relationships (Mark 7:24-37) The Greatest Honor

(Mark 7:24-37)

24 Now Jesus got up and went from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know about it; and yet He could not escape notice. 25 But after hearing about Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician descent. And she repeatedly asked Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children’s crumbs.” 29 And He said to her, “Because of this answer, go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 And after going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

31 Again He left the region of Tyre and came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, within the region of Decapolis. 32 And they brought to Him one who was deaf and had difficulty speaking, and they begged Him to lay His hand on him. 33 And Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers in his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; 34 and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” 35 And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly. 36 And He gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it. 37 And they were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well; He makes even those who are deaf hear, and those who are unable to talk, speak.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Jesus does not see Gentiles as less-than, and He did not call the woman a dog.  Jesus only used this as an analogy, in order for the woman to demonstrate her faith in the supremacy of the true God, especially since pagans typically sought out magicians for healing.  These verses demonstrate that this woman not only understood the historical background of Israel and the Lord God, but she also understood that non-Jewish people are included.  She even had enough faith to know that God could heal her daughter with even the smallest fraction of His power!

While people also went to magicians for things like healing, Jesus was not trying to emulate them when He healed the deaf and mute man.  In fact, this is why Jesus took the man aside.  And while we know Jesus could heal someone without even touching them, here we see something very different.  Remember, the man was deaf, and it was just him and Jesus, so what Jesus did with His hands was most likely a type of sign language for the man to understand that He was going to heal him, and to encourage the man's faith in what He was about to do.

While magicians preferred to perform in front of large crowds, using physical antics and gestured in their tricks, they would also use unintelligible phrases.  So here, Jesus not only healed this man in private, with sign language that the man could understand, Jesus also spoke Aramaic, which would have been a common language in that region, because most likely, the man could lip-read a bit, as well.  This all just demonstrates how much Jesus wants to communicate with us, and for us to know and understand Him!  It's just up to us to listen!  

These verses are also not saying that Jesus doesn't want to be found, and it is not saying that we are to keep silent about Him.  Jesus is always there for those who seek Him - because - they truly want Him in their life.  And for us right now, Jesus certainly wants us to tell others about Him.  

This is our great commission in life... to ask and allow the Lord to guide us into opportunities, and give us the right words to speak in ways for others to hear the good news message clearly, so that they may also come to know the Lord in a personal relationship.  We have the great honor of being a child of God, the great honor of being able to hear Him speak to us, the great honor of Him wanting us to speak to Him, and the great honor of introducing the Lord Jesus to the world.

relationships (Mark 7:1-23) A Growing Internal Love

(Mark 7:1-23)

The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered to Him after they came from Jerusalem, 2 and saw that some of His disciples were eating their bread with unholy hands, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the other Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thereby holding firmly to the tradition of the elders; 4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they completely cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received as traditions to firmly hold, such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and copper pots.) 5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk in accordance with the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unholy hands?” 6 But He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:

     ‘This people honors Me with their lips,
     But their heart is far away from Me.
7   And in vain do they worship Me,
     Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

8   Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”

9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘The one who speaks evil of father or mother, is certainly to be put to death’; 11 but you say, ‘If a person says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is, given to God),’ 12 you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother; 13 thereby invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

14 After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside the person which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which come out of the person are what defile the person.”

17 And when He later entered a house, away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him about the parable. 18 And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding as well? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the person from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thereby He declared all foods clean.) 20 And He was saying, “That which comes out of the person, that is what defiles the person. 21 For from within, out of the hearts of people, come the evil thoughts, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, acts of adultery, 22 deeds of greed, wickedness, deceit, indecent behavior, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile the person.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

It is our human selfish, sinful nature that wants to judge and compare ourselves to others, both unbelievers and believers.  And to do that, we will put onto ourselves, and others, our personal standards and preferences.  But Jesus wants us to listen to Him, and understand what He wants for our lives (as He says in verse 14).  

The Lord God wants us to have a relationship with Him, and put this relationship ahead of all else, and listen to His commandments, instructions and teachings, BECAUSE the Lord God knows all things, created us, knows us better than we know ourselves, and He wants the best for us.  Why would we not want to live according to what He says?!

There are only TEN commandments.  TEN!!!  And these can be summed up into TWO:  maturing in our love relationship with God, which will then help us mature in our love relationships with other people.  So, in our relationship with the Lord God, in His forgiving our sins, He covers us with His righteousness.  And as we ask and allow, He will continue working for us, with us, in us, and through us.  

