relationships (Mark 5:35-43) Losing a Loved One

(Mark 5:35-43)

35 While He was still speaking, people came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why bother the Teacher further?” 36 But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” 37 And He allowed no one to accompany Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the synagogue official, and He saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. 39 And after entering, He said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child has not died, but is asleep.” 40 And they began laughing at Him. But putting them all outside, He took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and entered the room where the child was in bed. 41 And taking the child by the hand, He said to her, “Talitha, kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 And immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astonished. 43 And He gave them strict orders that no one was to know about this, and He told them to have something given her to eat.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

One of the more difficult things about relationships is when we lose loved ones.  And the closer a person is to us, the more profound our loss will be.  As I get older, there are more and more of my friends and family who are passing away.  This is inevitable.  One thing that is sure in life, is that we will get sick, and we will die... unless the rapture happens while we are alive!  

For those who have put their faith in the Lord, and they pass away, we can be very confident that they are asleep in Christ...  

(1 Thessalonians 4:)  But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, so also God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.

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I'm going to be very blunt about these amazingly hope-filled facts!

ABOUT THE LORD GOD:

- He is omniscient, and knows all those who will choose to believe in Him

- He desires that all come to know Him, and so He gives each person fair opportunity to make their decision for eternity

- He determines when it is a person's time to pass away

ABOUT OUR RESPONSE:

- understand that it is a temporary loss, we will miss that person, but we will see them in heaven soon enough

- it is okay to cry, but don't get stuck in an endless loop of mourning, which really is selfishness on our part, because we are missing what that person meant to us and what they did for us

- we should be happy for the ones who are asleep in Christ

- they are ASLEEP, they are not angels looking over us!  God is looking over us

- they are ASLEEP, we should not be talking to them!  We are to only pray to God!

- we need to focus on the Lord God, and then continue loving and praying for those who are still alive

In a way to prepare ourselves, always continue to put God first!  If and when we make someone else our "rock", and they pass away, we are then without our rock, and we will feel hopeless and lost, like an unbeliever.  

Jesus should be our Rock.  He is eternal.  He is love.  He is faithful.  He is sovereign (omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent)!  He should be our everything!  I'm not saying that it is easy, but the Lord will bring us healing, peace and comfort for whenever a loved one passes away - when - we keep our hope, trust, faith and eyes fixed on the Lord.

relationships (Mark 5:21-34) The Loving Touch

(Mark 5:21-43)

21 When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and He stayed by the seashore. 22 And one of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came, and upon seeing Him, fell at His feet 23 and pleaded with Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” 24 And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him.

25 A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, 26 and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but instead had become worse— 27 after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. 28 For she had been saying to herself, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” 29 And immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that power from Him had gone out, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” 31 And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 32 And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be cured of your disease.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

We are all born sinful, sick and dying. So, what is very sure in this life is that we will make mistakes, we will get sick, and we will die.  And what is also very true, is that the Lord loves us so much, He wants us to go to Him as we are - for His forgiveness and eternal life.  At the same time, He wants us to always be "touching" Him - to confidently enjoy and embrace a personal relationship with Him.  It is a relationship that fills us, fulfills us, completes us, heals and comforts us, strengthens and encourages us..  And being omnipresent, the Lord is very accessible!  He comes to us.  He sees us, He loves us, and He patiently, faithfully, mercifully and graciously reaches out to us.

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relationships (Mark 5:1-20) The Closest One Can Be

(Mark 5:1-20)

1 They came to the other side of the sea, into the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him. 3 He lived among the tombs; and no one was able to bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces; and no one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and cutting himself with stones. 6 Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him; 7 and shouting with a loud voice, he said, “What business do You have with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” 8 For He had already been saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And He was asking him, “What is your name?” And he said to Him, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged Him earnestly not to send them out of the region. 11 Now there was a large herd of pigs feeding nearby on the mountain. 12 And the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us into the pigs so that we may enter them.” 13 Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the pigs; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea.

14 Their herdsmen ran away and reported it in the city and in the countryside. And the people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And then they came to Jesus and saw the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had previously had the “legion”; and they became frightened. 16 Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Him to leave their region. 18 And as He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was begging Him that he might accompany Him. 19 And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

First let's observe the townspeople and their reactions.  One would hope that they cared more about the man being delivered from the demons, than they cared about the pigs.  But the pigs equated to a lot of money, so it really was all just about caring for themselves.  And surprisingly, no one cared to know anything about Jesus, who had just performed this miracle.  Like, how did this unmanageable man suddenly become sane?!  And even though it was really the demons who had killed their livestock, they still blamed Jesus.  Therefore, It was all about their finances and themselves, and they wanted nothing to do with the Lord God.

