Hey Folks,

In 2008, my daily devotions in our email ministry will follow our congregation's annual Bible reading plan through the "Peter-oriented" writings. Let me explain. We are reading the gospel of Mark, the chapters in Acts that follow Peter and both of Peter's epistles. The readings mix in passges from all of these at a pace of about 6 verses per day. The end result will be about 150 devotionals this year. I have already sent out 35, so I'll get caught up at a rate of 2-4 each day.

NOTE: our "theme" for 2008 is "Be Bold!" with the intention that we must no longer live timid lives as the saved but must boldly live our faith in front of the saved and the lost - boldly taking advantage of the opportunities God places in our path.

I am not of the opinion that I am always right in my interpretation of Scripture, I am of the firm and unwavering conviction that the BIBLE is ALWAYS right, because God is truth! In areas that you disgree with my interpretation, I only ask that we agree that the Bible is right.

May God bless you in reading as He blessed me in preparing this devotionals...

in Christ,
Lee Jamieson
Central church of Christ, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

“Recipe For Spiritual Sight” - 2 Peter 1:1-9.

Oh how precious is the faith (1:1) that flows from a good and honest heart and a mind opened to meditate upon the beautiful truth of the saving work (1:2) of God through Jesus. A foundation of the faith is the likewise precious revealed word of God to mankind. People take the Bible for granted and we tend to only want a “cafeteria version” that allows us to pick and chose only what we want. Peter stresses that the Scriptures are the product of divine power pouring out everything people need to bask in the will and grace of God instead of wallowing in the filth and corruption of this world (1:3-4). As we view the world from where we sit, sometimes it is hard to see the corruption for what it truly is ... and therefore it is equally hard to see the magnificent and precious promises of God for their true significance. Peter wants us to develop spiritual vision – “seeing that His divine power has granted us everything relating to life and godliness” – and correct our spiritual short-sightedness (1:9).

With faith as a foundational ingredient, Peter challenges us to mix together the instruction found in God’s word and the courage to apply these truths. The result is nothing less than a soul in heaven (1:11) after a life of fruitfulness (1:8). Remember who Peter was and who he has become. A hardened, rowdy fisherman with a skeptical outlook on life and religion had become a valuable tool in the hand of the Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Peter is no better or no worse than you or I. He, like us, was confronted with Jesus and made his choices. He struggled with faith and obedience at times. In the end, Peter had been changed by the divine power about which he writes. He just needed to see things from a spiritual perspective and boldly act. God would do the rest. The same is true with you and me. Can we be so bold?

Faith must be mixed with a bold commitment to our daily spiritual walk (1:5). Moral excellence is not just a philosophy, it is a bold decision to walk in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. How can we know which way to walk if we do not grow in knowledge? The divinely given ingredients (1:3-4) are inert unless applied. A daily spiritual walk in faith must lead to personal spiritual maturity (1:6). Peter struggled with self-control, just as we do, but the natural man must be tamed in order to be fruitful for Christ. At the same time, Peter’s wishy-washy behavior was overcome and he became quite stable in his faith as he matured. Spiritual vision sees the need to commit to maturing in Christ. Our daily spiritual walk in faith-filled maturity must positively impact our congregation (1:7). A “God-ward” focus and a Christ-centered life naturally direct us to the needs of other Christians in our life. Brotherly love is the ingredient that changes the nature of the whole mixture from mere “goodness” to true “Christianity”. Coupled with our love for the church is agape love for all people.

Spiritual vision sees that these ingredients must be applied in an increasing measure (1:8). A short-sighted perspective does not factor in heaven with the immediate threat from a momentary temptation to sin (1:9). Neither does it allow you to see the benefit to opting for a sacrificial choice instead of a self-serving one. All of these working together with the power of an awesome God open the way of escape and shine a light on the way of redemption and everlasting life. Can we be so bold?

“In Remembrance of Him...” – 2 PETER 1:10-18

After today, we will leave this epistle of Peter and go back to the gospel of Mark. Peter is at the end of his life (1:12-15) but is looking back to the life of Jesus and the purpose of His death and resurrection. We are not called to commit our lives and souls to a philosophy – we are called to commit to the man Jesus of Nazareth. Unlike all other religions, however, we are not called to the feet of a mortal man, but to the feet of God Himself who became a man. While others may follow one who lived, taught and died, they all have two common traits – they sinned and they are still dead. The precious faith received by Christians is in the One without sin who is RISEN and ALIVE. Sadly, the trend among those professing a belief in Jesus as the Christ is toward “consumerism”. THE church is being replaced by “churches”. These churches compete with each other on the same base level as any other product offered for consumption in the marketplace. If you read 2 Peter 1:3-11, you will see that the Lord’s church calls you to discipleship, not consumption.

