QT 10/31/2023 Mark 3:22-30, The unpardonable sin

Mark 3:22–30 (ESV) —

22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” 23 And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.

28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

 

NOTE: As a result of the Messianic miracles (the first is the healing of the leper, the other two Messianic miracles have also happened but are not recorded in Mark), the leaders (the scribes and Pharisees) have concluded, without much interrogation (at least what is recorded in Mark), that Jesus is not the Messiah, but he is Satan. Jesus responds to this assessment with one argument (split in three quick parables) and one warning. Jesus argues that their conclusion does not make logical sense. How can Satan destroy Satan's kingdom in order to bring it up? What is his purpose? He would be losing ground by Jesus' ministry.

 

They could not find a way to harmonize Jesus' miracles and his statements about God. He is either who he says he is or he is evil personified (Satan), because God would not give such power to a "blasphemer." The problem is that they had committed an even greater blasphemy. The studied the promises and prophecies; they saw Jesus (God) in person; they saw the miracles; they heard the word he preached; and so the unforgivable sin is rejecting that Jesus is God's son and that God the Father is working though Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. This sin is rare. The leaders of Israel reject their Messiah despite the evidence set before their eyes. Today, we rely upon eye witnesses and have placed our faith on the recorded truth and the work of the Spirit in our lives. We were not blessed like them to live in the presence of Jesus in the flesh.

 

PONDER:

1. To be so close and to miss it, how does that happen?
2. What is God saying to me and I am missing?

 

PRAYER: Father, open my eyes to your truth. Speak to my heart. Have mercy on me, for my flesh is weak.

QT 10/30/2023 Mark 3:13-21, Listening, even when we think we know the answer or subject

Mark 3:13–21 (ESV) —

13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”

 

NOTE: I wondered who in the family went out to him, was it Mary his mother, or James and Jude, or his sister, or other brothers that we are unaware of? It is hard to believe that Mary might doubt him or think she needed to rescue him, since he could turn water into wine. I can believe that his brothers thought he was out of his mind, and was not doing their lives any good, since they were probably constantly being challenged by the curiosity seekers of the time. Maybe even the religious leaders were asking questions to determine the type of family that raised him. There is so much more to the story that we just don't know. But it does show that over-familiarity can be dangerous, because it prevents us from stepping back and taking a deeper look.

 

PONDER:

1. What are the things that I am too familiar with that I don't stop and think about them?
2. What am I missing because I think I am familiar with the person or subject?
3. What biases have I developed because of over-familiarity?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to listen and learn, and not to assume. Protect me from myself and my pride. Again, help me to listen.

QT 10/27/2023 Mark 3:7-12, Jesus is the Son of God

Mark 3:7–12 (ESV) —

7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. 9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, 10 for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. 11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

 

NOTE: Word spreads fast even without technology. Jesus reputation had spread across the country, no doubt garnering interest from the religious leaders but also the civil authorities. He was prepared and expecting such a response. He even had a boat ready in case the crowd got out of control. Mark clearly relates to the readers that the demonic spirits knew who he was. Jesus does not say they are wrong, only ordering them not to make that information known. In other words, Jesus very clearly is allowing himself to be identified as "the Son of God" in contrast to many today who would argue that Jesus never said he was the Son of God. Later we will find out that was the very charge he was crucified and which he never denied. Jesus was and is the Son of God. There is no logic to denying that claim.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I ever use this argument in my sharing of the gospel? It is a good illustration to share in a minute.

 

PRAYER: Father, give me boldness with gentleness and respect as opportunities come up to share the gospel. Help me to be an effective evangelist.

QT 10/26/2023 Mark 3:1-6, Truth and lies

Mark 3:1–6 (ESV) —

1 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2 And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” 4 And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

 

NOTE: The Jewish leaders are still in the observation phase. They have noticed him "forgive sins" and now they see him intentionally challenging the oral tradition regarding Sabbath rules. Jesus turns the rules around by arguing intent of the heart versus letter of the law. At this stage, the Pharisees are not engaging Jesus, but building a case for or against Jesus' messiah-ship. All of this was triggered by the first of three Messianic miracles, the healing of a leper. By involving the "Roman" Jewish civilian leadership, they have escalated the issue into the secular realm.

