Love Is At The Center Of It All

Friday, July 29, 2011

Reading: Mark 12:28-34

Reflection: What an amazing statement made by this teacher of the law. In fact, after all of His confrontation with the other leaders and lack of understanding by His own disciples, the response of this man to Jesus' statement must have been refreshing. Did you notice what the man said? He stated, in essence, that loving God and loving others is of more importance (one could say more central) than all the ceremonial rituals in the world (burnt offerings and sacrifices). In other words, at the center of Christian faith is not religious ceremonies, rules or moral standards. That's not to say that those things are unimportant...they are. However, they are not of primary importance. Once can be morally right in the sight of all, religious in every way, and seek to follow virtually every rule of faith, but if they do not love God and neighbor, they have missed the point. You see, we are not to love God in order to find the motivation to fulfill the rules...that makes the rules central. We are to fulfill the rules because they purify our hearts, shape our thinking and remove obstacles so that we might love God and others more fully. So, let's make sure we keep love at the center of all we do...for without it we are not nearly as close to the kingdom as we might think.

An Equation Never To Forget

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Reading: Mark 12:18-27

Reflection: Math has never been one of my best subjects. I'm not sure if it's because I have a hard time with the actual subject, or that I just don't like the work and therefore have a hard time focusing long-term on any single equation. However, this passage has an equation that even I can understand. In fact, it's an equation that seems to always "add up." Here is that equation: Don't know the scriptures + Don't know the power of God = Being tragically wrong in life. This is the actual equation Jesus uses with the Sadducees concerning the issue of the resurrection. Now, we could get into the details of what the Sadducees believed and why it was wrong, but the point for me is the equation and what it means to me. If I want to ensure that I don't "get it wrong" in either what I think or what I do, then I need to make sure that I know the scriptures while at the same time understanding the power of God. If I know these two things, and allow them to guide my thinking and acting, I will never find myself "badly mistaken."

Don't Get Trapped

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Reading: Mark 12:13-17

Reflection: This passage makes it clear that those who come to question Jesus are coming to trap in his words. In other words, they want to catch Jesus saying something that will lead to His demise. They follow a set plan that many seem to follow when seeking to catch us off guard and trip us up. First, they use play acting to hide their real motives. Second, they use flattery to gain access to us in a way that open confrontation would never grant. Third, they ask a trick question that could easily cause Jesus to say something He might regret. Now, if you have ever had anyone seek to trip you up with your words, you know that this is the exact way many seek to reach their goal. Through group presence, flattery and hidden motives they seek to manipulate and trick us. For this reason, as believers we must always be in prayer for wisdom to see the motives of others, humility that removes the impact of flattery, and courage to not be intimidated by numbers or size. If we do these things, perhaps our actions and responses will be as wise as was the response of Jesus.

Trying To Take What Was Never Ours

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Reading: Mark 12:1-12

Reflection: OK...I realize that this is likely a relatively superficial application of this passage of scripture. However, as I read this passage what initially struck me was my tendancy to think I am the rightful owner of that which belongs to God and has been entrusted to me. All that I have is truly Gods. He has entrusted it to me for a season of time. I am free to use those things, enjoy those things, and perhaps most importantly to care for and protect those things for His sake and name. The day will come when He returns to claim what has always rightfully belonged to Him. When He does, will I joyful receive His visit and proudly reveal to Him how I cared for and protected what He entrusted to me, or will I regret His visit and be upset that He thinks He can claim what I have tried to claim for myself? If my approach is the second of the two, then I will not receive what God has given to me with thanks, but will regret the fact that He has not given them to me. If the first is my attitude, I joyfully serve as His humble servant, thankful for the trust and honor He has bestowed on me. So, do you regret that God has only entrusted to you all you possess, or are you thankful that He trusts you enough to do so? I hope for all of us that our attitude is thanfulness leading to joyful service rather than regret leading to anger.