It all goes back to the man, Jesus Christ and the sinless life He lived on this sin-filled rock called “earth”. The gospel record reveals many who challenged Jesus on moral and religious grounds, but none who successfully charged Jesus with one single sin. He was a man who was tempted in every way, as we are, but He alone stood the test. Peter says this is no “cleverly devised tale” (1:16), but unassailable truth. If Jesus is without sin, then He is eligible to be the sacrifice for sin (mine and yours). If He is the atoning sacrifice, then God offers truth and asks for faith (1:1). Remember your sin, and then remember Jesus.

It all hinges on Jesus being God in the flesh. One sin would negate everything, and Satan knew it. The temptation in the wilderness was the great opportunity, and Jesus persevered without sin. Forty days without food weakened His flesh and He was vulnerable. By faith we “see” Jesus living through and overcoming the daily temptations of life among other people. Peter heard the truth and saw His glorification (1:17-18). If anyone would have seen the flaws in Jesus it would have been Peter. If anyone could have had a moment of weakness and cried out, “Yes, I failed, but so did HE”, I believe it would have been Peter. Yet, Peter acknowledges His deity and His majesty (1:16). You don’t have to watch too long on cable channels to find plenty of folks with religious titles who will compromise this fact. They claim that Peter and the others made it all up after Jesus’ death and “created” a religion. The Holy Spirit marvelously anticipated this tactic, and moved Peter to remind us of the truth.

Does the story of Jesus “stir you up” (1:13)? We should not need a consumer-driven church to stir us up with entertainment and programs. A daily glance back at the life of Christ should do that ... and then we can take up our cross for this day. Growing our faith should not be dependant upon the skill of the preacher or the faithfulness of others around us. A daily walk with our Savior should do that ... as we remember His love, His grace, His sacrifice and His kingdom. No, we don’t need a church that competes with the Super Bowl. We need the cross, and the Word and disciples. Remember?

“Roadbed for The Way of the Lord” - Mark 1:1-28

The link between Peter and Mark are fairly extensive, and lead to the general belief that Peter and the Holy Spirit guided Mark to write his gospel. Mark (aka John Mark – Acts 12) lived in Jerusalem with his mother, Elizabeth (Acts 12:12) and Peter came to her home upon his release from prison by the actions of an angel (Acts 13:13). Mark accompanied Paul at times during his work, but also worked with Peter (1 Peter 5:13). The message of his gospel is directed at the Roman mind and is action-packed. There are no wasted words as he proclaims the truth about the divinity of Jesus and His power through miracles displayed during His ministry on earth. These are among the “myths and fables” (2 Peter 1:16) many even today accuse the disciples of spreading. How interesting to find no one that was there disputed the miracles of Jesus, including His enemies. Unlike the false charges leveled against Peter and Paul by modern “scholars” who claim they fabricated a new religion for their own purposes, the gospel of Mark and the writings of Peter simply point to Jesus. What a concept!

With rapid pace, Mark lays the foundation for the ministry of God’s Son on earth. Truth bears witness to truth and Isaiah enters the story from the beginning as he points to John, the herald of the King. Just as a Roman road needed a prepared roadbed (remember the durability of the Appian Way that was already 300 years old at the time of Christ), God needed to prepare the people for Messiah through prophecy and preaching. Repentance was at the forefront of John’s message and still rings out to us today. The Jewish mind had to be changed just as certainly as the Roman mind. Only then could Jesus build the way of holiness (Isaiah 35, John 14:6). No sooner had the father bourn witness of His Son, Satan comes in to mix things up. There was no changing the mind of Satan, but the epic struggle for the minds of men culminates in the choice between these two antagonists. It is not a fork in the road, it is two distinct roads (Matthew 7:13-14). Mark argues for the way prepared by John and trod by Christ.

Not coincidentally, the quick parade of characters into Mark’s drama includes Peter (“Simon”). Jesus preaches the same message of repentance as John, and now He calls on men to make the choice for Him. Notice how Mark uses action words like “immediately” to move the pace of the story along. There is an urgency to the gospel and an urgency in the lives of people even today. The time was fulfilled (Mark 1:15) for God to send Messiah and Jesus completed the redemptive work prepared from the beginning of the world (1 Peter 1:18-20). We do not know when the time will be fulfilled for His return (2 Peter 3:8-10). Repentance is still the substance upon which the way to heaven is built.

Who is Jesus? That question above all others confronts the minds of men. The demons knew the answer (Mark 1:24), and Satan knew, too. How could God convince people? Power. The power of preaching proclaimed the power of repentance. Before any would hear the preaching, the miraculous power would be on display. Sure enough, John made a stir and many responded to his call to repent and be baptized in anticipation of Jesus. Only at the baptism of Jesus did the people hear the powerful voice proclaiming His approval of His Son (Mark 1:11). Now Jesus displays the power in Him and casts out a demon as astonished onlookers pondered the event (Mark 1:25-27). Stop. You did not see this, you just read about it. Do you believe it? If you reject it as a myth or fable, quietly close your Bible, put it away and go about your life because in your mind Jesus is a myth. Are you unsure? Allow God to speak to you, and let Him change your mind. No man can do it, only God. If you readily accept the message about Jesus, then just what are you prepared to do about Him?