Now, it's interesting to observe that before the man became a believer, the demons were influencing his behavior.  And fully recognizing who Jesus was, the demons influenced the man to hate and fear Jesus, also wanting nothing to do with Him.  But after Jesus delivered the man from the demons, and from death and despair, now the man just wanted to stay as close to Jesus as possible.

As believers, the Lord God is always with us, no matter what, as God is not only omnipresent, we have also been given His indwelling Holy Spirit!  Although this man didn't want to leave Jesus' literal side, maybe thinking that his life would be better as a direct disciple of His.  But in obedience, even though this man was very much alone in this life, he joyfully did as Jesus asked him, and with God's help, he spread the good news about the Lord and His salvation, and impacted many, many people.

My final ah-ha thought in this is... our relationship with the Lord is the closest best relationship we could ever have!  Even though He is not physically with us, we always have His Spirit with us.  And if and when He calls us to do something that sounds scary, or lonely (and I've been there-done that), it is in those events where we have no choice but to lean on and look to the Lord for everything.  It's not just about being in one's right mind, it's having a mind set on the Lord and His will and His righteousness.  And this is when we will draw even closer to the Lord, and experience more of Him, and His love, peace, comfort, strength, wisdom, provisions, blessings and closeness.

relationships (Mark 4:35-41) Comfort in Being Close

(Mark 4:35-41)

35 On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.” 36 After dismissing the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. 37 And a fierce gale of wind developed, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling with water. 38 And yet Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. 40 And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who, then, is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Well, Jesus knew that they would be safe and no one would perish in this event, and was therefore able to rest in faith and security... just like we should strive to rest in the Lord during the storms in our lives, whether they are physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.  Resting in the Lord is to call upon Him, and let Him calm whatever situation/s we are experiencing.  Yet, notice, Jesus did not still the storm as soon as it started.  Just as God will sometimes allow us to go through times of struggles, waiting for us to call on Him, and then rest in Him, trusting that He will do something about it - because - He does care!!!

I kind of have to laugh.  I would have some fear, embarrassment and regret if I had just accused the Lord of not caring, and then He got up and calmed the storm with His words.  Yet, how often will we accuse God of not caring, just because God isn't giving us what we think we need in the timing that we think it should be.  

It is actually when we do go through storms that we can grow in our faith and personal relationship in the Lord, because then, when we experience how He manages the situation/s, we will trust Him more and more.  And often - the storm/s that we are experiencing are more within our own heart!  It is only in Him, that we will experience His peace, calmness, comfort, strength, security and certain hope!  

As we grow stronger in our faith, we will realize and understand that God is sovereign.  In knowing all things, and because He cares, He knows just how to help us, and when to help us.  In being all-powerful, He is able to do far more than we can even imagine.  Therefore, we will learn to be talking to Him more and more in prayer, and asking Him for His help, immediately.  I mean, why wait?!  And we will learn that we don't have to fear anyone or anything - when - we are close to the Lord!  Because He is everywhere-present, He is always there.  So, let's ask ourselves, "Where are we in our relationship with God?"

relationships (Mark 4:30-41) Having Great Purpose

(Mark 4:30-41)

30 And He was saying, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is the smallest of all the seeds that are upon the soil, 32 yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants, and forms large branches, with the result that the birds of the sky can nest under its shade.”

33 And with many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to understand it; 34 and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

In that area of Galilee, the mustard seed was their smallest seed, and there, it would grow into a tree that was ten to fifteen feet high.  In God's love, He wants a personal relationship with all people, but it must be each person's decision.  As one person becomes a believer, with the Lord's help, they share God's love and message of hope to others.  Others become believers, and they also share God's love and message of hope... and so on and so on.  Of course, our work is tiny, in comparison to the work of the Lord!  And His kingdom might seem to have begun in obscurity, but it will culminate in glory.

As to our part in all of this, as believers, all we need is a willing heart.  And we can see from Jesus' perfect example of how He taught... people came to Him, and He would share "just enough".  And then to His disciples, Jesus would teach them in-depth details.  Because our faith is a journey in a personal relationship with the Lord, we know that we do not know everything.  But in our desire to know the Lord more and more, we will continue learning and growing - because it is the Lord's indwelling  Holy Spirit within us that is helping us and guiding us!  