Trapped In Your Own Web

Monday, July 25, 2011

Reading: Mark 11:27-33

Reflection: Have you ever seen a fly, or some other kind of bug, trapped in a spider web? It's a tragic thing, at least for the bug. The more they struggle and fight to get free, the more trapped and tangled they become. Eventually, out of strength and hope, the bug gives up hope and eventually loses its life. It seems to me that the religious leaders here are much like a bug in a web...with one important distinction. The religious leaders are caught in a web of their own making. They refused to believe in the baptism of John, even though the people accepted him as a prophet. Because John's ministry was outside the bounds of their control...because John was willing to challenge their false sense of religion rather than play their games...they refused to accept him. Even in this passage, it becomes clear that what they believe about John has more to do with political maneuvering than genuine conviction. Now, they question Jesus' authority for much the same reason they questioned John's. However, Jesus confronts them with a question that threatens to expose them for what they really are, and they buckle. Realizing they are trapped in their own web of deceptions, they lose yet another chance to place their faith in Christ. I wonder if I am ever in danger of this reality? Seeking to be a faithful follower of Jesus while at the same time seeking to fit in with the larger culture, crafting words and explanations of my faith that in the end will get me caught in a web. I hope not. Getting caught in a web rarely leads to freedom. It seems better to make a clear choice, and then live on that conviction without seeking to compromise or maneuver for position.

The End Of Temple Worship

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Reading: Mark 11:12-19

Reflection: It is unfortunate that the NIV, and other bibles, label this section of scripture as temple cleansing. If Jesus were cleansing the temple, his actions would be designed to fix what was wrong at the temple so that worship in and through the temple could continue in the correct manner and with the correct focus. But that is hardly what Mark is seeking to tell us. Mark begins this section by telling us that Jesus "cursed" a fig tree when He inspects it and finds no fruit upon it. The reason there are not figs is that it is not the season for figs. Next, Jesus arrives at the temple, critiques what is going on, drives out those who are acting inappropriately, and leaves. Then Mark concludes this section by telling us that the fig tree Jesus cursed is withered from the roots. The point seems to be that the season of temple worship is over...that the temple has not produced fruit...that Jesus has now cursed the ministry there and its days are numbered. The destruction of the temple in the near future will show this to be true. This is a reminder that Jesus expects worship that produces fruit, and causes me to ask myself if I am producing fruit in my life.

A Strange Kind Of Victory

Friday, July 22, 2011

Reading: Mark 1:1-11

Reflection: As a fan of sports, I've watched all kinds of victory celebrations. Some of them take place within the end zone after a football player has scored a touch down. They lift the ball toward the crowd, join with other teammates, and do some kind of strange dance as the crowd roars their approval. Other celebrations include the clearing of the dug out as other baseball players join teammates on the pitchers mound, jumping on one another as excited fans scream and yell. In every instance, the celebration is in response to reaching a goal toward which they have been straining for some time. That is what happens in this passage. Some would say that Jesus journey to Jerusalem began at Ceasarea Phillipi and ended at the temple. Others might say it really started at Jesus' baptism, and others still at His birth. And, at one level, each would be correct. However, this journey actually began way back in Genesis 3. Ever since God promised that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent, Jesus has been working with His Father to execute a plan of salvation. Now, as Jesus enters Jerusalem, He is within days of making that plan come true. The long journey is almost over, and salvation is on the horizon. But Jesus doesn't dance in the streets or spike a ball, for this is serious business. He remains focused, disciplined and willing to give His life for our sake. His victory will lead to His death and our life. It's a strange kind of victory, but it is one worthy of celebration.

On The Way With Jesus

Thursday, July 20, 2011

Reading: Mark 10:46-52

Reflection: This story brings to an end the discipleship section of Mark. One notable features of Mark's gospel is his use of "on the way." This phrase becomes a technical term in Mark for the pattern of Jesus' life which a disciple is to adopt as their own pattern of living. This is why believers were called People of the Way before they were called Christians. So, when Jesus bumps into blind Bartimaeus, it not surprising to see that the blind man is begging "by the way." It's also interesting to note that Bartimaeus means "son of honor." So, here is a son of honor, sitting by the way, and forced to beg for food. And while he is blind, he actually sees Jesus more clearly than many in that he knows Jesus is the Messiah (son of David). When Jesus heals him, Bartimaeus is invited to "go his way" and Bartimaeus chooses to follow Jesus "on the way" of discipleship. In this way, Mark tells us that those who see clearly and hear well recognize that their way needs to be the Jesus' Way. When they do, they are people who truly do see all things clearly. May I have the insight and courage to daily follow Jesus as He leads me "on the way" of discipleship.