 

Sometimes, we form opinions that are based on research and observation, but in fact we have already made up our mind. It is hard to believe that a first-hand honest evaluation which cause anything but wonder. His life backed up his words. He was not an instrument of evil, but clearly of good. We should be careful to check our biases.

 

PONDER:

1. Do we jump into things based on assumptions and the views of others we esteem?

 

PRAYER: Father, today lies abound in society. It is hard to know what is true or false. I pray for you to lead and guide in the important issues. As for the other issues, help me to understand the ones that don't matter in terms of eternity.

QT 10/25/2023 Mark 2:23-28, Importance of rest

Mark 2:23–28 (ESV) —

23 One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26 how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

 

NOTE: I think James Brooks (1991) summarizes the thought of verses 27-28 well:

 

Jesus meant that human beings were not created to observe the Sabbath but that the Sabbath was created for their benefit.

 

Lately, I've seen many long and detailed presentations on "Sabbath-keeping" or any number of titles. Jesus simplifies it well here. This is not a law for the new covenant believer, but it is a good thing, that is, rest is a good thing. In the original days of the Sabbath, it was not a religious day, although there was a meal that was celebrated. Men only went to the temple three times a year. The synagogue wasn't started until the exile by the Babylonians. It is a day of rest, pure and simple. It is not Sunday. By definition, it starts as sunset Friday evening and continues until sunset Saturday evening. It doesn't have to be any special day. But for our good, God wants us to rest. He does not demand it in the new covenant. It was a command in the old covenant. In fact, the year of the Sabbath was commanded as well as the year of Jubilee. Those Sabbath years were for the land, and for the people in a sense as it allowed the soil to renew.

 

What's the application for me? There are two types of rest. There is a rest which involves time alone with God and away from the demands of everyday life. There is another rest which is a time to decompress and enjoy a relaxing hobby, a book, or a non-stressful game.

 

A good application is to rest once a week, to have a Sabbath TAG (time alone with God 3-4 hours) once every 7 weeks (about every 2 months), and to have an all-day TAG (my year of Jubilee) once every 49 weeks (once a year).

 

PONDER:

1. Have I planned out my Sabbath TAGs (time along with God) this year?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to use my days wisely. Help me to serve you in my retirement years.

QT 10/24/2023 Mark 2:18-22, The Christian story is a NEW story

Mark 2:18–22 (ESV) —

18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”

 

NOTE: The old wineskin is scribal Judaism and the new wineskin is Christianity. Jesus was saying is that the pattern and practices of the new covenant are different. We do not carry the law into the new covenant. The marriage motif is a better picture of the new, because a wedding is a time of celebration. Salvation is a joyful celebration that never ends as we realize the benefits and blessings of being part of the family of God. There will be times of fasting. The NT has a handful of occasions where believers fasted. It is neither common nor uncommon. The Christian life is not ascetic where one suffers the body for godliness. Certainly there is discipline and rejecting sin, but asceticism does not achieve holiness. When we try to add OT laws to our faith, we are really subscribing to a works salvation.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe that Jesus paid it all? Or do I think my salvation is somewhat dependent on how I live my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for my salvation and that it is "NEW." I live in a personal relationship with you because of Jesus. I am unworthy and I am so appreciative of my new life.

QT 10/23/2023 Mark 2:15-17, Socializing with "sinners"

Mark 2:15–17 (ESV) —

15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

 

NOTE: Christianity stands in sharp contrast to Judaism in that all people are accepted … well, to a degree. We are not to judge the unbeliever, but we are to stay away from those who call themselves believers but are living in open sin or engaging in practices that violate God's laws. But "sinners," those who do not confess Christ, we are not to shy away from, in fact quite the opposite, we are to reach out to them in love and friendship. That does not mean we "accept" their behavior. One can befriend a person and still be against the things they represent. We do not show tolerance in our definition of what is sin, but that does not need to be our focus. And we don't engage in their sin either, even if that might seem like a path to getting to know the person. We can eat with and socialize with a person we disagree with on fundamental issues of life. Our goal is to show, by our life transformation, that a life lived for Jesus is better.

