. Galli spends his first three chapters in Mark 1 showing us the love of an "untamable God".
Chapter One, entitled "Difficult Love", comes from
Mark 1:11-13. He brings out that straight after being filled with the Spirit and affirmed by His Father Jesus is driven by the Spirit into the wilderness for testing. He sums it up by saying "God loves you and has a difficult plan for your life". Those God loves the most are the ones He tests to their limits and refuses to pamper. Why?...Galli posits that suffering renews our spiritual vitality and strengthens our character, but maybe more importantly, it also prepares us for ministry. He says that God may appear cruel but really He is fashioning us, like he did with Christ in the desert, to go out into the wilderness of this world with the gospel. Just as his Beloved Son did.
Chapter Two, entitled "A Hopeful Repentance" is based on
Mark 1:14-15 where Jesus connects the gospel with repentance (ie. to start living and acting differently). Galli says that the shame and guilt of looking honestly at our lives and realising that we are miserable sinners drives us to Christ and repentance This repentance has hope because God is gracious and will not only heal but will also change our actions. As Galli quotes from Frederica Mathewes-Green:
Chapter Three, "Holy War", about
Mark 1:23-26 where the demon rightly assumes that the Holy one of God is here to destroy evil.. Even though he fears for his life, the possessed man is attracted to Jesus. He realises that Jesus loves him. Galli says
The real Jesus!
He suggests that Jesus, contrary to the prevailing view, is not gentle, meek and mild all the time. Galli spends his first three chapters in Mark 1 showing us the love of an "untamable God".
Chapter One, entitled "Difficult Love", comes from
Mark 1:11-13. He brings out that straight after being filled with the Spirit and affirmed by His Father Jesus is driven by the Spirit into the wilderness for testing. He sums it up by saying "God loves you and has a difficult plan for your life". Those God loves the most are the ones He tests to their limits and refuses to pamper. Why?...Galli posits that suffering renews our spiritual vitality and strengthens our character, but maybe more importantly, it also prepares us for ministry. He says that God may appear cruel but really He is fashioning us, like he did with Christ in the desert, to go out into the wilderness of this world with the gospel. Just as his Beloved Son did.
Chapter Two, entitled "A Hopeful Repentance" is based on
Mark 1:14-15 where Jesus connects the gospel with repentance (ie. to start living and acting differently). Galli says that the shame and guilt of looking honestly at our lives and realising that we are miserable sinners drives us to Christ and repentance This repentance has hope because God is gracious and will not only heal but will also change our actions. As Galli quotes from Frederica Mathewes-Green:
"Jesus didn't come to save us just from the penalty for our sins; he came to save us from our sins - now today, if we will only respond to the challenge and let him.... The Lord does not love us for our good parts and pass over the rest. He died for the bad parts and will not rest until they are put right. We must stop thinking of God as infinitely indulgent. We must begin to grapple with the scary and exhilarating truth that he is infinitely holy, and that he wants the same for us."
Chapter Three, "Holy War", about
Mark 1:23-26 where the demon rightly assumes that the Holy one of God is here to destroy evil.. Even though he fears for his life, the possessed man is attracted to Jesus. He realises that Jesus loves him. Galli says
"The one who loves us is the Holy One who wishes to make all unclean things holy. That means the one whom we cannot stay away from is the same one who is out to destroy those very habits, sins, notions, addictions, and self-justifications that we think we can't live without. And there are times when we feel as if Jesus is out to destroy us.
It is a wonderful and a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the real Jesus."
The real Jesus!
Saturday 7 July 2007
Mark 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ
Months ago a friend, whose children have grown up, gave me his old telescope. It is about a metre long, dusty and dirty with its tripod legs rusted in the fully extended position, a result of years stored under his house. The eye pieces were in a plastic bag, and the one I looked at back then was broken and unusable. I held little hope that it worked and didn't even try it out. So it was stashed under our house in all the garden stuff, between the stack of old newspapers and the rusty wire and star pickets. Unused again.
Then the storm came and we were forced to throw the old wire and some of the pickets onto the small mountain of rubbish out on the nature strip. The newspapers, from the past three years, heavy with flood water, now thickly cover the" vegetable" beds, smothering the crops of weeds and grass. The telescope only had its tripod wet so it was one of the few things from that pile under the house to be actually kept.
Being so obvious now, the other night as a fullish moon rose, I dragged out the telescope. and tried out an eye piece. Wow!! I could see the craters on the moon! And the the disc of Jupiter! I dragged the kids out of the warm house, they were vaguely impressed. But it was too cold for my wife.
Then a week ago I noticed that Venus was high in the dusk sky, so the scope came out again and this time I tried out another eyepiece (there are three in all) and this one was a higher resolution and Venus looked like a small version of the waxing moon with a crescent of light on the sunward side. Jupiter was still high and I could see three of its moons!
But below Venus was another untwinkling body. Was it Mercury? It was definitely a planet. I excitedly called the youngest, and his neighborhood friend away from the online games. And it was his 12 year old eyes who found that "Mercury" had rings! Another look and some focusing and it was confirmed, we had Saturn!
I have only ever seen the rings of Saturn through a telescope once before, with a bunch of noisy, pushing kids, but here in the quiet of my backyard (and at much smaller resolution) this sighting made a deep impression on me.
Saturn was real! It actually was up there, I could see it!
So to confirm it, the scope came out last night and the white little planet and the silver rings were still there! I even convinced my beautiful woman to leave the warmth and take a look.
I think Mark One has been a neglected telescope for me. Jesus Christ is real. He has been there all the time but I haven't taken the time to look.
Who is this Jesus I have been introduced to?
Then the storm came and we were forced to throw the old wire and some of the pickets onto the small mountain of rubbish out on the nature strip. The newspapers, from the past three years, heavy with flood water, now thickly cover the" vegetable" beds, smothering the crops of weeds and grass. The telescope only had its tripod wet so it was one of the few things from that pile under the house to be actually kept.
Being so obvious now, the other night as a fullish moon rose, I dragged out the telescope. and tried out an eye piece. Wow!! I could see the craters on the moon! And the the disc of Jupiter! I dragged the kids out of the warm house, they were vaguely impressed. But it was too cold for my wife.
