relationships (Mark 10:46-52) Unencumbered Closeness

(Mark 10:46-52)

46 Then they came to Jericho. And later, as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a beggar who was blind named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the man who was blind, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. 51 And replying to him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the man who was blind said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

All too many times, we worry about the optics for ourselves or maybe for someone we might follow and respect.  Obviously, we are to respect others, and unless life-threatening, it would be rude to interrupt or create a disturbance during a royal procession.  Afterall, there is to be decorum and crowd management, for safety reasons, as well as for all the other people to have the ability to fully enjoy the pomp and circumstance.  But here is a blind man, at the mercy and charity of others.  And there goes Jesus, making His way out of the city.  That was most likely this man's last opportunity, and he was going to do whatever he could to get Jesus' attention.

Now, this man was already a believer.  We can know this, because he referred to Jesus as the Son of David, and Rabboni, which translates to master- chief- prince- Lord- CHRIST!!!  Although blind and unable to read any scriptures, he had certainly been listening!  And this man knew that Jesus was their promised Messiah (Christ).

Now, also notice that Jesus doesn't go to the man- who is blind!  He calls him over.  I'm quite sure that this man, who KNEW the Lord as his personal Savior, could sense exactly where Jesus was standing!  And not only could he find his way to Jesus, he threw off his cloak, which was a very valuable article of clothing, which would also serve as one's blanket at night, and in the day, a collection bag of sorts.  The man wanted to be unencumbered by such "frivolous" things, so that he could hurry to Jesus' side!

Jesus had no stern warnings for this man.  Jesus didn't even speak to him about not sinning anymore.  Jesus simply asked what the man wanted, and then told him that his faith had made him well.  And then the man physically followed Jesus!

I'm struck here with a thought.  A few chapters back, we were told that Jesus left His hometown, unable to do many miracles there because of the lack of faith.  Here we see that because of the man's faith, his "prayer" request was answered and he was physically healed.  From other scripture, we know that sin impedes our prayers and that praying in God's will, with faith, will result in answered prayers... Therefore, we need to realize that lacking faith, belief and trust in God- is- a sin- which we should not only confess, but we can ask the Lord to help us in having more faith, belief and trust.  Just like the one man said, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!"  Brilliant!!!  And this is a prayer request that God will definitely answer!

In a personal relationship with the Lord, we will know that He is God!  With God all things are possible... including and especially His work on the cross!  If and when we stray away- it is IF-AND-WHEN we decide to look for His light, we will see Him, so that we can run back to Him!  If and when circumstances bring struggles into our lives, it is IF-AND-WHEN we continue to get to know Jesus better, that we can sense His presence, so that we stay close to Him!  So, do we know Him enough to recognize His light and sense His presence?  In our needs and in our excitement, do we enthusiastically toss aside everything that encumbers us from being by Jesus' side and following Him?

relationships (Mark 10:41-52) serving vs manipulating

(Mark 10:41-52)

41 Hearing this, the other ten began to feel indignant with James and John. 42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their people in high position exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you; rather, whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wants to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Ha!  So we see that the other disciples were indignant- displeased... because why?  They might have been angry that James and John got to Jesus before they could with this request.  They might have felt self-righteous, thinking that if anyone should get those positions of prominence, it should be them.  Otherwise, why would Jesus have called them over for this important teaching moment?!

Our natural- SINFUL- inclination is to control.  Just to get our own way, people will say, do, implement and attempt various strategies, at home, at work, at school, and yes, sadly even at church.  People rarely say what they actually mean.  And while everyone can find themselves playing games, even with "good" intentions, some have it down to an art form, and some implement their manipulation tactics out of a learned habit.  Even if they have been formed as coping skills to survive, these "instinctual" reactions will not be healthy... UNLESS one's instinctual reactions involve going to God for His help and direction.  

An astute parent will realize that their babies very quickly learn how to manipulate.  There is the sincere cry of fear, discomfort and hunger, but then there is the selfish cry, just to get Mommy running over to fuss, dote and coddle.  Obviously, there's nothing wrong with just being with our children just for the sake of being with them.  But even babies have to learn that Mom and Dad have other duties, and they have needs as well.  In fact, an important task of Mom and Dad is to train up and equip their children, so that they are able to leave home, and live their lives!