 

PONDER:

1. Who are my non-Christian friends?
2. Do I avoid "sinners?"

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see and reach out to the unsaved. Help me to find activities in which to engage the lost. I want to be a witness of your love.

QT 10/20/2023 Mark 2:1-12, The truth is out there (and it's Jesus)

Mark 2:1–12 (ESV) —

1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

 

NOTE: The reason for the crowd is the healing of the leper, a miracle that the Jews believed only the Messiah could do. It was one of three messianic miracles. The leaders investigate these "messiah-sightings" initially through observation, then interrogation before delivering a verdict. Jesus knew they were there and why they were there. He intentionally exhibits (conveys) his authority as the Son of God. Only God can forgive sins. That is a true statement. Therefore, Jesus is either God or a blasphemer. Jesus "proves" his statement by inferring that a blasphemer would not have the ability to heal a paralytic because God would not be with him. The leaders were left with a very difficult problem which ultimately causes them to decide that he must be Satan himself.

 

These historical accounts are authentic, meeting established criteria -- multiple sources, large audience both supporting and credibly opposing (although not to the occurrence to the event). This particular miracle is very difficult to contradict. Jesus performs many such miracles. The last miracle was rising from the dead, as he promised. There is no excuse for not believing. One can harden the heart and create reasons not to believe, but they are just hurting themselves -- their lies will not stand up to rigorous investigation.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I know why I believe or don't believe?
2. Have I really investigated the facts?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the voluminous material about Jesus' life and death. Thank you that you have clearly made your salvation known. I pray that you would open the eyes of those blinded by hatred and that they would see Jesus, the truth.

 

QT 10/19/2023 Mark 1:40-45, He is moved by our needs

Mark 1:40–45 (ESV) —

40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

 

NOTE: This is the first of the Messianic miracles Jesus performs. The very next passage shows the result. The "sighting" of the Messiah initiated a rabbinic process of Observation, Interrogation, and Determination. The religious leaders show up in Capernaum to observe. At this point, the leaders were in the "Observation" phase and did not say anything as Jesus healed the paralytic, but they all question in their hearts how Jesus could forgive sins. In Leviticus, God lays out two chapters on the procedures for handling leprosy and the healing of leprosy. Jesus repeats those instructions by telling the man to go and show himself to the priest. The actual healing of leprosy had never occurred in Israel, which is why the religious leaders over time decided it must be a miracle that only the messiah could do. Hence, the excitement. In the past occurrences, Naaman was not a Jew, and Miriam's healing was prior to the application of the law since she was not told to follow the instructions. Her leprosy was almost immediately after the giving of the law so I'm not sure why they did not use the law. Anyway, while Jesus knew it would not be kept a secret, I don't think he wanted the "Messiah" attention yet. Later, he would heal the ten lepers, and later he would perform the other two Messianic miracles, the healing of a man born blind, and the healing of a dumb demon-possessed man (The Three Messianic Miracles by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. (messianicassociation.org)). And the leaders would question him and ultimately be forced to make a determination (because the people knew the prophecies).

 

Matthew 12:22–24 (ESV) — 22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.”

 

All of that is interesting theology, but what is the message from the passage. I like the phrase, "moved with pity" and "he touched him" -- Jesus touched a person who probably had not been touched in years by another human. In the movie Ben Hur, Judah, upon finding his family, hugs Miriam (his mother) and Tirzah (his sister), full of leprosy. It is a very moving moment, and even more so when during the crucifixion, Judah's faith in Jesus heals his family. The message in the passage today is that God cares for us. His love is not academic, but real, emotional, and infinite.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I really believe God cares about me personally? Or do I only see him as a big picture for moving world events to his will?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the reminder of your care and love. You do care and real faith is believing that you are aware of what is happening in my life and you are working for my good. Thank you.