Therefore, lets consider how we can mature in our own, personal love relationship with Jesus.  And then, we can encourage others in their spiritual walk with the Lord.  It is not about doing things in our own thinking, strength and motives.  It is about "being"... being a child of God... being in the Lord's wisdom, strength and love.  It is all about the Lord's indwelling love, which will become more evident to others as we continue to grow closer to the Lord God, Himself.

relationships (Mark 6:45-56) Gaining Insight on Love

(Mark 6:45-56)

45 And immediately Jesus had His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He Himself dismissed the crowd. 46 And after saying goodbye to them, He left for the mountain to pray.

47 When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. 48 Seeing them straining at the oars—for the wind was against them—at about the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. 49 But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost, and they cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” 51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored at the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55 and ran about that entire country and began carrying here and there on their pallets those who were sick, to wherever they heard He was. 56 And wherever He entered villages, or cities, or a countryside, they were laying the sick in the marketplaces and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and all who touched it were being healed.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

In yesterday's devotion, I gave myself a "duh", but today the "duh" goes to the disciples.  Aaaannd... still a "duh" to myself as I look back on verse 52. Before I get all self-righteous, let's look at a few of the logs in my own eyes.  Just how many times have I sat in church, and found myself thinking about something else, maybe even worrying about something.  But most likely, if I would soften my heart in those moments, and open my eyes and ears to the message, I could very well gain insight and apply that to what I've been obsessing about!

Well, here we see the disciples who had just witnessed Jesus feeding thousands and thousands of people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, and they are astonished that Jesus is able to walk on water?!  Now, remember in the book of Matthew, we read that Peter asked to join Jesus, but in loosing focus on the Lord, he began to sink.  But meanwhile, all the other disciples stayed on the boat.  They weren't even willing to try to meet Jesus out on the water.  And then, to witness many, many people being healed, just by toughing the fringe of Jesus' cloak!!!  It's difficult to fathom how someone seeing all of this firsthand, would struggle to gain insight and grow in their faith.

Now, in the bigger picture, a person who hardens their heart, is someone who is unwilling to see the Lord for who He is really is.  If we only consider Him a person, then we are sorely mistaken and underestimating Him by an incalculable amount!  Jesus is the Lord God who came to earth, to be fully man while being fully God.  And after His resurrection and ascension, He sent us His Holy Spirit.  After the Day of Pentecost, anyone becoming a true believer, receives His indwelling Spirit... 

The Spirit of the sovereign Lord God is within us.  So, He is right here with us, to guide us towards gaining insight, and "walking on water", and giving us His strength and equipping us with whatever it is needed to accomplish what He asks us to do.  With God, all things are possible.  We need to stop hardening our hearts in thinking things like, "Yeah, but God can't or won't do those types of things today" or, "He isn't going to bother much with little ol' me" or, "If I can't feel His presence, then I don't feel like bothering..." 

Here's the insight.  God cares!  He's with us to do great things for us, in us and through us - IF AND WHEN - we call upon Him and ask, because He will never force us to be obedient.  And then - IF AND WHEN - we are obedient, this is when we will feel and experience the Lord.  But if we keep one or both eyes shut, and prefer to live in denial about what God has already done in our lives, that's on us.  

God is not some genie with three wishes or some slot machine in the sky, He created us to have a relationship with Him.  Mankind rejected Him, bringing sin and death into the world, and with that separation from God.  So, He came to earth in flesh, only to be rejected again.  But in this, He took on the punishment and death that we all deserve, whether we reject Him or accept Him.  There's that prideful challenge people will ask others, "What would YOU do for love?"  Well, how about thanking and praising the Lord for everything He has done for love, is doing for love, and will still do for love!

relationships (Mark 6:33-56) Applying Love and Compassion

(Mark 6:33-56)

33 The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. 35 And when it was already late, His disciples came up to Him and said, “This place is secluded and it is already late; 36 send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread, and give it to them to eat?” 38 But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 And He ordered them all to recline by groups on the green grass. 40 They reclined in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He gave them to the disciples again and again to set before them; and He divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied; 43 and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces of bread, and of the fish. 44 There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Jesus had compassion on these people, who had just run, probably several miles, dragging their wives and children along with them... just to hear Jesus teach!  Imagine if people were that eager and excited to go to church!!! To hear what Jesus wants to tell us "today"!  Because in a personal relationship with the Lord, the desire to have a two-way communication with Him should be there.  Like, having an excited and eager desire!  We can share with Him, and He will share with us.

Not only is our personal relationship with God just between Him and us, it is also about us serving one another, and sharing God's love with others, WITH the Lord Jesus right there with us.  He's got to be involved!  Like, how would it be if we kept talking about our amazing friend, but our amazing friend was never with us, so that people could start wondering if maybe we simply had an imaginary friend!

Now, I see that the main lesson in these verses is about compassion, which is part of how we can show God's agape love to others.  But let's make sure that this isn't improperly applied.  We can see examples of what not to do in our society, where people will proudly place great compassion and support towards terrorist regimes, vicious cartels and criminals who kill, hurt and take advantage of the vulnerable, or execute those who simply have different opinions.  Where is the compassion for the victims, and the weak and the vulnerable?