Beyond Myself And Into Mission

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Reading: Mark 10:33-45

Reflection: Jesus has just informed the disciples about what will soon take place in Jerusalem. The chosen Messiah will be rejected by Israel's leaders, handed over to the Gentiles, mocked, spit upon, beaten and killed. Then, three days later, He will rise again. Immediately after this report, we see James and John seeking to make a power grab as the rest of the disciples find out about their private jockeying for position and become angry over it all. One could hardly blame Jesus for being frustrated. Do these guys even hear what He is saying? Don't they realize the difficulties and trials coming Jesus' way? Are they so self-focused and power hungry that they can't even take time to comfort their master? Apparently not. And I could get frustrated with the disciples as well, if I were not so often just like them. Jesus is in the process of saving the world one person at a time. He is seeking to rescue the marginalized, broken and helpless. However, so often I am so focused on my needs and issues that I can't get beyond myself to join Jesus in His mission with His heart. He's trying to save the world, and I'm trying to save myself from inconvenience and discomfort. What am I doing? What are we doing? Maybe we need to read this little pericope (text) again and again as a reminder to get beyond ourselves and into the mission of Jesus.

Follow The Leader

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Reading: Mark 10:32-34

Reflection: It's interesting to note the different ways in which the people within this pericope (portion of the text) are described. We are told that Jesus is "leading," the disciples are "astonished," and the crowds were "afraid." So, as this group of pilgrims journey toward the death of Jesus, they see their Master not only aware of His fate, but walking intentionally toward it. This is not because Jesus is excited to die. Like any other person, given a choice, He would like to live...the struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane makes that clear. But Jesus has already made His choice. He will do what His Father requires...and that means death. So Jesus leads this small band of people toward His Father's will. The twelve apostles are "astonished." Another way of saying this is that they are overcome with emotion to the state of confusion. They are shocked and can't really believe what is happening. All they know how to do is to keep on walking behind Jesus. The crowds are "afraid." Whether it is for themselves, for their country, for Jesus, or for something else is unclear...but they are terrified. So, we have a leader walking intentionally and a group of followers either confused or terrified who don't know what to do other than follow the leader. That's a good picture for us. When we are confused or afraid, as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus and keep on following, we will be OK. So, let's follow the leader.

By Works Or By Faith

Monday, July 18, 2011

Reading: Mark 10:17-31

Reflection: I have always thought that this passage was about wealth...and perhaps at some level it is. But I noticed that this passage is uniquely placed in Mark's gospel between Jesus insisting that we must enter the kingdom like children and Jesus prediction of His death. This got me to thinking...which is unusual for me! :) Anyway, maybe the real issue here is not wealth specifically, but the "way" we enter the kingdom of God. You see, this man's question is about what he "must do" to enter the kingdom of God. And, of course, he can't "do" anything. His only hope is that Jesus "does something for Him." Maybe this is why the prediction of Jesus giving His life for us immediately follows this story. And maybe the reason this follows the section about entering the kingdom like children is because children can't "do anything" either to enter the kingdom. They can't buy it...they have no money. They can't leverage their position to gain access...they have no status. They can't fight their way in...they are too small. Children enter only by the permission and grace of another. Maybe this is also why its so hard to enter the kingdom...because most of us want to "do something"..."do anything".... so that we don't feel so obligated to another. But the truth is, we either enter by Jesus' work...or we don't enter at all. For this young man, he will need to let go of the influence and power his wealth has afforded him and enter the kingdom with nothing to give, do or offer in exchange. I wonder what I might be tempted to "do" to gain access? Whatever it is, it will not work. I enter by Jesus' grace...by faith in His work...or I don't enter at all.