QT 10/18/2023 Mark 1:35-39, Waiting and believing

Mark 1:35–39 (ESV) —

35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

 

NOTE: I don't remember when I actually heard someone say, that even though there was still a need in the town they were in, Jesus moved on. He had a purpose, and that purpose was for as many people as possible who lived in Israel to see the Messiah and the identifying miracles. Later, when Jesus would send his disciples out two-by-two, he told them to "stay" in a house that accepted him. Two different approaches for two different reasons. Jesus could have healed a lot more people in need. But, he didn't. He left and he moved on to another city because of a higher purpose. Sometimes it's hard to understand why God does not heal right now. There is probably a higher purpose or something that he is doing in our lives that requires us to continue in the state in which we are in. It's not easy, but it is necessary to be in the will of God. For when we are not in the will of God, much worse things will occur.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe God knows what is best?
2. Am I willing to wait on God's better answer?

 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord. This lesson has resonated over the years. I'm still not there. I still hurt when a deep or desperate prayer is not answered. I know I need to trust, but it is very hard at times. Strengthen my faith, help me to be a witness of you in this very cold world.

QT 10/17/2023 Mark 1:29-34, The miracles are a historical fact

Mark 1:29–34 (ESV) —

29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

 

NOTE: Jesus' miracles were not private things that only a few knew about. While Simon's mother-in-law may have been partially private, the people knew of Jesus miraculous powers. The miracles were part of God's divine marker. He was making it very clear that something new was happening that had not happened in hundreds of years. Jesus' miracles are a very unique aspect of Jesus as compared to every other so-called prophet. None had the number, intensity, or observability of Jesus' miracles. Their historical authenticity cannot be denied. Only those who refuse to believe in God pretend they are not true. While God still does miracles and healings today, they are not as pronounced and mostly private. The message was made very clear almost 2000 years ago. There is no excuse. Evolution does not explain our creation, no matter how hard people try to come up with an explanation. We are created by God. We need to confess our sin, and turn from our rebellion -- only then can we experience the peace of God in our lives.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I ever mention the miracles in discussions? There are a historical fact. People must deal with facts.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for being so obvious. Thank for the Holy Spirit that has drastically changed the man I am. Thank you for salvation. I look forward to your future kingdom.

QT 10/16/2023 Mark 1:21-28, Use God's word in discussions with others

Mark 1:21–28 (ESV) —

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

 

NOTE: Mark relates that "they were astonished at this teaching" and "he taught them as one who had authority." In some ways his teaching was different from the scribes. His authority is inherent, since he is God, but that would not have been known by his hearers. Unlike other teachers, he did not need to reference anyone else, only scripture; his word was scripture. It has an amazing effect which is not surprising:

 

Isaiah 55:10–11 (ESV) —

10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

 

God's word is very powerful, and we should use it more often in our discussions with others. We do not need to defend God's word or make a secular argument. In fact, a good response is, "I can't argue from a human perspective, but God's word says …." That response, when accompanied by scripture, has more power than anything we can come up on our own.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I memorize scripture so that I can quote the power of God's word and not my own?

 

PRAYER: Father, bring to mind verses that I need in discussions with people. Help me to share those verses respectfully and gently and boldly.

QT 10/13/2023 Mark 1:16-20, What is mean to really be a disciple?

Mark 1:16–20 (ESV) —

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

 

NOTE: While Mark does show the human, "not-so-good" side of the disciples in other sections of the book, this first encounter is certainly a positive characterization of the men. God calls men and the proper response is immediate (as exemplified by Simon and Andrew) and complete (as emphasized by James and John). Later, they would become his apostles, but for now they were disciples, not mere followers, but something quite a bit more than the simple definition used during the times. Also, Jesus calls them with a purpose, to be fishers of men. They were working, making a living, and catching fish to feed themselves and their families. Now they would serve others, and trust God to provide the finances. I doubt they understood any of that at the time. I think Jesus was an unbelievably compelling person to anyone who truly believed in God. I doubt any believer could turn him down or say no, although there are examples of men who went away sad because they could not.

 

PONDER:

1. What is my commitment to Jesus? He is not here in person, but should my response be any different?
2. Any what does my response indicate concerning my faith?

 

PRAYER: Father, we need a humble response to those around us. None of us have all the answers. None of us deserve to be elevated or even listened to more than others. None of us know you as we could or should. Have mercy on us in our stupidity. Help us to see ourselves as you do.