Just like life isn't all about ourselves (the parents), life is NOT all about themselves (the babies).  If a baby has already learned how to manipulate, the baby is "old enough" to start to learn patience and how to trust Mom and Dad.  Constant instant gratification is actually not the epitome of love.  Sure, the doting parent will see themselves as a servant, and with sincere love, we should desire to demonstrate sacrificial love.  But let's put this into a healthy perspective.  

As a parent (or friend), we have to ask ourselves why we might be doting on someone.  Is it because it makes us feel better somehow?  Is it to earn or gain more control over the other person?  Are we secretly training others to depend on us, or are we teaching others to depend on God?!  Because what we might be doing under the "guise of love", could be doing way more harm than good!

We know that God loves us!  Now, when we pray and ask God for something, does God always give us instant gratification?  Only sometimes.  But then, most often in fact, as the perfect, heavenly Father, who knows what is best for us, He will say, "No," because what we request would be harmful to us, and/or He has something much better in mind for us.  He will sometimes say, "Just wait."  There are so many reasons why it might be best for us to wait.  In the meantime, God wants and asks us to rest in Him, rely on Him, and trust in Him that He knows what He is doing.  

After all, the Lord God, came in flesh to be our ultimate example to follow, as having the heart of a servant and a slave, who is the very definition of agape love (which is sacrificial, selfless and unconditional)!  And remember, because God is love, He never forces anyone to love Him back, and He never forces anyone to obey Him.  Yet, God will never enable us in our sinful behaviors.  He doesn't tell us what we want to hear, He tells us, in love, what we need to hear.  And in His great patience, (another example for us to follow), He never expects us to be perfect.  He extends to us His grace, because He KNOWS we are going to make mistakes, and so, His arms are always opened wide for us to run back to Him... because we realize that doing things His way, is so much better, and always works!

So very quickly then.  How can we avoid plotting and playing games of control and manipulation?. It helps to stop thinking about what others can do for us, and start praying and asking God to show us ways that we can serve Him, and serve others.  And in this, our only motive should be to demonstrate God's love, and to give God all of the glory!

relationships (Mark 10:32-40) Remaining Dependent

(Mark 10:32-40)

32 Now they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, 33 saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock Him and spit on Him, and flog Him and kill Him; and three days later He will rise from the dead.”

35 James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying to Him, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40 But to sit on My right or on My left is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

These people and the disciples had just heard Jesus talk to the rich man who assumed he was going to inherit eternal life.  And now we see these people amazed and fearful as they continued their journey following Jesus.  The Greek word for  "amazed" includes being stupefied with surprise, being astounded, astonished, and even terrified and frightened.  The Greek word for "fearful" includes being passively alarmed, frightened, sorely afraid, seized with alarms...and can also include a person who reveres or is in awe of.

I'm assuming that the people were mulling over everything that they had just heard.  But did they hear everything that was said?  Like, if they only heard that it is impossible for a rich man to inherit salvation- then- they would be left feeling confused, hopeless and fearful.  But if they heard that all things are possible with God, then one should be filled with a reverent "fear"- having a great respect.  

Of course, if we get ahead of ourselves, we might start inserting ourselves into the equation too much.  What I mean by that, is, yes, with God working for us, in us, with us and through us, He will accomplish great and mighty things.  But let's not forget that it is GOD in all of this, and He deserves all the credit and the glory.

Even when we believe in Jesus, we will struggle with pride and arrogance.  Even after hearing what Jesus was going to do, James and John assumed that they were also ready and worthy of such a great status.  Be careful what we pray for!  I have to confess that I once asked God to open my eyes to ALL human needs around me- because- I- could handle it.  wow.  I could not.  I became so overwhelmed, I fell into a depression.  And of course, at the time, I didn't know why I felt so far away from God.  It took about half a year to get back to trusting God in all aspects of life.  And it took many years for me to realize that I really had brought all of that upon myself!

The cup that Jesus mentioned refers to the cup of judgment, which only makes sense, because Jesus was about to go to the cross, to take on all sin, of all time, for all people, and go through the death and punishment that we all deserve!  The baptism that Jesus mentioned refers to being immersed- submerged- and overwhelmed- with the persecutions of His crucifixion. Later, James was the first of the twelve apostles martyred.  While John, who was the only one who lived to an old age, did suffer extreme persecution and banishment.