Then a week ago I noticed that Venus was high in the dusk sky, so the scope came out again and this time I tried out another eyepiece (there are three in all) and this one was a higher resolution and Venus looked like a small version of the waxing moon with a crescent of light on the sunward side. Jupiter was still high and I could see three of its moons!
But below Venus was another untwinkling body. Was it Mercury? It was definitely a planet. I excitedly called the youngest, and his neighborhood friend away from the online games. And it was his 12 year old eyes who found that "Mercury" had rings! Another look and some focusing and it was confirmed, we had Saturn!
I have only ever seen the rings of Saturn through a telescope once before, with a bunch of noisy, pushing kids, but here in the quiet of my backyard (and at much smaller resolution) this sighting made a deep impression on me.
Saturn was real! It actually was up there, I could see it!
So to confirm it, the scope came out last night and the white little planet and the silver rings were still there! I even convinced my beautiful woman to leave the warmth and take a look.
I think Mark One has been a neglected telescope for me. Jesus Christ is real. He has been there all the time but I haven't taken the time to look.
Who is this Jesus I have been introduced to?
- He is Good News - He preaches the Gospel everywhere, that is His purpose in coming. He lives the Gospel, by healing the demon possessed, the fevered and the unclean leper. He teaches the Gospel with authority. He invites belief in the Gospel. And all this is just the beginning!
- He is the LORD - the Son of God. The Creator and re-creator, God of the Old Testament, YAHWEH. Even the unclean spirits knew that He was the "holy One of God".
- He is the Cleaner - of men with unclean spirits and unclean diseases (leprosy)
- He brings a new and close-by kingdom - He's the King
- He demands change - Repentance, a change of heart, a change of thinking. The biggest change of all. He has four men leave their occupations and family to become, not fishermen, but fishers of men. Rebuking the spirits, He changes the thought life of a possessed man. He keeps moving, changing location, there is always a "next town". He tries to silence the leper, now bursting with health, demanding he go to the temple silently.
- He cares for the rejected leper, even touching him. He also cares for the loved mother-in-law too.
- He attracts - first disciples then crowds, the sick, the possessed and the curious.
- He prayed - in the wilderness and came back with a sense of mission
Tuesday 19 June 2007
Mark 1:44,45 Say Nothing
This morning I had just arrived at work when I got a phone call from my wife. My 17yo son had lost control of the car in the wet and had an accident. My 21 yo daughter was a passenger. My wife asked me to come immediately.
The spot was only 5 minutes drive away and the police were there directing traffic to a detour around the accident, which we couldn't see. It had happened on a downhill right-hander with a cliff rising from the left side of the road.. I was worried.! But apart from being shaken, neither driver nor passenger were injured. The car is already fixed and ready to go again.
He was running late for college, driving within the speed limit but too fast for the heavy rain. He had lost control on the corner, spun to the wrong side of the road, and then back to the left where the car spun up the side of the cliff prescribing an arc 20 metres long on the sandstone, back down to the verge over some shrubby trees and came to rest, still on the left side of the road, about 100 meters from where the slide started. At that busy time of day, no other car was near! The damage: one flat tyre, a broken headlight and a bent and mud-filled exhaust system!
The policewoman gave him a stern lecture on driving in wet conditions, but didn't book him. The firemen turned off the LPG in case of leaks and the tow truck operator (from Sydney - up here to help clear the 5000 storm damaged cars from the roads) made an interesting comment that I would not have expected from such a man.
He said "God was a passenger in this car today, it should have rolled!"
Yes God was good to our family today, even miraculously good.
Shouldn't we witness to the miracles in our lives and tell others about what God has done for us? Yet Jesus tells the healed leper not to tell anyone about it!
There are a few reasons I can think of:
The man proclaimed it freely, a very natural human response, one I just made!. And it looks like reason number four came true as Jesus could no longer "openly enter" Capernaum. He had to stay in the desert. But people still came from everywhere. He was still very attractive.
Do I concentrate just on the miraculous when He wants to do something more for me? Do I overlook the greatest things for just something good just now?
It seems Jesus never succumbed to the lure of fame. I would have become a showman, but Jesus retires. he would only meet people on His terms. Sure He would heal people, but only in the context of His preaching. It must have been around this time that He preached the sermon on the mount.
Reason 3 is all about fame and power in this world., But Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God, a very different kingdom to any in this world.
Reason 2 is all about this temporary old world. Jesus didn't want to change the world., He wanted a completely new one, with a whole different way of operation, which we will see more about in Chapter Two, where we find out what is more important to Christ than miracles.
What could be more important than my kids being safe and well?
The spot was only 5 minutes drive away and the police were there directing traffic to a detour around the accident, which we couldn't see. It had happened on a downhill right-hander with a cliff rising from the left side of the road.. I was worried.! But apart from being shaken, neither driver nor passenger were injured. The car is already fixed and ready to go again.
He was running late for college, driving within the speed limit but too fast for the heavy rain. He had lost control on the corner, spun to the wrong side of the road, and then back to the left where the car spun up the side of the cliff prescribing an arc 20 metres long on the sandstone, back down to the verge over some shrubby trees and came to rest, still on the left side of the road, about 100 meters from where the slide started. At that busy time of day, no other car was near! The damage: one flat tyre, a broken headlight and a bent and mud-filled exhaust system!
The policewoman gave him a stern lecture on driving in wet conditions, but didn't book him. The firemen turned off the LPG in case of leaks and the tow truck operator (from Sydney - up here to help clear the 5000 storm damaged cars from the roads) made an interesting comment that I would not have expected from such a man.
He said "God was a passenger in this car today, it should have rolled!"
Yes God was good to our family today, even miraculously good.
Shouldn't we witness to the miracles in our lives and tell others about what God has done for us? Yet Jesus tells the healed leper not to tell anyone about it!
There are a few reasons I can think of:
- Healing was secondary to something else in Jesus ministry
- Healing is only here and now. Christ is focused on eternity
- Miracles would focus our attention on earthly power
- Focus on the miraculous doesn't allow Christ to do His real work
The man proclaimed it freely, a very natural human response, one I just made!. And it looks like reason number four came true as Jesus could no longer "openly enter" Capernaum. He had to stay in the desert. But people still came from everywhere. He was still very attractive.