QT 10/12/2023 Mark 1:14-15, Jesus' kingdom exists now in my heart

Mark 1:14–15 (ESV) —

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

 

NOTE: The kingdom of God started with Jesus' ministry, and it starts in the hearts of those who would (and will) believe. The rule of Jesus will not be fully manifest until Jesus returns the second time. We are living in the kingdom of God spiritually. Our true Lord, King, and Ruler is Jesus. He does not rule over all the earth yet. I do have earthly rulers I must obey but Jesus trumps all other rulers. As the apostles said before the Sanhedrin, "judge for yourself whether it is better to obey God or you (paraphrase)." Someday soon (IMHO), Jesus will rule over all the earth. Each day seems to echo that truth more loudly.

 

PONDER:

1. So how does Jesus' current rule affect me daily?
2. What am I doing differently because he is my sovereign and king?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see the areas where I am not thinking about your ruler-ship. Help me to live my life centered around you.

QT 10/11/2023 Mark 1:12-13, Trials are part of life

Mark 1:12–13 (ESV) —

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

 

NOTE: Mark leaves out the actual temptations of the enemy. The wild animals seem to suggest a reason for fear, while the angels ministering to him would be a source of comfort. Mark does not mention the fact that he was fasting either. Mark is also known for the use of the word "immediately" and it can be translated as "drove … out" or "impelled."  Brooks (1992) argues that it does not suggest Jesus was reluctant but rather there was a divine necessity. Mark gives very little detail, nor any results or conclusions. In fact, the inclusion of the story would suggest that this is part and parcel of being a servant of God. You will be tempted. You will be in fear. You will experience God's presence. But no one should expect life to be a bed of roses if they are committed to serving him.

 

PONDER:

1. What trials have I or am I going through?
2. What did I or am I learning through my trials?

 

PRAYER: Father, I don't like the idea of trials and temptations. I would wish to get rid of that part of life. I suppose I like the end results, but I don't enjoy the process of getting there. Give me strength to stand strong in those days.

QT 10/10/2023 Mark 1:9-11, Events could be leading to major changes in our world

Mark 1:9–11 (ESV) —

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

 

NOTE: In this passage, we see the triune God inaugurating the mission to save mankind. God the Father speaks, the Holy Spirit like a dove descending, and Jesus, the son of God coming out of the waters. John participated, not only in preaching to prepare the way but in baptizing Jesus. Why was this important or even necessary? God is very clear in his use of miraculous signs that something different is happening. The law was given under a tremendous amount of miracles and change. Here, once again, God is using signs to clearly confirm that something different is happening. Signs and events are meant to wake us up. If we weren't so dull and blinded by sin, we would not need these markers. But God, in his grace and mercy, gives us signs and warnings so that we might not miss out on the truth.

 

There seems to be a lot happening these days in the world. None seems miraculous, only very noisy. It could be God speaking through events. It could be leading up to something. In the tribulation, two prophets will appear in Israel and perform signs and wonders to the disgust of the atheistic world. How far are we away from those days?

 

PONDER:

1. It seems like the most important question is: what am I doing in the last days (if they are the last days) to share the most important message the world can possibly hear?

 

PRAYER: Father, give me boldness to stand up for truth and to say things in a gently and respectful spirit. Fill me with power of the Spirit to be a witness in this dying world.

QT 10/9/2023 Mark 1:1-8, Does our pride prevent us from serving?

Mark 1:1–8 (ESV) —

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,

who will prepare your way,

3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight,’ ”

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

 

NOTE: The gospel, to Mark, would not have meant that it was one of four books sharing the life of Jesus from different perspectives, although that is what happened. The gospel was simply the message of Jesus. Mark does not spend time a lot of time setting up the story. It was pretty simple, God said he would send a messenger to prepare the way of the Lord. The messenger was Jesus, not John. And John recognized that the story had little to do with himself. In John's words, "I am not worth to stoop down and untie (his sandals)." That is interesting because Mark's gospel (his historical account) portrays Jesus as a servant (Mk 10:45), and yet John was not worthy to untie the servant's sandals. John was a servant to THE servant, the Son of God.