In a very real sense, the mind must be opened before the way is open into the heart. Repentance (“change of mind”) precedes the confession of Jesus as Lord (“change of heart”) and the two combine to change of the road you are on. The report about Jesus went out from Galilee. In the same way the word was not stagnant, you cannot be either. A road is for traveling – it is not a parking lot. Faith moves. Faith lives, loves, speaks and forgives. Just as Jesus moves in you ... just as Jesus lives, loves, speaks and forgives. Is this the road you travel?

“Everyone is Looking For You” – MARK 1:29-37

The demands upon His time and His presence were staggering. One of the hallmarks of the gospel of Mark is the use of “immediately” and other urgent words. Jesus offered something that people needed. Demons, sickness and teaching kept His calendar full with urgent and important work. How does he accomplish so much? He made time for the things that were necessary. Whether they were “strangers” or the mother-in-law of one of His close disciples, He healed them. Imagine the scene as an entire city gathered outside the home of one of the healed ladies. Where would these folks be the day Jesus was crucified? More importantly, where would they be on Pentecost or the day the gospel came back to their city in power on the lips of Peter and the apostles? Would they have time for Him?

We each feel the pull on our time. Even the lazy “spend” time. Most, however, struggle to find the time to handle the urgent, strive to allocate portions of their day for the important, and hope to find moments for the desired. We use the term “spending time” because it is such a valuable commodity. For those who are religious, time is a gift from God. For the disciple of Christ Jesus, it is a burden to be carefully balanced. Time cannot be spent in doing the urgent and important until time is invested in doing the desired. What? Let me clarify. A deep desire for time with God is both urgent and important to the Christian. In the midst of all of the excitement and the healing and the teaching and the crowds ... where was Jesus?

Peter (“Simon”) and the others went looking for Jesus, and they seem to almost be chastising Him. What could He possibly be doing that was more important than ministering to others? Even Peter’s mother-in-law was ministering after Jesus healed her. Service, service, service! Right? Time is a-wastin’, so get to it. Jesus got up early (notice that one means of adding more time to your day is to get up EARLIER) to go pray. Jesus needed time with the Father. If even the Son of Man needed this time, how much more do we? In prayer is patience to handle the urgent. In prayer is strength to handle the important. In prayer is God-sent ability to perform tasks we never imagined were possible. In prayer is rejuvenation! If the world presses in on you today and people begin to search for you, will they find you in prayer? I do not know about everyone else in your life ... but, your Father is looking for you!

“Why Jesus?” – MARK 1:38-45

They treated Him like a Rockstar, and He couldn’t even go into the cities anymore (1:45) because of the mob scenes. We casually read over passages like these and think, “That’s awesome, they really welcomed Jesus”. Did they? Several times during His ministry on earth, Jesus would say and do things that seemingly served to drive people away. Drawing huge crowds would seem to be the point, and yet He withdraws from them into deserted places and makes it harder for them to come to Him for healing. It makes you pause to ask “Why, Jesus?”

Maybe it is not just about numbers, even though God does not want any to perish (2 Peter 3:9). The people were amazed at His miracles and it seems that many were coming to Him for a “dog and pony show”. There can be no doubt that Jesus was deeply moved by the pain and suffering of people (Mark 1:41) and healing miracles allowed Him to minister to the physical needs of the hurting. If all He wanted to do was prove His divinity by miracles, He could have made earthquakes, parted the Jordan, made it rain on cue or any other number of displays of His power over nature. Yet, He healed physical hurts. Was this why He came? Not according to Jesus Himself, it is not. He came to preach (Mark 1:38).

Let’s turn this around and bring it into our lives. What is there to draw us to Him today? We can only read about the miracles, we cannot see them. He has “withdrawn” to the heavenly realms for a time, awaiting the Day of His return. Now, like then, this “withdrawal” makes it harder for people to come to Him. Maybe God wants some effort from us. When many left Jesus because of His hard teaching (John 6), Peter said the disciples would stay because Jesus had the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68-69). God spoke to us through Jesus (John 1:1-5, Hebrews 1:1-2) and we have to make some tough choices. Salvation is free, but it is not easy.

Even so, in our modern religious culture there is an emphasis upon presenting the world an entertaining “Jesus show” instead of presenting the Word (1 John 1:1-3). People want an “easy Jesus” and a “light faith” instead of a cross and a crown. What do you want out of your faith? Jesus performed wonders, but He is not Jesus, the “Wonder-Maker”. He is Jesus, the Savior ... Lord ... Master ... Teacher. He is real and He is alive. He bought His church with His blood. Are you looking for a “Sunday Show” or a “daily cross”? Instead of being a screaming fan in a crowd hollering at a Rockstar, maybe a deeper and personal relationship is in order. Maybe we should pause to ask “Why Jesus?”