Doing What Children Do

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Reading: Mark 10:13-16

Reflection: OK...so I have to apologize. I have not blogged the last couple of days. Put plainly, the past two days have been brutal. There have been several situations arise that have required a fair bit of time, prayer, and certainly wisdom beyond my natural abilities. Time will tell if my prayers gave me any of the wisdom! The days have been long, and I have felt a bit powerless to change certain things that I would wish to change. So, I simply have to confess my limitations, humble myself before the One who has no limits, believe by faith that He knows my needs and will meet them in His time, and between the moments of my prayers and the season of His answers, I simply need to keep on moving. And, it seems to me, that this may partly be what the reading today is all about. Jesus desired to have the children come to Him, for it is like a child that we all must enter the kingdom. Now, I'm no expert, but it seems to me that children are generally powerless and rely on those with power to provide for them and to protect them. They are humble people who tend to have faith in their parents...at times even when there is little reason for that faith. They put their trust in those greater than they, and hope that these people will love them. That's what we all do when we come to God. We recognize that we are dependent upon Him for all things, believing in His goodness even when at times it is hard. So, keep on trusting...keep on believing...keep on moving forward in faith. After all, this is what "children" of the heavenly father must do.

Advancing The Kingdom Or Protecting Positions

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Reading: Mark 9:38-41

Reflection: When I think about it, what an odd scene this is. The disciples come across a man who is not only casting out demons, but doing so in Jesus' name. It seems from the manner in which Mark records this episode that they were having success. Mark doesn't say that they were "attempting" to drive out demons, but that they were actually doing so. You would think that the disciples would rejoice to see God's kingdom advancing. After all, this man is doing the very works that Jesus is doing...and in doing them in His name they are recognizing that the authority and power to drive out demons ultimately comes not from themselves, but from Jesus. However, instead of celebrating the man's success, they order him to stop. And the reason for this order is because he is not a part of their group. One is left to wonder if the disciples are more concerned about the fact that this man can do what they themselves could not do just a little while earlier. In any case, Jesus corrects them quickly. They are not to act in exclusive ways, seeking to protect ministry within their little huddle. Rather, all those who do ministry in Jesus' name...all those who side with Jesus and His father's kingdom, are to be encouraged to do ministry. Why? Because as disciples our central calling is not to protect our positions of influence, but to support and encourage the expansion of God's kingdom wherever it is found. May we all seek to support those who do ministry in Jesus' name, whether they are a part of our group or another group. If Jesus' name is honored and God's kingdom is advanced, we should celebrate!

Who Is The Greatest?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Reading: Mark 9:30-37

Reflection: I can remember as a little boy being infatuated by watching, and listening, to Muhammad Ali claims to be the greatest. He would dance around the boxing ring screaming and singing, "I am the greatest!" And in some ways it seemed to me, as a little boy, that he was the greatest. He seemed to defeat every challenger that stepped into the ring. He seemed taller, faster, quicker, smarter and stronger than any other fighter. And yet, if you see him now, you realize that all his speed is gone, all his strength has faded, all his talk is silenced, and he is anything but the greatest. He is now simply a fragile old man who is but a shadow of what he once was. So reading today about the disciples arguing about who is the greatest seems a bit ridiculous. I mean, think about it. Which of the disciples has silenced demons, calmed storms or multiplied loaves. How many disciples have raised the dead, given sight to the blind and helped the crippled person to rise and walk. If these guys had a clue, they would know who is the greatest...and it's not any of them. The greatest man is the one who is making no claims to greatness...the one who is perfect in every way, powerful over all the cosmos, and wiser than the greatest scholar. His name is Jesus, and He is...hands down...the greatest of all.