Do I concentrate just on the miraculous when He wants to do something more for me? Do I overlook the greatest things for just something good just now?
It seems Jesus never succumbed to the lure of fame. I would have become a showman, but Jesus retires. he would only meet people on His terms. Sure He would heal people, but only in the context of His preaching. It must have been around this time that He preached the sermon on the mount.
Reason 3 is all about fame and power in this world., But Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God, a very different kingdom to any in this world.
Reason 2 is all about this temporary old world. Jesus didn't want to change the world., He wanted a completely new one, with a whole different way of operation, which we will see more about in Chapter Two, where we find out what is more important to Christ than miracles.
What could be more important than my kids being safe and well?
Sunday 17 June 2007
Mark 1:44 For Your Cleansing
Cleaning up after our flood continues. Unfortunately the rain has returned, making things difficult.
The basic process is to wash all the dirty (now smelly) water out with clean water then let the item dry in the sun. This is a tedious process, so lots of things that were once precious are now on the pile to throw out.
Cleansing was no less complex for lepers: The now-clean leper is to go show himself "to the priest and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded".
Moses' commands are found in Leviticus 14.
To summarise this process for a poor man:
Why did Jesus command him to do this, he was obviously clean. already. Why go through all this unnecessary ritual?
Some of the reasons may have been:
The basic process is to wash all the dirty (now smelly) water out with clean water then let the item dry in the sun. This is a tedious process, so lots of things that were once precious are now on the pile to throw out.
Cleansing was no less complex for lepers: The now-clean leper is to go show himself "to the priest and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded".
Moses' commands are found in Leviticus 14.
To summarise this process for a poor man:
- The priest takes the man away from a settled area to examine him for signs of leprosy
- If the leper is found to be clean, the priest will take two "clean and living birds", apparently wild birds, often sparrows. (Was this why two sparrows are sold?) The priest kills one bird over a stream and catches it's blood in an earthen vessel.
- The living bird, along with some cedar wood, scarlet (dyed wool) and hyssop (cleansing herb), is dipped into the blood.
- The drenched living bird is sprinkled, seven times, over the leper, who is now pronounced clean.
- The living bird is released there in the field.
- The now-clean man washes his clothes, shaves completely and washes himself.
- The man goes home, but he is not allowed inside, he has to camp outside for seven days.
- On the seventh day he shaves again (head, beard, eyebrows), washes his clothes and himself in water and "he shall be clean".
- On the eighth day he visits the temple for the first time, taking a male lamb, two doves or young pigeons, 2 litres of fine flour mixed with oil and 300mls of oil. He gives these things to priest at the temple door.
- The priest takes the lamb, as a trespass offering - "to make atonement for him", and the oil and "waves" them before the LORD. The priest then kills the lamb and puts some of its blood on the man's right ear, right thumb and right right big toe.
- The priest pours some of the oil into his left palm and using his right-hand fingers, sprinkles some of the oil "seven times before the LORD", he puts some on the man's right ear, thumb and big toe on top of the blood and the rest is put on the man's head "to make atonement".
- The priest offers one of the doves as a sin offering and the other with the grain as a burnt offering.
Why did Jesus command him to do this, he was obviously clean. already. Why go through all this unnecessary ritual?
Some of the reasons may have been:
- As LORD himself, Jesus would uphold the laws that He Himself had told Moses to enact.
- The purpose of the ritual was to "make atonement", and Jesus' purpose was to preach the good news of atonement.
- His stated purpose in this verse, is that it would be a testimony to the priests. He was intent on converting the priests and didn't want any "illegal" behaviour to get in the way of their acceptance of Him
- My cleansing.requires lots of blood and a long process. It is no simple, one-off event.
- The birds show me justification: Jesus died and washed in that blood I am "free as a bird".
- The wait outside home shows me that, despite the fact that I am clean, I still haven't "arrived" yet, I am still not home, there is more to be done. In a way I'm on probation.
- The real atonement, becoming close to God, didn't happen out in the field, it happens through Christ's sacrifice and work as a priest.
- This atonement is only complete when the "Lamb's" life blood has made a restitution for my wasted and filthy life and the same blood has been applied to my all hearing, doing and going And then the oil (the Spirit?) sanctifies those same areas and blesses my clean-shaven head. So now I am consecrated to God in the same way as a priest.
- The atonement is complete, I am back with God!. But the process is not finished yet. A sin offering must be made. Even though I am clean and at peace with God, I still offend Him. Christ as my High Priest must continue to present His blood for me in the heavenly sanctuary.
Thursday 14 June 2007
Mark 1:42 And he was Cleansed
Last Friday, Lake Macquarie (and the whole Hunter Valley)was hit by a storm. We had over 300m of rain and 120k/h winds that blew a huge collier up on beach in town (Newcastle).
Andrew,my 17 yo son, picked me up from work that day. It was dark at 5.00 and the rain was blinding. We passed at least 6 "drowned" cars on the short drive home. Andrew has become an excellent driver, I'm not sure that I could have handled the treacherous conditions as well as he did.
Once home our problems had just begun. By 9:30 flood waters were rising downstairs and we had to bring the washing machine and whatever else we could salvage, up stairs. There is nothing worse than watching the water slowly going up the doors of the cars, knowing that there is no way of moving them.
By the time we went to bed the water was knee deep and almost waistdeep out in the back yard. (We went down to rescue the hens, they spent the night in the bathroom). The water was so cold that we were hypothermic after our efforts.
By Saturday morning the water had gone, but all our stored papers, clothes, Julie's sewing materials, the car floors and our camping and garden equipment were covered with a layer of grey mud. The firewood had washed down the backyard and the bananas were over at crazy angles.
We had no power but just a visiting the neighbors, made us realise that we had gotten off lightly. Both neighbors were evacuated and one had water through the living area of the house (and their car was flooded to the roof). On our block, at least 4 houses were flooded that we know of.