“End of Your Faith” – 1 PETER 1:1-9

The Jesus that Peter and the disciples/apostles lived with, watched and heard would only spend three years in public ministry. The impact on Peter was to last a lifetime – in fact, an eternity. We cannot touch the Jesus Peter touched, except by faith. We cannot see the Jesus Peter saw, except by faith. Through this precious faith, however, the impact of Jesus upon our lives can be no less than upon Peter. The message that the Holy Spirit sends to us from the pen of Peter presses the urgency of an enduring faith (1:6-7). For too many believers, temptation is too much and the end of faith comes in waves of sin. For countless others, hardship discourages and depresses, and the end of faith comes in a sea of distress.

Peter knew far too well the ebb and flow of faith. The power of faith is in separation from the world of trouble and sin through obedience to the Lord of forgiveness (1:2). Clinging to faith, grace overcomes sin and peace overcomes pressure. Faith does not have to end when confronted with life, it can flourish. The Jesus that Peter knew was raised from death to victory (1:3) and through faith we can know Him, too. Faith gives life to hope, instead of the end of faith coming in hopelessness. Our hope is alive because our Savior is alive. Our eternal home is real because our faith is real...IF our faith is real.

Before we return to the life of Christ in the gospel of Mark, let’s honestly confront our life IN Christ according to Peter. Faith is so precious because we have NOT seen Jesus in the flesh (1:8; see also John 20:29). Like the temptations and tribulations that bear down on us, this, too is only temporary. Those whose faith endures becomes more precious than gold because we shall see Jesus. Faith shall become sight, and God will be glorified. Yes, we can (and must) glorify Jesus in this life, but the true calling of the Christian is to glorify Jesus THROUGH this life.

In His life on earth, Jesus revealed the Father to mankind (John 1:18) and the gospel of Mark presents evidence of His divinity from which faith is born. Faith, however, is not eternal ... it is temporal and will end when Jesus is revealed at His coming (1 Peter 1:7). Faith will be replaced with sight. In the same way, living hope will die at the end of faith. It is here that we need bold introspection. Will our living hope die because our faith ends in an avalanche of sin and struggle? Jesus does not want it to be so with you and offers the power of God (1:5) to strengthen and grow your faith and invigorate your hope so that the end of your faith is your first step in heaven (1:9), the home of the soul.

“Take Up Your Couch” – MARK 2:1-12

Coming to Jesus had an entirely different connotation during this special time in human history. Jesus commended these men and the paralytic they carried and lowered into His presence (2:5) for their faith. If the end of our faith is eternal salvation in heaven, then the beginning of our faith is a belief that causes a change of mind ... a decision (“repentance”). Sadly, for many people this beginning is also the end, for it goes no further. The faith that Jesus praises in these men was a faith that picked up a feeble man and carried him a distance. Not only that, but this faith was confronted with an obstacle of accessibility (the crowd and the house) and overcame it with determined ingenuity. The final strain of lowering this man into the presence of Jesus placed them in full submission to Him, with nothing more to do. They had done their part for now. In their actions, they confessed the power of Jesus to take control and act on their behalf to accomplish what they could not.

A simple, trusting faith that moves people to come to Jesus places souls in His path and under His lordship is the precious faith that Peter weaves throughout his writings. In the presence of Jesus, sins are forgiven. Take a moment to soak that in. The scribes in this home “reasoned in their hearts” that only God can forgive sins so Jesus’ words were both empty and blasphemous. These men were nearby to Jesus, but were never truly in His presence because they did not believe. It was never true that Jesus could not forgive them, merely that they never came to Him in faith. Why did they not believe when Jesus read their hearts? I think that would have had a profound impact, but sadly it apparently did not. Uttering the words was easy (2:9) as Jesus knew. So, He healed the man as proof of His divinity – thereby offering proof that He could forgive sin. We are not told of the reaction of these particular scribes, but as a class of men, they later conspired to put Jesus to death.

Let’s go back to the paralytic man. His living and active faith has brought him into the presence of Jesus, trusting that Jesus will do His part. This was a pivotal moment in the history of God and mankind, for God had become a man so that men would come to Him in faith that their sins could be forgiven. Wanting a physical blessing because he did not know of God’s intended spiritual blessing, the paralyzed man received both. Notice, however, that the blessing bestowed by Jesus placed the burden of faith back upon this man. Jesus instructed him, “Arise and take up your couch and walk” (2:9, 11). Renewed and refreshed by the healing power of Jesus Christ, faith is challenged to get up and go (the enduring faith of 1 Peter 1:5-9). Jesus takes control of those who come to Him in faith and then, arising from the cleansing of sins in baptism, we must live by faith in Jesus Christ ... arise and walk. What sense would it make for the man to have said, “Thanks, Jesus, but I think I’ll just lie here”?