Notice that Jesus had compassion on these people, because they were sheep without a shepherd.  The Pharisees were also like sheep without a shepherd, but with one big difference, these people wanted to be close to Jesus and learn from Him, while the Pharisees just wanted to undermine Jesus and murder Him.  Obviously, Jesus still loved the Pharisees, but we don't ever see Jesus trying to sway the Pharisees with social "niceties".  That would be like saying, "What you are doing and what you are all about is okay" - because - it is not!

Should we then not have any compassion towards criminals?  We certainly are to be patient, gracious and respectful, ready to show compassion and share the love of God with all people.  And as God gives us opportunities, we can mentor and pour into others.  Now, I love the prison ministries that some Christian organizations have.  Bringing the gospel message to hardened criminals is an excellent idea, because we never know who will be receptive to hearing God's word.  Especially when they find themselves in prison, with nowhere else to go- they might already be contemplating life and feeling remorse.  There's the rub!  

If a criminal has no remorse, they will only take advantage of compassion.  But show them forgiveness and love, even after they have hurt us, that's hopefully going to get them to think.  But if they do have remorse and desire to hear about God's love and the way of salvation, this is where and when we can know that they need compassion.  Not to help spring them out of jail, but let them find spiritual freedom from their sins.  There was a group of men who were on death row.  Someone held a Bible study with them, and all of them became Christians.  They all felt the desire to become missionaries.  But they didn't request that they be set free, instead, they requested to be transferred to other prisons, where they could share the love of Jesus with other inmates.

Now let's look at the disciples.  Jesus had spent the entire day teaching these people, and the disciples just wanted to send the multitude away, using hunger as an excuse.  Instead, Jesus asked them to find and serve food to the people, with love and compassion.  So, here we come back to how Jesus should be involved in everything.  Here Jesus gave the disciples their next calling, with a desire for the disciples to then continue the conversation with Him by asking Jesus to help them with this.  Instead, they turn to themselves, and their own hopeless, helpless thinking... it's too far, it would cost about half a year's income to feed everyone, this is an impossible ask...

Except, with God, all things are possible!  God is not going to ask us to do something, without having the answer and the means to get it done.  But He is not going to force us to be obedient.  Because it is all about agape love, and having a personal relationship with Him, the Lord wants us to ask Him for His help!  And I say "duh" to myself because I know just how quickly and easy it is to quickly forget!

relationships (Mark 6:30-32) Decompressing and Regrouping

(Mark 6:30-32)

30 The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) 32 And they went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Working long, hard hours is tiring, but working long hard hours while dealing with people, is extra tiring, and extra stressful.  Even "good stress" is stress, which can deplete our energy.  So here, Jesus puts into practice two important aspects when it comes to work, and even life itself: there is a need to debrief, and there is a time to rest and eat.

I once thought I was an extravert, because I will be very sociable at church, or at group functions, or even grocery shopping (I'm the one willing to chat with anyone).  But after any big meetings or social gatherings, I'm exhausted.  My husband is the same way, so we have learned to be very respectful of each other's energy levels and personal time needed to decompress and "regroup".  On our own, this is a perfect time to invite the Lord into our personal conversation, about what went right, what went wrong, how can God help us do something different, or better...

One of the first things I learned when we were newly married was to not bombard my husband with questions and stories as soon as he came home from work.  It was very helpful to him, and to our relationship, to just give him a few moments, if possible.  I mean, there are times when something requires urgent attention, and he is very good about jumping in to help wherever and however he can.  And once we had kids, he found it fun and relaxing to play with them, not just so he could connect with our children, but it gave me a moment to decompress, regroup, and get a few other things done.  Then, when things settled down, we would catch up with each other's day.

While personal time and space is important, we have to make sure that it doesn't become selfish and/or self-serving.  Love is about being selfless, and humbly serving one another.  So, with prayer, because the Lord understands our needs, we can figure out when and how many ways we should be serving in the church or the community.  We might feel obligated to say yes to every request, but this is not healthy or helpful to ourselves, or to others, if we start spreading ourselves too thin.

And here's a critical thing to keep in mind - we need to be in prayer for our pastors and missionaries!  If we understand that working is hard, and working with people is extra hard, just add the spiritual entity to that!  It's extra-extra!  As well, we are to be praying for each other, to remain steadfast in our relationship with the Lord, putting Him first, and loving others with God's love and guidance.  