So after 5 days of cleaning I'm exhausted but downstairs is almost back to normal (minus the two large piles of things that we used to consider important) So I can sympathise with our leper in today's verse. He wanted to be clean. I know just how wonderful that first hot shower on Monday night felt. Clean at last!
Jesus touch, though wonderful, didn't bring the cleaning, it was His words. His words still had (and have) the same power they held when he spoke the solar system into existence.
The leprosy left. What a wonderful result - nothing like this had happened since Elisha's time. And everything left behind was beautiful and clean.
I know that cleaning is hard work. In this case it was Christ that did the work. And so it is with my sin, He bears the cost.
Speak to me, Lord.
Andrew,my 17 yo son, picked me up from work that day. It was dark at 5.00 and the rain was blinding. We passed at least 6 "drowned" cars on the short drive home. Andrew has become an excellent driver, I'm not sure that I could have handled the treacherous conditions as well as he did.
Once home our problems had just begun. By 9:30 flood waters were rising downstairs and we had to bring the washing machine and whatever else we could salvage, up stairs. There is nothing worse than watching the water slowly going up the doors of the cars, knowing that there is no way of moving them.
By the time we went to bed the water was knee deep and almost waistdeep out in the back yard. (We went down to rescue the hens, they spent the night in the bathroom). The water was so cold that we were hypothermic after our efforts.
By Saturday morning the water had gone, but all our stored papers, clothes, Julie's sewing materials, the car floors and our camping and garden equipment were covered with a layer of grey mud. The firewood had washed down the backyard and the bananas were over at crazy angles.
We had no power but just a visiting the neighbors, made us realise that we had gotten off lightly. Both neighbors were evacuated and one had water through the living area of the house (and their car was flooded to the roof). On our block, at least 4 houses were flooded that we know of.
So after 5 days of cleaning I'm exhausted but downstairs is almost back to normal (minus the two large piles of things that we used to consider important) So I can sympathise with our leper in today's verse. He wanted to be clean. I know just how wonderful that first hot shower on Monday night felt. Clean at last!
Jesus touch, though wonderful, didn't bring the cleaning, it was His words. His words still had (and have) the same power they held when he spoke the solar system into existence.
The leprosy left. What a wonderful result - nothing like this had happened since Elisha's time. And everything left behind was beautiful and clean.
I know that cleaning is hard work. In this case it was Christ that did the work. And so it is with my sin, He bears the cost.
Speak to me, Lord.
Wednesday 6 June 2007
Mark 1: 40-41 Moved with Compassion
A leper came... He must have had some hope that this man would do something for him. And how did he find out? Lepers were (are?) outcasts, they didn't live with uninfected people. Separated from family, synagogue and community - alone.
Anyway, as Christ's fame for healing and casting out demons spread, the leper thought that maybe there was a something Christ could do in his case. And he "came"...Jesus is attractive!
The filthy leper comes, he implores and kneels down and asks. I should show my faith more.
And his question doesn't have a question mark. It is a statement of fact and of faith. "You can do anything You want to, even make me clean."
But is Jesus willing? Would He stoop to heal a smelly, dirty outcast, a God-forsaken person ( I guess a "good" Jew would remember when God punished Miriam and Elisha's servant with leprosy - so they may have thought that every case was a punishment from God. - I imagine most lepers felt God-forsaken)
Jesus cared - He was moved. Wow the first emotion Mark records is compassion. I guess I would be too. I've seen deformed beggars but I certainly couldn't do what Jesus could do, maybe give some money but not "cleaning" from leprosy!
Jesus acted before he spoke, reached out and "touched him". He broke with the old laws and norms. He actually touched the untouchable. This man's greatest need was not even cleaning, it was human contact he craved. Like us all, his greatest need was to be loved. To be touched.
Jesus came through. He loved enough to richly bless an outcast with the love he craved.
Then he spoke.. "I am" The name God used when He
rescued Israel from Egypt.
"I am willing". Great news. The Son of God is willing! Heaven is willing!
"Be cleansed"
Say it to me, Jesus.
Anyway, as Christ's fame for healing and casting out demons spread, the leper thought that maybe there was a something Christ could do in his case. And he "came"...Jesus is attractive!
The filthy leper comes, he implores and kneels down and asks. I should show my faith more.
And his question doesn't have a question mark. It is a statement of fact and of faith. "You can do anything You want to, even make me clean."
But is Jesus willing? Would He stoop to heal a smelly, dirty outcast, a God-forsaken person ( I guess a "good" Jew would remember when God punished Miriam and Elisha's servant with leprosy - so they may have thought that every case was a punishment from God. - I imagine most lepers felt God-forsaken)
Jesus cared - He was moved. Wow the first emotion Mark records is compassion. I guess I would be too. I've seen deformed beggars but I certainly couldn't do what Jesus could do, maybe give some money but not "cleaning" from leprosy!
Jesus acted before he spoke, reached out and "touched him". He broke with the old laws and norms. He actually touched the untouchable. This man's greatest need was not even cleaning, it was human contact he craved. Like us all, his greatest need was to be loved. To be touched.
Jesus came through. He loved enough to richly bless an outcast with the love he craved.
Then he spoke.. "I am" The name God used when He
rescued Israel from Egypt.
"I am willing". Great news. The Son of God is willing! Heaven is willing!
"Be cleansed"
Say it to me, Jesus.
Saturday 2 June 2007
Mark 1:35-39 He Went Out
Even after a hectic evening, Jesus gets up early to be alone and pray. This is a favourite text for all of those people who, over the years, have tried to improve my prayer life. And it still isn't what it should be. Yes, I wake early, but bed is warm and I'm too busy obsessing over the things I need to do that day.
Maybe the secret is to actually pray - talk to my Father. Maybe that is why my whole devotional life isn't up to scratch. Yes ... I need to pray more.
But the disciples go looking for Him because "everyone" wants Him. Already? Weren't they satisfied with the night before. What else did they want of Him? If they are already healed then it must be for the entertainment of seeing others healed. Maybe they had brought people who had chosen not to be healed the night before.
But they would have to wait, Jesus didn't even go back to town, that day anyway. He states His purpose as preaching to more people. He had to invite more people to change their thinking and believe the good news.
His job was not to 'just' heal and do miracles. So why did he heal? Why not just preach?