While this scene in the drama of Jesus’ public ministry on earth provides a valuable illustration and wonderful insight into the conversion of a sinner into a saint, we also find a nugget of truth that must be understood. The forgiveness of sins by Jesus while He was on earth (2:10) was absolutely within His power and His prerogative, and the gospels record this power even while He was on the cross. The saving gospel of Jesus is the “new” covenant (Hebrews 9:16-17) that required Jesus death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-5). While on earth Jesus forgave sins under the OLD covenant as He saw fit for those who came to Him. Now that He has ascended to the Father, the new covenant is in effect and Jesus forgives sins for those who come to Him in faith as He instructed. An active faith moves the mind (“repentance”) and the life (“confession/submission to His lordship”) into the presence of Jesus (“death to sin and self”) where He washes us (“baptism” = “burial”) and commands us to arise and walk (“faithful unto death”). This will all be shown not only in the teachings of Christ, but in the actions of Peter and the apostles after the resurrection of Jesus.

As for today, if you are already at the feet of Jesus and forgiven of sins ... where is your couch?

“Sick and Tired” – MARK 2:13-17

I love to say it, because it’s true – I feel better than I’ve felt in years. I have more energy, my doctors are pleased with my condition and I am sleeping well. But, I have to admit that I am sick and tired. Sure I have some sinus congestion lately, but outwardly all seems well. Inwardly, there is no denying the truth. I am simply sick and tired of being sick and tired. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope that YOU are, too.

When Jesus came upon that vilest offender of his day – the tax collector – the crowds awaited the teaching for the day (2:13) from the Master. Levi (Matthew) was not a part of that crowd. You see, he ran with a different crowd (2:15) of partiers, thieves and power-brokers. Life was good, because Matthew was affluent and had a good job. Life was good, because Matthew had folks he enjoyed being around and a nice home for entertaining. I don’t know, but he might have been thinking about how he had not felt better in years. Then Jesus stopped.

Why did He not just keep on walking and go teach the folks that WANTED to hear Him? That is the special beauty of our Savior and His mind and heart reading power. He came for those who NEEDED Him so that some of them would WANT Him. How curious then that we do not read a long persuasive argument followed by an excuse-filled rebuttal. Jesus said “Follow Me” and Matthew got up and followed Him. One who needed Him understood his need and also DESIRED Him. He was sick and tired after all. Matthew also knew his friends were sick and tired, too.

It all seems so confusing at first glance. The Pharisees, priests and scribes WANTED Messiah, they just didn’t want Jesus. The problem for them was that they did not feel a need for Him. They were in tip-top shape spiritually and no one could touch them. They were doing so well and feeling so good that they could see clearly those they needed to avoid – the sinners. No need to become infected by that disease that afflicted so many OTHER people ... just no them. They were, after all, “righteous”. Just ask them.

They needed Jesus just like you and me and everyone else. Repentance is a change of mind. Even the most moral man needs Jesus as much as the wretched and twisted of the world. Jesus made a point to both the “righteous” and the “sinner” with His strikingly simply point. You have to sense the need for Jesus (“forgiveness of sins”) before you can desire Him. How hard does a heart have to be to not want forgiveness? Hard enough to not see that they need forgiveness. Need a doctor?

“A Fashionable Faith” – MARK 2:18-28

The trend in Judaism during Jesus’ day was fasting. Unfortunately, like our fads and fashions in today’s world, people enjoyed “showing off”. They went about with long faces so others would see that they were “spiritual”. Of course, Jesus was always quick to point out a truth that never changes ... spirituality is from within and such outward displays are for human consumption and mean nothing to God. Still, the Pharisees reveled in their fashionable faith and sought to condemn Jesus’ disciples for not fasting. Jesus’ response was devastating and direct. One hallmark of Phariseeism is seeking loopholes to get around the clear teaching of Scripture. One of the loopholes they “found” was to excuse themselves from fasting during the time of a wedding (so as not to offend the bridegroom). Knowing this, Jesus negated their charges by saying, “Look, this is a wedding!” John had declared Jesus to be the bridegroom, and a day was coming for Him to be torn away from His bride. There would be plenty of time for fasting and prayer.

The process begun by John and continued by Jesus was to separate spiritual Israel from physical Israel. The result would be revealed on Pentecost ... the church of Christ which is purchased with His blood and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the parables of the old and new fabrics and wineskins, Jesus is making an important point. He did not come to “reform” Judaism, He came to make something new – His church. He would not patch up the old covenant, nor would He merely pour new wine into the old covenant. The change from the physical to the spiritual was (and is) drastic. Jesus came to “restore” the spiritual relationship between God and people that was broken by sin in Eden. When the bridegroom was torn away from the bride (suffering, death, resurrection and ascension) the old passed away and the new was reality.

We still struggle with the pull of fashionable faith. Always on the lookout for the cutting edge of religion, men seek to label the way of Scripture as “old wineskins” and “old cloth” to justify their newfound faith fad. While the concept and principle of Jesus’ teaching here are universal and relevant, the “new cloth” and “new wine” never grow old. Unless you are willing to discard the new covenant, you cannot go to these verses to justify new trends in religion. The new covenant can never be “reformed” ... it can only be “restored” within You! Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Only people and fads change. May we be so bold in our faith that we have the courage to be covered by His new garment and filled with His new wine ... no matter how “old” these may appear to our fashionable world.