Ministry With Us Instead Of For Us

Monday, July 11, 2011

Reading: Mark 9:14-29

Reflection: There is a great deal in this passage that I don't understand. For example, why did Jesus ask the father how long the boy has been in his present condition? Doesn't Jesus already know this? What difference does it make? Will the spirit be harder to deal with if he has been within the boy for a long period of time? And then we are told that it is when Jesus sees the crowd running to the scene that He decided to rebuke the spirit. Why is that? What difference does this make? If the crowd didn't come running, would Jesus have left the boy in his present state? These are confusing details, and I don't understand them. One thing that does seem clear is that our faith in Jesus plays a role in Jesus work in our lives. This seems to be Jesus point when He says that "...everything is possible for him who believes." Now, I don't personally think that this means Jesus' power is limited by our faith. Jesus has the power to do whatever He chooses. But I do think that Jesus chooses many times to do His ministry with us and through us, rather than just for us. In this way we participate with Jesus in the establishment and extension of His kingdom. This also reflects the reality that without Jesus, I can't accomplish meaningful things for God, and without me Jesus often chooses not to. So, as we go about our day, may we be looking not for Jesus to do things for us, as much as we look for Him to do things in us, with us, and through us.

Are We Listening?

Saturday, July 9, 2011'

Reading: Mark 9:1-13

Reflection: There is something so simple in this passage that it is easy to overlook it for what seems to be more fantastic details. For example, we could spend a great deal of time trying to figure out what Jesus actually looked like in a transfigured state, or what He and His supernatural guests may have been talking about. But these do not seem to be the central issue for Mark. After all, if they were it seems Mark would have said something about them. Rather, in the midst of this incident, God himself envelops the disciples and speaks to them. When He does, He informs the disciples of the identity of Jesus as God's son and then gives them a single command. This command is simply to "listen" to Jesus. How important, simple, and yet difficult this task is to perform. It is my job to intentionally listen to what Jesus has to say to me. Where is He telling me to focus my time and energy? What is most important in this life and world? What are those things that can distract me from what really matters? What is true and false? If I would simply spend more time listening to Jesus perhaps I would be directed toward the center of God's will for that day. May I learn to listen more to what Jesus is seeking to say to me, and then positively responding to His voice.

Do I Think Like Man Or Like God?

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Reading: Mark 8:31-33

Reflection: How different I am than God. My anger is often rooted in selfishness, where His anger is rooted in righteousness. My plans are often short-sighted and focused on personal gain, where His plans are rooted in eternity and focused on what is best for all. My actions are a reflection of my limited insights and power, where His actions are rooted in complete knowledge and unlimited power. As the bible says, His ways are higher than my ways. We see this reality within this passage. Peter can't conceive of any world within which the Messiah of God is overpowered by His enemies and put to death. But what Peter fails to understand is that Jesus' enemies don't have the ability to overpower Jesus and take His life. Rather, Jesus will willingly give up His life for the sake of our sins. And while this seems to Peter as a defeat, Jesus knows that His death brings life...and this is a victory. I wonder at times if I continue to make the same mistake that Peter makes within this text. How often do I think as people think, rather than have the mind of Christ. I wonder how many times the difficult and painful things in my life are for my good and not my bad. I wonder if I could change the way I think I would be able to embrace those things that may seem to people to be evil, but in the end can lead to my sanctification. May God grant me the ability to see with His eyes, to feel with His heart, to hear with His ears, and in the end to gain the perspective of God in the midst of life.

Jesus: Identity and Mission

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Reading: Mark 8:27-30

Reflection: We see here Jesus returning to a question the disciples themselves have recently asked themselves about Jesus. Earlier, after Jesus had calmed a storm, the disciples asked themselves, "Who is this man that even the wind and the waves obey him?" Now, having had some time to see Jesus' ministry, to hear his teaching and spend time with him, Jesus now tests how the disciples will answer their own question. He does this by first getting them to reflect on the many public opinions about his identity. And, as it is now, there were lots of opinions about Jesus. Some thought he was John the Baptist come to life again. Some thought he was Elijah who Malachi said would come before the coming of the Messiah. Some thought he was a prophet like the prophets of old. It is interesting to note that none of them though he was the Messiah. However, Peter responds to this question by stating that Jesus was the Christ, which is the Greek way of saying Jesus was the Messiah. As will become clear, Peter is both right and wrong. He is correct in that Jesus is the Messiah. He is incorrect concerning his assumptions of what that means. Peter will need more time and training to fully understand both the identity of Jesus (which he has got right), and the mission of Jesus (which he has yet to comprehend). Peter, like us, is on a journey toward understanding. May we all continue to walk with Jesus until we all come to the place where both Jesus' identity and mission are clear in our minds.