Why do we love miracles? I guess for the same reason we go to movies... to see something new and spectacular. But to hear good news; less spectacular but more satisfying? More necessary? Certainly is... all the miracles are signposts to what Jesus says. He felt that what He said spoke louder than what He did. It's just the opposite with us. I need to take more notice of what He said.
And true to His purpose, Jesus preaches in the synagogues of "all Galilee", everywhere, in every town - traveling and preaching.
Oh, and just as an aside, casting out demons! He had to do that to reach some of the people. Physically sick people can hear the gospel preached, are demon-possessed people prevented from hearing?
Maybe the secret is to actually pray - talk to my Father. Maybe that is why my whole devotional life isn't up to scratch. Yes ... I need to pray more.
But the disciples go looking for Him because "everyone" wants Him. Already? Weren't they satisfied with the night before. What else did they want of Him? If they are already healed then it must be for the entertainment of seeing others healed. Maybe they had brought people who had chosen not to be healed the night before.
But they would have to wait, Jesus didn't even go back to town, that day anyway. He states His purpose as preaching to more people. He had to invite more people to change their thinking and believe the good news.
His job was not to 'just' heal and do miracles. So why did he heal? Why not just preach?
Why do we love miracles? I guess for the same reason we go to movies... to see something new and spectacular. But to hear good news; less spectacular but more satisfying? More necessary? Certainly is... all the miracles are signposts to what Jesus says. He felt that what He said spoke louder than what He did. It's just the opposite with us. I need to take more notice of what He said.
And true to His purpose, Jesus preaches in the synagogues of "all Galilee", everywhere, in every town - traveling and preaching.
Oh, and just as an aside, casting out demons! He had to do that to reach some of the people. Physically sick people can hear the gospel preached, are demon-possessed people prevented from hearing?
Friday 1 June 2007
Mark 1:32-34 He Healed Many
Even though Jesus had shown that He was alright with healing on the Sabbath, the people waited until after sunset, to bring "all" the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus. It had to be them all because whole town was gathered there. So the town must have been only small.
They must have seen the first healing in the synagogue and heard about Peter's mother-in-law, so they came out for something to do on Saturday night in a small town.
Then in front of the crowd, Jesus heals "many". Does that mean some weren't healed?
And they were sick of "various diseases", so there was no limitation on the type of disease that Jesus healed. He could heal disease, any disease.
And He cast out many demons. So even "many" demons have no authority over Him.
But like the first demon (unclean spirit) from that morning, the demons knew Him. They knew who He was and would have said that if he allowed them. But he didn't allow them to speak. I guess He didn't want demons advertising for Him.
These verses show that Jesus is great healer. A healer who fitted in with the needs of people around Him. Heal me please, Jesus. and do I have faith to bring others to You?
They must have seen the first healing in the synagogue and heard about Peter's mother-in-law, so they came out for something to do on Saturday night in a small town.
Then in front of the crowd, Jesus heals "many". Does that mean some weren't healed?
And they were sick of "various diseases", so there was no limitation on the type of disease that Jesus healed. He could heal disease, any disease.
And He cast out many demons. So even "many" demons have no authority over Him.
But like the first demon (unclean spirit) from that morning, the demons knew Him. They knew who He was and would have said that if he allowed them. But he didn't allow them to speak. I guess He didn't want demons advertising for Him.
These verses show that Jesus is great healer. A healer who fitted in with the needs of people around Him. Heal me please, Jesus. and do I have faith to bring others to You?
Thursday 31 May 2007
Mark 1:29-31 In-house Healing
The five men go to Simon and Andrew's place for Sabbath lunch after an eventful morning.
"But"... just when things are going well there is a family illness to dampen the enthusiasm. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
Peter is married! Do we ever hear of his wife?
Fevers are still fatal and Mum is in bed so must be quite sick. Maybe even dying. This is family and it's important. "So they told Him about her". Do I take my problem people to Him? They had not seen Him heal fevers, they were expressing their faith - sight unseen. Just as I can't see the miracles either.
He "came and took her by the hand". Jesus please come near to me and take my hand and lift me up.
Suddenly the fever was gone and she served them. They either made the poor woman work or she was so completely well that service was easy. I think the latter.
So he has authority over acute illness too! He is good at fixing things up...making them right. he turns what could have been a bleak afternoon into one where joy of recovery leads to service.
Does my gratitude show itself as service to Jesus? Haven't I been healed from a worse "fever"? Shouldn't my gratitude and service be even greater?
"But"... just when things are going well there is a family illness to dampen the enthusiasm. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
Peter is married! Do we ever hear of his wife?
Fevers are still fatal and Mum is in bed so must be quite sick. Maybe even dying. This is family and it's important. "So they told Him about her". Do I take my problem people to Him? They had not seen Him heal fevers, they were expressing their faith - sight unseen. Just as I can't see the miracles either.
He "came and took her by the hand". Jesus please come near to me and take my hand and lift me up.
Suddenly the fever was gone and she served them. They either made the poor woman work or she was so completely well that service was easy. I think the latter.
So he has authority over acute illness too! He is good at fixing things up...making them right. he turns what could have been a bleak afternoon into one where joy of recovery leads to service.
Does my gratitude show itself as service to Jesus? Haven't I been healed from a worse "fever"? Shouldn't my gratitude and service be even greater?
Sunday 27 May 2007
Mark 1:21-28 With Authority He Commands
The unclean spirit recognises that Jesus is more than a normal human, so when Jesus orders him out, he complies. Yay! Jesus wins again. He beat the devil in wilderness and now the underling spirit is trounced.
Jesus rebukes the spirit very simply - no fancy, long-winded exorcism just "Quiet... and get out!". The Son of God's words have power.
The spirit tries to hang on and convulses the victim and then cries out. Maybe this is how people knew that the man was possessed. Not only did he have convulsions but he yelled in a voice that was not his own. Then he is gone - to destruction?
Even though He spoke simply (or maybe because of the intriguing combination of dramatic results from a few words) the synagogue's congregation is amazed at Jesus' authority. Authority in both teaching and healing - He obviously generates respect.