“Choosing to Destroy” – MARK 3:1-6

We are faced with choosing between three options with Jesus. The first is to reject Him, as the Pharisees chose to do. The next option is to choose a “customized Jesus” that conforms to our ideas and preferences, thus allowing us to be comfortable with Him. Last is the only true option. The choice to accept the “complete Jesus” as revealed in the Old and New Testament. Yes, we must accept the Jesus in creation, prophecy, ministry (teaching & wonders), suffering, death, resurrection, ascension, Lordship, Kingship and High Priesthood. If we are honest with ourselves, we are most likely to take the second option while trying to convince ourselves we have taken the third!

In the hardness of their hearts (3:5) the Pharisees chose to try to destroy Jesus (3:6) through false accusations (3:2), and opted for the “Sabbath” as an avenue for attack (2:23-28). According to the Law, it was a violation to “thresh” grain on the Sabbath, but not to pluck it, shell it and eat it by the handful. While they chose such a ridiculously absurd angle of attack, Jesus presented them with a more clear choice ... good or evil (3:4). It is no wonder they remained silent. From their narrow perspective, they taught that God preferred evil on His Sabbath. Wow. In Christ, our “religion”, our “doctrine”, our “mindset”, our “heart”, our “service” and our “worship” must all be in harmony with our Savior. Choosing the “customized Jesus” leaves us with contradictions, while the “complete Jesus” graces us with divine harmony.

We do not like to see the angry Jesus (3:5), but this is part of the “complete Jesus”. Somehow we convince ourselves that we can conform Him to our liking and then He will silently go along with our desires. Is that really the Jesus found in the Scriptures? Ours is not to conform, but to follow. We cannot choose to dictate to Him, only to be disciples of Him. Are we bold enough to see that any attempt to “customize” Jesus is to flatly reject Him? To choose to ignore Jesus on a matter is to accuse Him. To alter His teaching is to accuse Him. To present our customized Jesus to others is nothing more than an attempt to destroy Him. Our precious faith that saves us is faith in the complete Jesus ... no more and no less.

“Wonders or Word?” – MARK 3:7-19a

Much time, money and brain-power has been expended in trying to determine why people respond to Jesus. Even early in His ministry “crowd control” was a problem to be dealt with (3:9). Even so, the motivation seems to be physical (3:10) and not spiritual. The people may not have understood yet, but the forces in the spiritual realm surely did (3:11) and spoke the ultimate truth about Jesus – “You are the Son of God”. Stop right there. If this is true and Jesus truly is the Son of God, then why is there a question about why people come to Him? Better still, why do ALL people not come to Him? So, Jesus now called a few hand-picked men for a special purpose (3:13). They would work wonders so that people would listen to the Word (3:14-15).

The miracles served a distinct purpose and Jesus had the attention of the multitudes. The blessing of miracles also became the curse of His ministry. Some wanted the physical benefit without any spiritual commitment. In our day the same dynamic prevails. We want to “feel” religious and seek out “worship centers” that fill that need. Worship is not a physical or emotional blessing received by the worshipper. Instead it is the culmination of a lifestyle of love, respect, joy, humility and service overflowing from the heart of a forgiven soul and offered to our Master and Savior. The “benefit” to the worshipper comes from the spiritual commitment that produces the offering. When you worship, is it for wonders or the Word?

So, why do people come to Jesus? He still calls disciples. Discipleship requires spiritual commitment. As a “learning follower” a disciple comes to Jesus for who He is – the Son of God. All else is secondary to this central truth. His wonders were performed because of this truth, for no mortal man could do this of Himself. Yet, it was and is the teaching of Christ that draws us. We learn of His deity and we learn how to live by faith. We learn of His love, and we learn how to love. We learn of His grace and we learn how to be forgiven and how to forgive. We learn of His reward, and we learn how to follow Him into eternity. Embedded in the life of a disciple are all of the emotions that a commitment to Christ can trigger and foster. It was the Father who said “This is My beloved Son ... HEAR Him” – the blessings flow because the Word of God is truly a wondrous gift to the learning follower of Jesus.

“Togetherness?” – MARK 3:19b-25

It amazes me how there are some folks who seem to be coiled and ready to pounce at a moments notice. Instead of assessing things for what they are worth and adding the new information to an ever-expanding knowledge of God, they are reactionary. You see it in doctrinal issues and in mere opinions, and it seems as though such people are not happy unless there is a controversy swirling in their wake. The Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ day were cut out of this particular bolt of cloth. The Scriptures clearly foretold the wonders and miracles that God would work. A reasonable man could comprehend that a true miracle could not be from man and must be from God (John 3:2). Some, unfortunately, had set their minds to oppose anything Jesus said or did. Instead of assessing, they simply reacted. So now they were in the position of attributing the work of God to Satan. Tomorrow we will dig deeper into this sin.