 

The gospels each emphasize a different picture of Jesus. God used four pictures: King (Matthew), Servant (Mark), Man (Luke), and God (John). An emphasis on "servant" seems the least likely and least important. In many ways, it is the most important. The sin in the garden started because man wanted to be like God. He wanted to rule his own life. And he rebelled against God's rule and has suffered the consequences ever since then. This is an important concept to God, the idea of humility and servant-hood. If the ruler and creator of the entire universe can humble himself and serve the rebels, why do we find it so hard to give up our "rights" (as we call them) and serve others?

 

PONDER:

1. If the one who is "mightier than I (John)" can serve others, why do I struggle?
2. My struggle is pride--the problem that Adam and Eve gave into in the garden. They rebelled against the idea of God ruling, knowing right and wrong, and they wanted to be the ones to determine right and wrong. Do I do the same? Am I willing to submit to God's definition of right and wrong, and not my definition?

 

PRAYER: Father, the world battles against being servants. They do not like your definition of right and wrong. They are anything but humble. Help me to live, accept, and stand up for your definition of right and wrong. Help me to be a servant of you and of others.

QT 10/5/2023 Ezek 48, Spending time just with God

Ezekiel 48:8–14 (ESV) —

8 “Adjoining the territory of Judah, from the east side to the west, shall be the portion which you shall set apart, 25,000 cubits in breadth, and in length equal to one of the tribal portions, from the east side to the west, with the sanctuary in the midst of it. 9 The portion that you shall set apart for the Lord shall be 25,000 cubits in length, and 20,000 in breadth. 10 These shall be the allotments of the holy portion: the priests shall have an allotment measuring 25,000 cubits on the northern side, 10,000 cubits in breadth on the western side, 10,000 in breadth on the eastern side, and 25,000 in length on the southern side, with the sanctuary of the Lord in the midst of it. 11 This shall be for the consecrated priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept my charge, who did not go astray when the people of Israel went astray, as the Levites did. 12 And it shall belong to them as a special portion from the holy portion of the land, a most holy place, adjoining the territory of the Levites. 13 And alongside the territory of the priests, the Levites shall have an allotment 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in breadth. The whole length shall be 25,000 cubits and the breadth 20,000. 14 They shall not sell or exchange any of it. They shall not alienate this choice portion of the land, for it is holy to the Lord.

 

NOTE: In OT times, the Levites lived among the people with no special allotment of land. In the Millenium, there will be an allotment for priests and Levites near the new temple. In some sense, the need for Levites and priests among the people is lessened by the fact that we are all a holy nation of priests with the Holy Spirit residing in us. We don't need a mediator since we have access to God at any time. It will be an interesting time. I imagine that the temple area will be beautiful. Everyone will come at least once a year to visit and to get time alone with God to focus.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I doing in my retirement to set up regular time along with God now?

 

PRAYER: Father, thanks for the day. I pray I would use it wisely. Give me the words that I need I as I talk to people today. And help me to schedule some time to spend alone with you.

QT 10/4/2023 Ezek 47:13-23, God's word has only one interpretation and it is understandable

Ezekiel 47:21–23 (ESV) —

21 “So you shall divide this land among you according to the tribes of Israel. 22 You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the sojourners who reside among you and have had children among you. They shall be to you as native-born children of Israel. With you they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 23 In whatever tribe the sojourner resides, there you shall assign him his inheritance, declares the Lord God.

 

NOTE: In the preceding verses, the passage defines the border cities that outline the land of Israel in the future. I think this is one of the greatest arguments against the reformed position (Reformed churches believe that the church replaces all prophecies directed to Israel and should be interpreted non-literally). God did not give these specific instructions (vss 47:13-20) to ignore the named cities and named pieces of land. Clearly the God of Israel gave specific promises because he intends to fulfill them specifically. The reformed position makes no sense nor does an interpretation as such follow the rules of logic. The application is to read scripture as you would any book and follow the scientific principles of discovery and reading.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I interpret scripture or read to understand?

 

PRAYER: God, thank you that your word is clear and logical. The enemy has tried to confuse the issue by arguing that the bible is some type of magical mishmash of unrelated instruction with wide-open interpretations. It is not and the enemy has deceived many with his approach. Father, open the eyes of the blind to see this confusion. Help them to see truth.

