Saturday, 6/4/2011
Reading: Mark 1:21-28
http://http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%201:21-28&version=NIV
Reflection: As I read this passage, it seems to me that there were two things that caused those gathered at the synagogue to marvel at Jesus' message. I suppose this is striking to me because I am a pastor/preacher. As such, I stand weekly before God's people in the hopes that the Lord Himself will speak in and through me. And, I suppose, there is a hidden part of me that wants people to marvel over the message. Not so much that they will be impressed with me, that is of little consequence. But I do hope they will marvel over the message of God. Well, that's what the people in the synagogue did on this particular day. Jesus speaks, and we are told two times that the people were "amazed" by His teaching. But, notice what amazed them. It's not the sound effects, lighting system, staging, or Jesus' attempt to be relevant by using lingo with which the crowd could identify. Instead, the people are amazed because Jesus preaching came with authority and power. Rather than simply repeating a list of rules and commands, Jesus spoke with conviction, passion, wisdom, and clarity. And, when the demons tried to confront him, Jesus silenced them. So, while Jesus speaks with authority the demonic presence is silenced. This should be the focus of every pastor. Not glitz and glamor...but with authority and power. Without these two things, all the lights and sound effects will not matter...and with it the lighting and sound effects are not that necessary.
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