In dealing with the reactionaries, Jesus delivers to His disciples and enemies a principle of simple common sense that we should apply in the work of the church at all times. Abraham Lincoln directly quoted this divine wisdom for his political purposes and added to the fame of Jesus’ statement, “A house divided against itself cannot stand”. This is one of those statements that is obviously true on its face, yet as is the case with inspired wisdom, it has a depth that astounds. How often is this put into practice in the religious world? A glance around the globe reveals a myriad of poly-theistic religions and cultures. Even the so-called “three great faiths” of Islam, Judaism and Christianity are so different that it is a logical and inherent impossibility that all three are true. Is God divided against Himself? Jesus said He is the exclusive way to the Father. Within Christendom the most prominent feature of the universe of believers is the stark division among people. Why? Would Jesus, the Word of God, Great High Priest, King over His kingdom and Savior of mankind leave such confusion in His wake that would render division in His name an inevitable result? If that were true then Jesus Himself stands in violation of His own teaching!

If (more properly “since”) God is not a God of confusion, then there is an identifiable divine truth revealed in Scripture. It is only when people resort to the reactionary approach of assessment by prejudices and preconceived notions that division in the body of Christ occurs. Otherwise, the only conclusion would be that it is all Jesus’ fault (this is the point of the passage we will study tomorrow) and that is arrogant and dangerous. Maybe it is easier to handle this in the “big issues” of doctrine. How do we live in peace in the Lord’s church in the “little things”? In both cases selfishness is at the core of the problem. Pushing agendas in the church and making decisions based upon personalities on each side of an issue is “a house divided against itself”. It is NEVER right. Can we drop the past and start fresh in the name of Christ and the spirit of peace? Certainly! Is it possible for the church to carry out the Great Commission and the Greatest Commands without a party spirit and discord? Certainly! Will we? Will YOU?

“Whose Fault Is It?” – MARK 3:26-30

The charge by the scribes that the disciples and Jesus had an “unclean spirit” and cast out demons is illogical (“a house divided against itself cannot stand”), but is also dangerously offensive. Satan is an intelligent being ruling his domain and the demoniacs were affected by forces in Satan’s realm. The “spirit” in them was God Himself, the “Holy Spirit”. As Jesus taught, error at this fundamental level of attributing the work of God to the work of Satan is unforgiven as it is an (not “the”, but one of this class) eternal sin. This sin brings on death, and is thus spiritually fatal (1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 John 5:16, 1 Timothy 5:6, Hebrews 6:4-6 and 1 Corinthians 11:30). As Isaiah said by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (5:20).

Many have argued that it is no longer possible for people today to commit this “unforgivable sin” since the scribes “saw” the works of Jesus and we can only “believe”. Part of the problem with this thinking is that men have imposed the definite article “the” into a phrase where Jesus used the “indefinite article “an”. The solution to the “unforgiven eternal sin” is to see this specific incident as merely an example of a larger class of sins. It is quite interesting that Jesus begins teaching (Mark, chapter 4) in parables right after this. The first parable gives us insight into all others because Jesus Himself provides the “key” to unlock its truths. Notice that it is Satan who snatches the word away from hearers (Mark 4:15). The scribes were guilty of attributing the work of God to Satan; but, is it possible to attribute the work of Satan to God (see Isaiah 5:20, again)? Would this not be a larger class of sin that continue on in the sinner, are unrepented and therefore unforgiven and eternal?

Let’s return to the matter of religious division that results from interpretation of Scripture. If two people read the same passage and draw two differing conclusions, then there are only two options. Either only one of them is right or both of them are wrong. It cannot be that BOTH of them are right. In the religious world today we have a multitude of groups that read the same Bible and divide themselves into sects based upon their interpretation. Wanting to believe the best in people (most of the time) and not wanting any who believe in God to be lost, people willingly conclude that there is no discernable, absolute truth and it is OK for men to draw differing opinions from the Scriptures because no man can perfectly interpret Scripture. While the last statement is correct, the remainder asserts that it is God’s fault that people do not understand Him. Interesting. Jesus said it was Satan’s fault (Mark 4:15). For centuries men have tried to justify religious division by saying it is part of God’s plan and two groups can believe contrary interpretations of Scripture and BOTH be “right” because we cannot know and discern absolute truth. Division is God’s fault because He did not communicate adequately. Is that not calling “sweet” (the inspired Word of God) “bitter” (division)?

Maybe that is why Peter, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, taught us to add to our faith ... knowledge (2 Peter 1:6). There are many good and moral Muslims who believe in Jesus, but are in error in their understanding of salvation, Scripture, Jesus and the heavenly Father. There are many Jews who are good and moral people, but have interpreted the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms to point to a Messiah who in not Jesus and who is yet to appear. Both groups sincerely believe what they have read and are passionate about their faith. Are they right? Not according to Jesus (John 14:6). Not according to Paul (Romans 10:17). What about folks in Christendom who divide over various interpretations of the New Testament? Maybe we should be very careful about what we believe and foster a deeper understanding. When there is division over the Scriptures, either God is at fault or an interpreter is wrong. Jesus says that Satan snatches away the Word of God. What say you?