As for ourselves, what is challenging is to not focus on the selfish, self-centered prayers... I want, I need, I wish... While we are to tell Jesus everything, like with the disciples, Jesus wants us to have time with Him, and talk to Him about what we have done, what we are doing, or thinking of doing, and ask Him for His feedback and mentorship... regarding ourselves, other people, how things work or don't work, and about the Lord, to better know and understand Him, His word and His will for our lives!  We have so much learn and do, and Jesus wants to be 100% involved!

relationships (Mark 6:7-29) Love is Never Forced

(Mark 6:7-29)

7 And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; 8 and He instructed them that they were to take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— 9 but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not wear two tunics.” 10 And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. 11 Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 And they went out and preached that people are to repent. 13 And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.

14 And King Herod heard about it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.” 15 But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard about it, he kept saying, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen!”

17 For Herod himself had sent men and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death, and could not do so; 20 for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he had been protecting him. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; and yet he used to enjoy listening to him. 21 An opportune day came when Herod, on his birthday, held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders, and the leading people of Galilee; 22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And although the king was very sorry, because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he was unwilling to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about this, they came and carried away his body, and laid it in a tomb.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Let's compare Herod with the Apostle Paul.  Some people prefer dysfunctional and destructive fear and hatred.  Paul had been such a person, who was very zealous in his fear and hatred of the Church-movement, and made great efforts to try to exterminate all Christians, UNTIL he met Jesus and saw the light, believed and humbly repented!  Meanwhile, Herod heard God's truths through John the Baptist and was even entertained by them, but never bothered to find understanding.  And even when Herod heard about Jesus's ministry, and felt the guilt of murdering John, instead of repenting, he continued to create dysfunctional and destructive drama in his own life.  

People will believe what they want to believe.  Even if they see evidence of truth, they will continue trying to justify their lies.  Just like Herod, people will deceive themselves.  Even when they are afraid and feel guilt-ridden, their pride prevents them from going to the Lord for forgiveness and salvation.  They prefer to remain in the world that they create for themselves, which will come to an end here on earth.

As believers, we are to love and pray for everyone.  And as the Lord gives us opportunity, in God's strength, wisdom and love, let us share His gospel message.  If and when we are met with resistance, this is when we "stop throwing pearls before the swine" and move on.  Lovingly, graciously, God does not force anyone to love Him back, so why would we try forcing God on someone?  But, we are to continue loving and praying for those people.  We never know when someone will see the light, but God does!  And God loves all people, and desires that all come to know Him in a personal relationship!

relationships (Mark 6:1-56) How Do We Identify?

(Mark 6:1-56)

1 Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man learn these things, and what is this wisdom that has been given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? 3 Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are His sisters not here with us?” And they took offense at Him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not dishonored except in his hometown and among his own relatives, and in his own household.” 5 And He could not do any miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He was amazed at their unbelief.

And He was going around the villages, teaching.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

The North American culture often defines a person by their job or position in life.  One of the first things people typically ask someone when they first meet is, "So, what do you do for a living?"  If someone is still in school, the question becomes, "What is your major?"  In other words, what do you hope to do for a living one day?

Unless someone is a career criminal, a career is only about what we do, not about who we are, .And now in society... many people feel that it is important to define themselves by their sex and their sexual orientation, somehow believing that this is their identify.  But then if and when anyone disagrees with the unethicalness, they feel like one is trying to kill them as a person.  Just like if, for example, someone identified as a carpenter, and society looked down on carpenters, the carpenter would then feel undervalued as a person. 

In the verses above, the people who knew Jesus best, from childhood, defined Him by exactly these things, seeing Him "only" as a carpenter, and the son of Mary.  They probably considered the reputations of His brothers, and judged Jesus in the same light.  Their main issue is that they only saw Jesus as a Man, and not as the Son of God - God, Himself - and knowing THIS would have explained how Jesus could know all these things and perform all those miracles!

One's faith in the Lord is all about having a personal relationship with Him, which would include knowing Him.  Who is Jesus, what are His traits, and what and who does He represent?  As part of the Trinity, Jesus is God, Himself.  God is neither male nor female.  God is.  God is eternal, light, life, love, truth, righteous, holy, sovereign (omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent)...

Jesus came to earth in flesh, to be fully man while still being fully God.  He came with a mission: to heal within morally directed faith.  The miracles prove who He was and is, and that He had authority as the Lord, to bring about ultimate healing through faith because of His accomplished work on the cross.  Therefore, the goal of Jesus, as He went around ministering to people and healing them, was not to impress them, but to demonstrate that His goal is to provide a way to a relationship.

The Lord Jesus in His love will never force anyone to love Him back, or be obedient, therefore, to be spiritually healed requires us to want to know Him, and love Him for who He is, and trust Him because of who He is.  This is faith.  And the more we get to know Jesus personally, the more we will see and experience evidence of His presence in our lives.  As Christians then, who are we?  It's not so much as identifying as a "Christian", but that we understand our identity is in Christ!