Mark 9
As we move into Mark 9, I notice something that begins to start taking place throughout the story telling. Jesus begins to continually make reference to His resurrection. And the scriptures say that the Disciples were either "afraid" or "confused", and did not ask Him about this.
This brought up an interesting thought for me. How many times are we afraid of the answer to something or confused and don't want to look stupid, therefore, we don't ask. I find that this happens a lot. It took me a long time to get to a point where I would lay down my own pride and not worry about looking stupid or hearing what I didn't want to hear and just ask. The reality is, sometimes the answer we get is not the answer we want, or the answer we get gives us information that we really would've rather not known. However, the answer is the answer, nonetheless. We can't change the answer. It is what it is, and rather than avoid it, I think we need to sometimes embrace it. We need to realize that God is Sovereign. He has ordained all things from beginning to end. And though we may not understand it, or like it, it is what it is, regardless. A perfect example would be the flood that we have recently experienced this week. None of us know why, nor would any of us, I would imagine, want it to have happened. But in the end, it becomes an opportunity for us. It's in those times when we can show humility by admitting we don't know the answer. We can show compassion by helping those who are affected. And we can show the love of Christ by just being there for people, praying for people, and caring for people.
-robbie
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Throughout scripture we see that our faith is tested through trials and tribulations. These are the times that the devil leads us to question intentions of Christianity. Why would a just God allow these things, such as the referenced flood to happen? Well, it's how we handle these trials and tribulations that lead us to either perservere, or fail. We have to trust in Him and turn everything over to Him, to come out stronger and to walk in a light that is closer to what he intended. I am so proud of the victims of the flood that when asked how they are feeling about the whole situation, they respond, "We have been saved by the grace of God. We have lost all of our possessions and our homes, but thank the Lord that we have what matters most- our faith and our family!" Would we be strong enough to answer with that response, even though we wouldn't know where we are going to be resting our heads the next night?
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to say too little about Hell? I believe we do nowadays and that's only my opionion. Many seem to have no fear and neither did I at one time. I believe Jesus is telling us that avoiding Hell would be worth any sacrafice. We think of God's kingdom as the great reward, but it will take sacrifice. Myself especially!!
ReplyDeleteWe need salt in our lives, not selfseeking but peace with one another. Moving together and proving to a world that God's kingdom is worth whatever we must endure.
A question which has been on my mind ALOT here lately relates robbie's above writings as well as passages 9:2-29. We see the disciples asking question after question. The question, which is of intrensicly reflective and personal worth, is, "How much an a 21 year old boy really know about God, the World, Humanity, etc?" I never forget I am a finite speck of dust in the Universe. If the Universe is a radar I see I'm not even big enough to cause a blimp. My well of knowledge is as shallow as the puddles we step in. Yet, the finite nature, trivial size, and ignorance of humanity do not define our importance to God. Instead, He sent the Lamb to be slaughtered despite these things. The disciples had many questions. If they could come to our time, I wonder what kind of questions they would ask.
ReplyDelete50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again?
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about reputation, and this is all over it. Once we destroy our reputation by doing something stupid, how can we lead anyone to Jesus? They see us and think, "They're no better than me."
We have to make sure we are imitating Jesus in every part of our lives, or it will look like we don't have Him at all.
A couple of things really came to mind for me: 1) this chapter helps me see how similar I am to the disciples. I think many times I put them on a pedestal as these "great" men. They were chosen by God, but were just like us. They questioned Jesus, and He was right there. They argued about their status, and these things just separate Jesus from the rest of humanity. We are all in the 12! 2)I think what Jesus says to the man who is bringing his son is so very poignent in my life. "23And Jesus said to him, (AF) "'If you can'!(AG) All things are possible for one who believes." 24Immediately the father of the child cried out[d] and said, "I believe;(AH) help my unbelief!" God, help my unbelief!
ReplyDeleteBut(AE) if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." 23And Jesus said to him, (AF) "'If you can'!(AG) All things are possible for one who believes."
ReplyDeleteHow crazy this seems to me that someone would say to Jesus "if you can do anything". I guess before people were believers there would be cause to ask that question. I wonder if I would have asked it myself had I been witness to all this. I know now that everything is possible with Jesus. This also reminded me of the topic of how would we convince someone that Jesus is capable of miracles and wonders unless we could show them one. Could I convince a non-believer to change their beliefs based on what I say? This goes along with what Robbie pointed out that sometimes we are afraid to answer for fear that what we say isnt right or good enough. This is something I think I struggle with ALOT. I have no problem sharing my faith with people but if I was met with a real questioner, someone that would need "proof" Im not sure I would know how to proceed. Im not sure this is an argument I could easily win, but I know that I wouldnt give up until I had exhausted every angle and probably called in Erik, Robbie, Shawn, Kim, James, etc etc etc......
I was struck by verses 23 & 24. In the midst of storms, it's easy to forget what God has done for us. It seems like a whole new nightmare that we haven't gone through before and how could God possibly get us through this one? I've forgotten his faithfulness many times and the way He's worked in my life. Sometimes, all I've been able to see is the mountain in front of me. For the boy's father to re-affirm "I believe!" and confess His unbelief reminds me that in every situation, it's God who changes our hearts and draws us to Him. It's God who is in control and working things together for good. Humbling scripture for me to read.
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