Therefore, God's kingdom is not just numerical, but it is individual growth as well.  But in our individual growth, we will have a part in sowing those seeds which will have a part in numerical growth.  And in mentoring and encouraging others, we will have a part in sowing those seeds of truth which will have a part in the spiritual growth of other believers.  Yet, it is still all the Lord's doing, and all to His glory!  So, while our part is seemingly so extremely tiny, it pleases the Lord, as it is part of His supernaturally large and extremely great and loving purpose!

relationships (Mark 4:26-41) Filling the Void

(Mark 4:26-41)

26 And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27 and he goes to bed at night and gets up daily, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. 28 The soil produces crops by itself; first the stalk, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29 Now when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Jesus uses farming as a very familiar allegory to illustrate the bigger picture.  Every farmer would have agreed that the grain only grew because of God’s providence, not the farmer’s power.  Even the pagans would seek out divine help for their crops by making sacrifices to their god/s.  Some pagans in their spiritual beliefs would (and will) even go so far as to sacrifice one of their children. Without understanding, they instinctually do things that are twisted versions of what God has done, or has directed us to do in order to experience a better way. 

We see people carrying out mock versions of Christianity everywhere.  Many people will simply go through the motions of Christianity, without understanding.  And if that isn't palatable enough to one's pride and selfishness, people will try to fill their lives in many other different ways.  One of those ways is with a religion or a cult, all of which are created by people, trying to create a god or gods in their own image, desires and thinking.  And they find themselves tediously trying to work their way to some sort of "higher being" and/or upper status.

It's important to understand that God created all of us to have a personal relationship with Him, therefore He created all of us with a soul, which can only be filled by Him.  So, when a person doesn't know the Lord God personally (yet), they will feel empty, like something is missing, and with that, they will search out different ways to fill that void.  Because God is love, He will never force anyone to love Him back, or be obedient, so while it is everyone's free choice, there is still only one way to God and to heaven.

The Lord God's way is that He comes to us.  He gave His life as the ultimate and final sacrifice, so that He can offer and provide us salvation and freedom from sin, to anyone who humbly repents and chooses to believe in Him.  The Lord Jesus fills us with His indwelling Holy Spirit, and changes us from the inside out.  And then, in our personal journey and relationship with Him, as we ask and allow, the Lord will work for us, in us and through us, all to His glory.

We should also ask and allow God to give us opportunities and the right words to speak, in order to share the gospel message.  This is how we help plant the seed (God's word and truths).  And besides sharing the good news, we are to be praying for others, and showing His love to others.  This is all that God asks of us.  He does the rest, and He knows those who will turn to Him.  The Lord God loves all people, and desires that all come to know Him!  So, as we love the Lord, we will desire what He desires, and love as He loves...

(Matthew 9:36-38)  Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

relationships (Mark 4:21-25) The Love of Our Lives

(Mark 4:21-25)

21 And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, or under a bed, is it? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? 22 For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

It's human nature to want to share to the world all about our greatest experiences, like one's engagement to the "love of our life", or the birth of a child, or all about meeting and chatting with some beloved celebrity.  And it's human nature to want to remember and disclose all the details about these experiences.  If anyone asks, we want to tell them exactly how and when we met our spouse.  Whether someone cares or not, we're going to inundate them with all our photos of every documented little expression the baby has ever made.  And we are probably going to broadcast to anyone with ears, every word that the very famous person said to us, which has been etched in our brain forever.  Oh, and let's not forget all the sports fans who remember and are overjoyed to rehash games, scores, players names and STATS.

Now, there is no one more famous than the Lord Jesus!  And He actually literally sacrificially, unconditionally and selflessly loves everyone, and desires to have a close, personal relationship with us.  He is the only One able to save us from death and despair.  And He knows all truth, and shares with us everything we could possibly need to know about life, and how to go about having better relationships with others - with His help, strength and guidance.  All we have to do is humbly repent, accepting His forgiveness for all our sins and accepting Him into our hearts.  Believing in Him, is trusting that everything He tells us is true and valuable!  Therefore, Jesus even helps us to understand more and more of His word.

For believers who know Him personally, we should be excited to soak up every word He speaks and has ever written to us.  And we should be overjoyed to rehash these amazing, life-changing truths and experiences, with people who also know Jesus, and with those who do not yet know Jesus!  And with this most famous One, not only can we, but He wants us to tell Him everything that is on our hearts and minds, all of the time.  You know, because it is a relationship, and He wants the best for us, and He is all-knowing and all-powerful and everywhere-present!.  

As verse 25 says, those who respond to His truth, will receive more, because the Lord is very generous, like, "the more you know..." And so, just as Jesus is generous, so we should be... willing to share the good news of Jesus to others when we are given opportunities.  The Lord is literally my soulmate, and THE Love of my life!  "Hey, I personally know the most famous, smartest, richest, strongest, and most powerful, generous and caring celebrity to have ever walked this earth!  Can I introduce Him to you?"  It's all about personally knowing and sharing God and His truth.