Touched Twice

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Reading: Mark 8:22-26

Reflection: It's interesting how this blind man regains his sight in two clear stages. First the man is able to see, but unable to understand what he sees. In fact, while he can see people, they seem unclear to him. Jesus touches the man a second time, and now he can not only see, but can see all things clearly. Given the fact that "seeing" in the bible often refers to "mental insight or discernment," it seems possible to me that this miracle teaches something specific. That lesson could be that some people need to be touched twice in order to really understand what is going on in life. Maybe this is a reference to the disciples who are able to see Jesus, but not really discern fully who He is. If this is true, then this man needs to be touched twice not because Jesus lacks the power to heal with one touch, but as a means of teaching us that it is only through Jesus ongoing touch that clears up the details of life so we can see clearly. The key to discernment then may have more to do with staying close to Jesus...and being touched by Him...than simply studying harder. May I be willing to stay close enought to Jesus so that whether through one or two touches, I learn to see all things clearly.

Watch Out For The Yeast

Monday, 7/4/2011

Reading: Mark 8:14-21

Reflection: OK...I could certainly be wrong here, but I think the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod is the demand that Jesus do miracles that suit our needs and desires. After all, the last time we saw the Pharisees that's exactly what they were doing...they wanted Jesus to produce a sign...a sign of their own formation...to verify that His ministry was legitimate. Herod did the same thing. The gospel of Luke shows Jesus appearing before Herod...who was glad to see Jesus because he wanted Him to do some miracles. So, if this is the case, the disciples are to avoid thinking that Jesus exists for them to call upon Him anytime life got hard so He can perform a miracle and make life easy. We need to hear this caution in a day when name it and claim it is popular. We are not to give in to such thinking. Rather, we should expect trouble in this world. We should expect that the rowing will be hard and the progress at times very slow. But knowing Jesus is present...knowing that in Him we have the presence of the divine Yahweh, should give us the courage to keep rowing. What we need when life is difficult is not a miracle...after all how would that cause us to grow. What we need in hard times is the memory of Jesus presence, His promise, His power, and the courage to believe that while we work hard He is on the mountain watching carefully and praying fervently. Let's watch out for the yeast, and look more for His presence.

Are We Sign Seekers?

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Reading: Mark 8:1-13

Reflection: There is something that borders on the ridiculous in this passage of scripture. It appears as though Jesus has returned to Jewish territory after some time ministering among the Gentiles. This seems apparent as the Pharisees come to him, and they would never step foot in Gentile territory. After all, they are too "clean" for that. But it's not that Jesus bumps into the Pharisees that's amazing. It's what they demand that is insane. The Pharisees want Jesus to provide them with a sign from heaven. So...healing the sick isn't enough. Raising the dead isn't enough. Feeding thousands with a few loaves isn't enough. These aren't good enough for the Pharisees. Apparently, they had a list of "signs" (I'm not kidding...they actually did) that the Messiah needed to perform in order to prove he is the real deal. Isn't that amazing. Those who are not from God are calling the shots that the one from God is supposed to follow? Seems a bit backwards, doesn't it. You see, they are not seeking a sign from heaven...they have already received a bunch of those in the miracles already performed. No, they want a sign from men...a sign that meets the demands of men, not God. And this kind of a sign Jesus will not give them. Jesus came to save those who were humble and repentant, not to give signs to those who are controlling and demanding. So, am I a sign seeker? Do I demand that God show up in my life the way I have planned, or the way He chooses? If God shows up in ways I have not planned, can I recognize and accept it? Or...like the Pharisees...am I seeking a sign from men?