QT 10/3/2023 Ezek 47:6-12, Drinking living water

Ezekiel 47:6–12 (ESV) —

6 And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?”

Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. 9 And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. 10 Fishermen will stand beside the sea. From Engedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. 11 But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they are to be left for salt. 12 And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

 

NOTE: There are two rivers with life-giving power that emanate from Jerusalem. This one appears to be in the Millenium since there is a temple. Somewhat symbolically, but also literally, it will flow down to the dead sea and make it pure and alive, and the trees will produce fruit that heals. In the Eternal kingdom, there is also a river that flows from the throne of God (there is no temple) and it also produces fruit each month and healing for the nations. Jesus said that out of him would flow rivers of living water. Jesus' death on the cross took our sin and nailed it to the cross. Jesus paid our penalty. But there is one sin that it will not pay, and that is unbelief. If a person does not believe the gospel, there is no help for that person's soul. They will suffer eternal punishment in Hell, and then in the lake of fire. These events are getting closer. They are evil, dark men who are moving in the world to bring about the reign of the evil one, the antichrist. It is not far.

 

It has been almost 2000 years from Christ's death, and nearing 2000 from the destruction of the temple. I don't know the significance of two one-thousand year periods. But 5 four-hundred year periods does have some significance. Five is a number used for sin and 400 years is the time Israel spent in slavery. Therefore, 5 four-hundred year periods is the time in slavery for the sin of mankind. The other best guess based on creation (3761 BC) as recorded in the bible would be 2240 AD, 6000 years after creation. Then the 7th millennium would begin, God's rest. Jewish oral tradition, which predicted many new testament events, suggests such.

 

PONDER:

1. Today, the Holy Spirit lives in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ and provides the living water Jesus promised. What am I doing to drink of that water?

 

PRAYER: Father, we need to be focused on your word and prayer, because that is how we partake of the living water through the Holy Spirit. Continue to refresh me with your truth and your presence.

QT 10/2/2023 Ezek 46:19-24, The importance of relationships in the millennial kingdom

Ezekiel 46:19–24 (ESV) —

19 Then he brought me through the entrance, which was at the side of the gate, to the north row of the holy chambers for the priests, and behold, a place was there at the extreme western end of them. 20 And he said to me, “This is the place where the priests shall boil the guilt offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the grain offering, in order not to bring them out into the outer court and so transmit holiness to the people.”

21 Then he brought me out to the outer court and led me around to the four corners of the court. And behold, in each corner of the court there was another court— 22 in the four corners of the court were small courts, forty cubits long and thirty broad; the four were of the same size. 23 On the inside, around each of the four courts was a row of masonry, with hearths made at the bottom of the rows all around. 24 Then he said to me, “These are the kitchens where those who minister at the temple shall boil the sacrifices of the people.”

 

NOTE: We need food for energy. We don't have perpetual nuclear fusion or skins with solar cells built in (like plants), God created a process that uses food to fuel our lives. In that design decision, a wonderful thing happens: relationships, and sometimes even spiritual fellowship.1 People gather around food to talk and share things. Food and the associated fellowship is a good thing. God created it for good. Unger (below) lists four purposes of the temple, but he leaves out at least one element, the importance of human interaction and the building of spiritual relationships in the house of God.

 

Merrill Unger listed four purposes of Ezekiel’s temple: to demonstrate God’s holiness (42:1–20), to provide a dwelling place for the divine glory (43:1–17), to provide a center for the divine government (43:7), and to perpetuate the memorial of sacrifice (43:18–27).

 

I think we forget the importance of food in building relationships. I want to incorporate more dinners with individuals in this new year.

 

1 Note: my bar for spiritual fellowship is higher than most. I don't consider sports, the weather, and even work discussion as fellowship. A discussion that involves spiritual encouragement or challenge or wisdom, that is what fits my definition of spiritual fellowship.

 

PONDER:

1. When was the last time we invited a family over for dinner?
2. Do I engage in spiritual fellowship or do I waste good relational time?

 

PRAYER: In these new days, where I have more time, help me to use it wisely to meet people on a different relational level.