Do I respect His authority? Does Jesus exercise this authority in my life? I don't think so. Maybe, like those people, I should spread His fame. But what would I talk about?
Jesus rebukes the spirit very simply - no fancy, long-winded exorcism just "Quiet... and get out!". The Son of God's words have power.
The spirit tries to hang on and convulses the victim and then cries out. Maybe this is how people knew that the man was possessed. Not only did he have convulsions but he yelled in a voice that was not his own. Then he is gone - to destruction?
Even though He spoke simply (or maybe because of the intriguing combination of dramatic results from a few words) the synagogue's congregation is amazed at Jesus' authority. Authority in both teaching and healing - He obviously generates respect.
Do I respect His authority? Does Jesus exercise this authority in my life? I don't think so. Maybe, like those people, I should spread His fame. But what would I talk about?
Thursday 24 May 2007
Mark 1:23 Unclean Spirits
As Jesus teaches a man cries out, a man "with an unclean spirit".
How many people in my church are possessed? How can I tell?
What is an unclean spirit? This definition is not bad. So these are the angels of the devil.
"Leave." he says, "What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?".
What riled them ("we" and "us")? Was it just His presence? Had they been watching Him growing up in Nazareth, just 30km away? Why did they think He might want to destroy them?
The unclean spirit "knew" Jesus as the "Holy One of God". The old stories tell of the war in heaven between heavenly angels and the dragon "called the Devil and Satan" and his angels. Satan's side lost and was sent to the earth (Why here?) So these spirits probably knew Christ from eons past and had even met Him on the battlefield. They knew God's Holy One when they saw Him. And they once again acknowledged His authority.
We now have the main protagonists and their followers. The Son Of God and his disciples and Satan and his unclean spirits.
What will happen now? Who wins this round?
How many people in my church are possessed? How can I tell?
What is an unclean spirit? This definition is not bad. So these are the angels of the devil.
"Leave." he says, "What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?".
What riled them ("we" and "us")? Was it just His presence? Had they been watching Him growing up in Nazareth, just 30km away? Why did they think He might want to destroy them?
The unclean spirit "knew" Jesus as the "Holy One of God". The old stories tell of the war in heaven between heavenly angels and the dragon "called the Devil and Satan" and his angels. Satan's side lost and was sent to the earth (Why here?) So these spirits probably knew Christ from eons past and had even met Him on the battlefield. They knew God's Holy One when they saw Him. And they once again acknowledged His authority.
We now have the main protagonists and their followers. The Son Of God and his disciples and Satan and his unclean spirits.
What will happen now? Who wins this round?
Saturday 19 May 2007
Mark 1:21-22 One having authority
Back in verse 12, Jesus was driven by the Spirit. Is everywhere that Jesus goes, where the Spirit drives Him? How much is Jesus and how much is Spirit?
In any case the five men go to Capernaum, and on Sabbath, to the synagogue, where Jesus "taught". So far Jesus has preached, called followers and now taught. What is the difference between teaching and preaching? I guess teaching involves interpreting a piece of Scripture, whereas preaching is more like a speech with only reference to Scripture. Do you agree?
He taught with authority compared to the scribes. The scribes must have taught Scripture while referring to previous commentators. And as a friend of mine says " when you get three rabbis together, there will be four different opinions." So the whole learning experience would have been confusing, with a multitude of authorities quoted.
Jesus, in contrast must have presented His interpretation with a certainty of what it meant. He was certain of who He was and what He had to say. This must have been attractive too, as the congregation was astonished.
Would an assured, self-aware person today would still astonish people today, or maybe we are too confident and in these days of hype and spin. Probably though, all this exposure to commercialistic hyperbole would highlight the genuine more clearly.
Son of God, show me who I am and make me confident in you.
In any case the five men go to Capernaum, and on Sabbath, to the synagogue, where Jesus "taught". So far Jesus has preached, called followers and now taught. What is the difference between teaching and preaching? I guess teaching involves interpreting a piece of Scripture, whereas preaching is more like a speech with only reference to Scripture. Do you agree?
He taught with authority compared to the scribes. The scribes must have taught Scripture while referring to previous commentators. And as a friend of mine says " when you get three rabbis together, there will be four different opinions." So the whole learning experience would have been confusing, with a multitude of authorities quoted.
Jesus, in contrast must have presented His interpretation with a certainty of what it meant. He was certain of who He was and what He had to say. This must have been attractive too, as the congregation was astonished.
Would an assured, self-aware person today would still astonish people today, or maybe we are too confident and in these days of hype and spin. Probably though, all this exposure to commercialistic hyperbole would highlight the genuine more clearly.
Son of God, show me who I am and make me confident in you.
Thursday 17 May 2007
Mark 1:16-20 Follow Me
Jesus goes for a walk by the lake. (You may guess that I love lakes). He meets two groups of fishermen. He calls them and "immediately" they leave their families, their nets and boats and "followed Him".
What was it that would make men leave their families and incomes to follow an itinerant preacher?
What was it that would make men leave their families and incomes to follow an itinerant preacher?
- His message about "the kingdom": They must have heard His preaching and to them it was good news. What did they think the kingdom was? Probably something quite different to the kingdom Jesus spoke of.
- Him: Jesus must have been "attractive" in the original meaning of the word. People liked to be near Him. He had authority and a sense of purpose.
- His call "Follow Me": I want to be chosen, to be wanted, to be welcomed. I guess they did too.
- His promise "I will make you become fishers of men" : I wonder how they understood that. Was it some sort of promotion, a career path? Or was it just intriguing? I guess it meant, at least, that they would have some sort of power over other people.
Sunday 13 May 2007
Mark 1:14-15 First Things
Obviously not everyone liked John's message and he ends up in prison. Jesus goes home to Galilee. He starts preaching "good news", news of the kingdom of God.
Do I talk about the kingdom of God very much?
I guess it is appropriate that the Son of God's first words are about the kingdom of God.
Basically He is saying "The kingdom is nearly here, it's time has come, get ready.
My centre-column reference points to Daniel 9:25. Is Jesus saying that Daniel foretold the time of Jesus as Messiah? Did Jesus only become the Messiah (anointed One) when He was baptised and "anointed" by the Spirit?