We are never promised a perfect life here on earth.  There will be struggles, issues and trials.  But because all things are possible with God, there will be blessings that come from remaining dependent on the Lord, and enjoying a close, personal relationship with Him.  One might be tempted to walk away from their faith to do it on their own, thinking that they will have more success in avoiding pain.  But... we live in a fallen, broken and sinful world.  Who is more reliable, able and powerful?  Ourselves?  Or the Lord God who, because of His great love for us, suffered and died in our place, to have victory over death and sin?

relationships (Mark 10:23-52) What is Possible

(Mark 10:23-52)

23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus responded again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were even more astonished, and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

28 Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and have followed You.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, 30 but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Society gets it wrong every time, thinking that those who are rich are the greatest and most generous, and those who are well educated are the wisest, and those who are religious and pious must be the most righteous.  While someone who is very rich might be able to give big sums of money to charities, they may be only giving a fraction of a percent of their income.  While someone with many degrees might be able to write many best sellers, etc., they may be using their knowledge to manipulate and take advantage of people and systems.  While someone who is religious may be leading people astray with meaningless rituals and empty promises.  Another outlook that is also wrong, is assuming that the poor are more righteous.  But these are all just judgements based on outward appearances.

I've heard some pastors and writers say that the eye of the needle refers to a gate in Jerusalem that was fairly narrow.  And a camel could go through that, but if it was carrying many packages, the packages would have to be unloaded first, and then the camel could go through.  Well, it's an imagery that may have a point about being repentant- BUT- verse 25 is referring to a literal eye of a sewing needle.  Duh!  Of course it would be impossible for a camel to go through that!  But with God, that would be possible!  THAT is extra amazing!  

In one's own efforts, even if one sold everything and gave it all to the poor, and then focused on following the biblical laws fervently, and saying all the right things... it would be impossible to get into heaven!  The only possible way to get into heaven is to go to the Lord and repent, accepting Him into our hearts and lives, making Him Lord of our lives!

In our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, He is the one who changes us from the inside out, to equip us and use us to accomplish great things according to His purpose.  He is the one who gives us His indwelling Holy Spirit forever, to guide us in His truth and wisdom, to help us understand how to appropriately apply the knowledge that we have.  He is the one who covers us with His righteousness, completes us, fulfills us and satisfies us.

As Christianity is a relationship with God, the Lord desires that we continuously, constantly look to Him, rely on Him, and trust in Him for everything.  Earning and having money is not a sin, but loving money is, so no matter what our income is, let's understand that it all comes from God, and He will provide, so we can be content in all things.  Being smart and educated is not a sin, but thinking that we are smart enough to figure things out in our own thinking... think again!  God desires that we ask Him for His omniscient wisdom and guidance, because He cares and knows what is best.  Obviously, following God's laws and directions is a very good thing, but if we are only going through the motions, it is meaningless.  Whatever we do, do it in the Lord's righteousness, in His strength, and all to His glory.

relationships (Mark 10:17-52) Showing True Love

 (Mark 10:17-52)

17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

It is all about realizing our need for the Lord, and making Him Lord of our lives.  This is to put God ahead of everyone and everything else.  While it is not necessary for us to sell all that we have and give it to the poor, this was a test for this man- who- obviously loved money more than God.  In fact, we can possibly assume that this man wasn't really earnest in knowing how to get to heaven.  I'm going to venture a guess and assume that he anticipated being asked for some money (as some teachers did), and he would have been more than willing to give some money "to the cause", but- with the desire for Jesus to tell him how upstanding and awesome he was.

Here is what we see and can know. Back then, a pious man would typically seek out his own teacher, but a wealthy man could typically "buy" the best or most popular teacher/mentor for himself.  Obviously, at that time, Jesus was both the best and was very popular.

The man knelt before Jesus, to show great respect to Him.  Obviously, his heartfelt respect wasn't all that great.  The demonstration was most likely to butter up Jesus.  And then flattery (another manipulation tactic)- the man called Jesus "Good".  Of course Jesus was and is Good, because He was and is God!  But Jesus knew that this man didn't realize it.  This is why Jesus asked the man exactly why he called Him "Good", while reminding the man that only God is good.  Not that the Lord plays games.  People like to play games.  God will meet us where we are at, and challenge us.

Now notice the man's question.  He wanted to know how he could work his way to heaven- by "doing" things.  And it was with the purpose to "inherit eternal life", which meant to many people at that time- to share in the Millennial kingdom (which is when Jesus will fulfill all covenants with Israel, giving them all of their promised land, seed, and blessings).  IF an Israelite fully understood how this will come to pass, they will know that it requires them (as a nation) to have accepted Jesus into their hearts as their personal Lord and Savior.  Which would then be to accept Jesus as their King (both personal and physical, to reign over their personal lives, as well as the nation of Israel).