There is a lot of controversy over whether Daniel is referring to Jesus Christ. But if Jesus is referring to Daniel, which He could be, then that solves the whole thing. Daniel 9:24-27 is about "an end of sins" and the anointed being "cut off, but not for himself" so it would tie in nicely with Christ's mission.
The "kingdom of God is at hand". The first attribute of the kingdom is that it is close by, drawing near. So change your thinking, reconsider and have faith in the good news.
It is great news that the kingdom is really close. Help me believe it.
Do I talk about the kingdom of God very much?
I guess it is appropriate that the Son of God's first words are about the kingdom of God.
Basically He is saying "The kingdom is nearly here, it's time has come, get ready.
My centre-column reference points to Daniel 9:25. Is Jesus saying that Daniel foretold the time of Jesus as Messiah? Did Jesus only become the Messiah (anointed One) when He was baptised and "anointed" by the Spirit?
There is a lot of controversy over whether Daniel is referring to Jesus Christ. But if Jesus is referring to Daniel, which He could be, then that solves the whole thing. Daniel 9:24-27 is about "an end of sins" and the anointed being "cut off, but not for himself" so it would tie in nicely with Christ's mission.
The "kingdom of God is at hand". The first attribute of the kingdom is that it is close by, drawing near. So change your thinking, reconsider and have faith in the good news.
It is great news that the kingdom is really close. Help me believe it.
Friday 11 May 2007
Mark 1:12-13 Spirit Driven
Immediately (Mark loves the word) the Spirit drove or "sent Him out" into the wilderness. The Spirit must be in the driver's seat.
And Christ allowed Himself to be driven (maybe I don't). The first place it took Him was the wilderness for four things:
So what is the Son of God like when the Spirit is in control?
Could I cope with the first three?
The cast so far:
And Christ allowed Himself to be driven (maybe I don't). The first place it took Him was the wilderness for four things:
- forty days: what did he do for those days?, my guess is that He prayed and learned about His job.
- tempted by Satan: the "adversary" - the one who "cherishes animosity"
- with wild beasts: what does this mean? Were the animals attracted to Him or were they the only ones there?
- angels ministered to Him: He was served by "messengers" from heaven
So what is the Son of God like when the Spirit is in control?
Could I cope with the first three?
The cast so far:
- John: human messenger
- Jesus: Son of God and more
- Spirit: the driving force in Jesus' life
- Father: pleased parent figure in heaven
- Satan: hate filled adversary
- angels: ministers to Jesus
Thursday 10 May 2007
Mark 1:9-11 Jesus arrives!
Jesus of Nazareth - a real name and place. The Son of God is real! He travels to the Jordan and "was baptised by John". He lives a normal sort of life and did what many other normal people did at the time.
In contrast to what Mark and John have told us about the LORD, He appears not as a powerful, super man ... but as one of us, doing what we should do. And he even submits to the "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" !
He is humble, just like John. So God Almighty is also humble. Maybe I should be too.
But His baptism is gatecrashed. A little bit anyway. "He saw" the dove representing the Spirit., maybe others didn't. He saw heaven parting. Maybe he was the only one who needed to. He needed confirmation that He really is the Son of God.
Maybe this happens at every baptism, but we just don't see it.
In any case the Spirit "descends on Him". No doubt this is power and guidance from heaven for his ministry. But more than this, the Spirit is obviously another part of divinity. The Spirit is separate from Jesus as it comes down on Him.
Then the third part of divinity is present, not by visual symbol but by a "voice". John's voice has been active preparing for the coming LORD but now a voice comes from heaven affirming Him.
This must be the Father as he calls Jesus "My ... Son". And the Father loves Him and approves of Him. There is no jealousy here. Pretty good stuff. Am I that kind of father? The kind who loves and expresses that love.
Is this the first time that the Father speaks in Scripture. If Jesus really is LORD of the Old Testament, then when God spoke then it was really the Son.
The Father is pleased with humility and submission, which are the characteristics shown so far in Mark's account of Jesus. Am I that kind of son? The kind that pleases my father (and Father ) well?
In contrast to what Mark and John have told us about the LORD, He appears not as a powerful, super man ... but as one of us, doing what we should do. And he even submits to the "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" !
He is humble, just like John. So God Almighty is also humble. Maybe I should be too.
But His baptism is gatecrashed. A little bit anyway. "He saw" the dove representing the Spirit., maybe others didn't. He saw heaven parting. Maybe he was the only one who needed to. He needed confirmation that He really is the Son of God.
Maybe this happens at every baptism, but we just don't see it.
In any case the Spirit "descends on Him". No doubt this is power and guidance from heaven for his ministry. But more than this, the Spirit is obviously another part of divinity. The Spirit is separate from Jesus as it comes down on Him.
Then the third part of divinity is present, not by visual symbol but by a "voice". John's voice has been active preparing for the coming LORD but now a voice comes from heaven affirming Him.
This must be the Father as he calls Jesus "My ... Son". And the Father loves Him and approves of Him. There is no jealousy here. Pretty good stuff. Am I that kind of father? The kind who loves and expresses that love.
Is this the first time that the Father speaks in Scripture. If Jesus really is LORD of the Old Testament, then when God spoke then it was really the Son.
The Father is pleased with humility and submission, which are the characteristics shown so far in Mark's account of Jesus. Am I that kind of son? The kind that pleases my father (and Father ) well?
Monday 7 May 2007
Mark 1:6-8 Mightier Than I
John mimicked the way the mighty prophet Elijah dressed . Elijah, the prophet who would usher in the " great and terrible day of the LORD"
The people respected John and came for his baptism of "remission of sins". They wanted the freedom from sins, the forgiveness, that he preached.
But John was under no illusions as to his ministry - it was weak as water. "The coming One is mightier, so mighty I can't even touch His foot. And He will really baptise you."
John with "all" those people watching, at the height of his fame pointed beyond what he could do. He pointed to a better baptism. The baptism of the Spirit.
Now this is advertising at its best. "I'll give you the sample, to create a hunger for the real thing".
If forgiveness and remission is only the sample, the baptism of the Holy Spirit must be "mightier" as well.
The people respected John and came for his baptism of "remission of sins". They wanted the freedom from sins, the forgiveness, that he preached.
But John was under no illusions as to his ministry - it was weak as water. "The coming One is mightier, so mighty I can't even touch His foot. And He will really baptise you."
John with "all" those people watching, at the height of his fame pointed beyond what he could do. He pointed to a better baptism. The baptism of the Spirit.
Now this is advertising at its best. "I'll give you the sample, to create a hunger for the real thing".
If forgiveness and remission is only the sample, the baptism of the Holy Spirit must be "mightier" as well.
Sunday 6 May 2007
Mark 1:3 The LORD
Mark uses a quote from Isaiah 40:3 to describe John preparing the way for Jesus. John is the "voice" and Jesus is "LORD" (all capitals). This is a big thing!
In Hebrew, LORD is YHWH, the divine name of "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord". (Strongs)
If the Messiah was the nation's hope and future , the LORD was their God!
Mark is saying that Jesus is none other than the worlds Creator, He formed Adam from the dust and gave him life.
He is the I AM who spoke to Moses, "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob". He brought Israel out of Egypt and gave them the law.
He is the One who makes them happy, He is their deliverer, their protecting Shield and their Sword triumphant (Tanakh).
David praises Him constantly in the Psalms and in Psalm 95:6,7 describes the appropriate response to His position:
No wonder Mark is excited, "our God" is about to arrive!
Awesome!
In Hebrew, LORD is YHWH, the divine name of "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord". (Strongs)
If the Messiah was the nation's hope and future , the LORD was their God!
Mark is saying that Jesus is none other than the worlds Creator, He formed Adam from the dust and gave him life.
He is the I AM who spoke to Moses, "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob". He brought Israel out of Egypt and gave them the law.
He is the One who makes them happy, He is their deliverer, their protecting Shield and their Sword triumphant (Tanakh).
David praises Him constantly in the Psalms and in Psalm 95:6,7 describes the appropriate response to His position:
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you will hear His voice:
No wonder Mark is excited, "our God" is about to arrive!
Awesome!
Saturday 5 May 2007
Get Ready
Mark 1: 2-5
Mark quotes from Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 he quotes selectively to emphasise :
So how does "My messenger" prepare the way for the Son of God? By John dunking people in the wild reaches of the Jordan river. Strange advertising campaign.
But it seems to have worked, at least for many of the citizens of Jerusalem and Judea who heard John's preaching, were convicted of their own sin, confessed it and were baptised.
Getting ready for the Son of God is about my heart. It involves a realisation that I have offended God, and a publicly expressed desire to change my ways.
Am I ready to meet this Person?
Mark quotes from Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 he quotes selectively to emphasise :
- A messenger or voice saying...
- "Prepare the way...
- for the LORD"
So how does "My messenger" prepare the way for the Son of God? By John dunking people in the wild reaches of the Jordan river. Strange advertising campaign.
But it seems to have worked, at least for many of the citizens of Jerusalem and Judea who heard John's preaching, were convicted of their own sin, confessed it and were baptised.
Getting ready for the Son of God is about my heart. It involves a realisation that I have offended God, and a publicly expressed desire to change my ways.
Am I ready to meet this Person?
Friday 4 May 2007
The Beginning...
Mark 1:1 NKJV
The story of Christ's ministry is only the beginning of the "good news" (gospel means "good news"). That's hopeful! But Mark is probably only saying "This is how the gospel started". And that's good too....
Because it really is "Good"! There isn't too much around that is truly good so I'm ready to hear more.
And the goodness starts early as Mark explains just who he is writing about:
Jesus: from Yeshua (Joshua) means "Yah(weh) is salvation". And I thought God is supposed to be love. (1 John 4:8), but maybe they are the same thing?
I like the way the Tanakh translates salvation as victory or triumph eg 1Chronicles 16:23 is "Sing to the LORD, all the earth. proclaim His victory day after day." or Isaiah 12:3 "Joyfully shall you draw water From the fountains of triumph" Often it uses the"deliverance" too., all of them stronger than our English word "salvation. Does God rub on some salve and we are saved?
Hey, I don't want triumphalism but I do want to respect what God's great salvation.
Christ: the anointed one, equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah" - which is mind blowing stuff when the hope of the Messiah was what kept Israel and the Jews focused and a separate nation. They lived for His coming. Some Jews even still hope for the coming of their Messiah.
Mark tells me "This Jesus is the One, you've been waiting for"
The Son of God: This is a big idea and maybe the rest of Mark's gospel is explaining just what the this title means. In any case He is definitely divine. He is more than just a normal human, He is "the" Son.
Plenty of good news in the first verse.... The promised Messiah has arrived at last, He is divine and He will bring victory. He will win!
The story of Christ's ministry is only the beginning of the "good news" (gospel means "good news"). That's hopeful! But Mark is probably only saying "This is how the gospel started". And that's good too....
Because it really is "Good"! There isn't too much around that is truly good so I'm ready to hear more.
And the goodness starts early as Mark explains just who he is writing about:
Jesus: from Yeshua (Joshua) means "Yah(weh) is salvation". And I thought God is supposed to be love. (1 John 4:8), but maybe they are the same thing?
I like the way the Tanakh translates salvation as victory or triumph eg 1Chronicles 16:23 is "Sing to the LORD, all the earth. proclaim His victory day after day." or Isaiah 12:3 "Joyfully shall you draw water From the fountains of triumph" Often it uses the"deliverance" too., all of them stronger than our English word "salvation. Does God rub on some salve and we are saved?
Hey, I don't want triumphalism but I do want to respect what God's great salvation.
Christ: the anointed one, equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah" - which is mind blowing stuff when the hope of the Messiah was what kept Israel and the Jews focused and a separate nation. They lived for His coming. Some Jews even still hope for the coming of their Messiah.
Mark tells me "This Jesus is the One, you've been waiting for"
The Son of God: This is a big idea and maybe the rest of Mark's gospel is explaining just what the this title means. In any case He is definitely divine. He is more than just a normal human, He is "the" Son.
Plenty of good news in the first verse.... The promised Messiah has arrived at last, He is divine and He will bring victory. He will win!
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