Now here, Jesus lists the last set of the ten commandments which have to do with human relations.  These are fairly easy to judge, because they are more obvious if and when someone is obeying these.  Jesus followed that up with a test of the man's heart, regarding the first set of commandments, which is all about one's relationship with God!  Inheriting eternal life is to accept the salvation which can only be found in Jesus, when we repent of our sins and accept Him into our hearts- to have a close, personal relationship with Him.  Remember, as Jesus said, this is the greatest and most important commandment!.

In verse 21, it's very important to note that Jesus "showed love" to the man- by asking asking and saying what He did.  "If only" God is good, that means we are NOT.  Then, the man would have to admit he has broken some commandment.  And if the man had recognized that Jesus is the Lord God, and he had chosen to believe in Him, he would have THEN inherited eternal life.  This is showing love, to share the gospel message with others, because God's desire is that all come to know Him!

relationships (Mark 10:13-16) Love and True Transition

(Mark 10:13-16)

13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He would touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Just a few verses back, Jesus was telling the disciples how bad it is to be the cause of a "young" believer to stumble!  In society, it is so easy to forget that children are not only vulnerable, but they do grow up to be adults.  And then, what kind of adults will they be if and when they have not embraced God and His salvation?

Many unbelievers with evil intentions fully understand the value of children and their vulnerabilities.  If and when children are neglected and not protected, pedophiles and sex traffickers will be grooming them, cults will be luring them in to indoctrinate them, extreme political regimes will be radicalizing and recruiting them... In the guise of love, parents will even use their children to bring themselves fulfillment, which means that these children have been born with a purpose to please their parents as their god.  Parents will also use their children as leverage against (ex-) spouses or other family members, causing the children to believe that all problems and dysfunctions within the family is somehow all their fault.

While a child might come across as quite determined and independent, they fully need both parents to be involved in their lives, to love them, nurture and care for them, and guide and equip them for life.  Most importantly, children benefit when both parents continually strive in being steadfast believers, and examples for them to follow.  Children benefit from being around communities of Christians who love, mentor and encourage them in their spiritual walk with the Lord.

Jesus loves EVERYONE!!!  We are not to be prejudiced toward anyone- it doesn't matter one's age, one's sex, one's skin color, one's financial situation... "Everyone" means "everyone"!  We do not have to start a list of which people we need to include.  By making these lists and labels, we are literally dividing people up into groups, and we will somehow exclude someone somewhere.  God does not make mistakes, but people do.  And Satan and his realm want to deceive, distort, divide and destroy with the purpose of keeping people away from God.  But God has for us a purpose of love, unity, and a better way.

Because of His great love, Jesus went to the cross for all people, of all time (past, present and future).  Anyone going to the Lord to humbly repent of their sins, will be adopted into God's family, receiving His indwelling Holy Spirit who changes us from the inside out.  It is the Lord who transitions us from the realm of sin and death to the kingdom of heaven which is eternal life, healing peace, inexplicable joy and most certain hope.

relationships (Mark 10:2-12) Finding the Right One

(Mark 10:2-12)

2 And some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began questioning Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send his wife away.” 5 But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God created them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, 8 and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.”

10 And in the house the disciples again began questioning Him about this. 11 And He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her; 12 and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

This is God's will: that a believer marries another believer, that marriage is between a man and a woman, and they become an intimate team as the two become one, with God as their foundation of faith, pillar of strength and guiding light.  This is why it is so important not to rush into marriage.  

Here are a few things to keep in mind when single:

• to find the "right one", do not be looking for the right one
• seek after God to fill you, satisfy you, and complete you
• (Jesus is literally your soulmate!)
• let God know your desires
• then patiently rest in the Lord
• be content in all things, even in being single
• do not get desperate, keep your eyes fixed on the Lord
• pray a lot, pray about everything, even pray for your future spouse
• mature in the Lord as a steadfast believer 
• (in God's guidance, become one who will make a great spouse)
• serve the Lord, and get involved in your church
• surround yourself with steadfast, mature friends
• keep walking and striving with the Lord
• and then when you see someone walking beside you in the same direction, introduce yourself!