“It’s a Family Thing” – MARK 3:31-35

God is a binder. He binds Himself to people in covenant relationship and He binds people to each other in family relationships. Much of the Law and wisdom literature of the Hebrews addresses the enduring respect that children are to have for parents and the loving obligation the parents have for children. So strong was this bond that Hebrews preserved genealogies so that their family lineage was traceable back to Abraham through one of the sons of Jacob. Both Matthew and Luke provide such a lineage for Jesus in introducing Him to us in their respective gospel accounts. Family matters. As like to say, “Blood is thicker than water”.

Into this scene of accusation and division caused by the scribes come the mother and brothers of Jesus. As was customary, the others tried to respectfully usher them into His presence. In one of those wonderful moments found throughout His life, Jesus surprises us. Instead of receiving them in honor, He “rejects” them publicly. Has He not just “divided His house against itself”? Is Jesus violating the Law by treating His mother in this manner? On the surface it appears so, and even worse for a respected Rabbi, He apparently contradicted His teaching with His actions. The crowd (with us looking in over their shoulders) is ripe for His powerful point. The family that is bound together by doing the Father’s will is the “blood family” of Jesus.

Hebrews were Hebrews by birth. Christians are Christians by being born again. Hebrews were heirs to an inheritance of land and property in the “promised land” by birth (and birth order), Christians are adopted into the family and given full rights of full inheritance in the everlasting kingdom. The family of Abraham was God’s chosen vessel to bring Messiah into the world. The family of God in Christ (the church) is God’s chosen vessel to bring the saved into heaven. The blood shed on the cross went back in time to cover sins and rolls ever forward in time until time is no more. God is a binder. He binds those who do His will together by the blood of His Son Jesus. Mary and her other sons were to be bound to Jesus more fully and forcefully than by mere genetics. He did not reject them, He gave them the opportunity to receive Him.

In thinking on these things, take a moment to think through the implications of everything that has transpired in the narrative since Jesus appointed the twelve. The minions of evil were cast out so that people could receive truth. The perceived purveyors of truth (the scribes) accused Jesus of working for Satan. Jesus obliterated their false charge and taught us about unity and the seriousness of sin. With the identification of His true family, He brought into clear focus the nature of Christianity. The church is not a club, it is the binding together by blood those who do the will of God in Christ Jesus into a divine family that glorifies its Father. The way that we treat our brothers and sisters is inextricably linked to the doing the will of the Father. It was John to whom Jesus committed the care of His mother, Mary, while He hung on the cross ... and, it was John who penned the thoughts of the Holy Spirit of God, saying, “By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious. Whoever does not do righteousness is not of God; neither is one who does not love his brother” (1 John 3:10). Family matters.

“Letting The Seed Work” – 1 Peter 1:10-25

In Mark’s gospel narrative, Jesus is about to begin the “parable” teaching phase of His ministry and the beauty of the kingdom (the church) will begin to unfold. The true beauty is found in the realization that Jesus died to establish a kingdom without borders; a church without walls. The word of God, Jesus says, is like a seed that germinates in the hearts and minds of people and, if it takes roots and is nourished, will produce fruitful growth. Peter spends much of his effort in his two letters addressing the power of God’s word to change lives. Before we return to Mark’s gospel, let’s hear what the Holy Spirit says through Peter about the result of people fostering seed growth in their lives.

The angels and the prophets were curious about the plans that God had for His covenant people (1 Peter 1:10-12). Before all things unfolded through Jesus, the world was divided between the Jew and the Gentile, but prophesy foretold a day when the word of God would go out and bring the Gentiles in. There was testimony about the suffering and death of the Messiah (1:11) and then of subsequent glory. It just did not add up ... at least not to anyone except God. The sacrifice of Jesus – God in human form – had always been the plan (1:20) to redeem the jewel of creation that had fallen from the crown. Covenant relationship would not be by birthright (Jew vs. Gentile), it would be by faith (1:21). Salvation would not be by man’s sacrifice of animals or payment of ransom (1:18-19), it would be by the grace of God’s self-sacrifice. In these amazing truths we find the power of God in “seed form” waiting to germinate in good and honest hearts (1:23-25) and open, submissive minds (1:13a).

The seed cannot germinate in a person who simply will not change from following their desires to following the way of Christ (1:14). Faith and grace require obedience that produces personal holiness (1:15-16). The parables of Jesus and the gospel narratives combine with the epistles to teach the way of holiness. Only in holiness, a lifestyle transformed by Christ through a repentant mind and heart (1:13a), can the seed produce a plant that bears fruit. The submissive, repentant mind looks to the One who called (1:15) through His own sacrifice (1:19) and sees the futility of this world and its ways (1:17). The former desires tug (1:14) and Jesus calls. Faith and hope in God (1:21) are the only power that can offset the lure of sin. Continual cleansing is found in the blood of Christ (1:19) and the purification of holiness in Christ through obedience to the word of God (1:22).

In this we are not alone. Not only do we have the Father, His Spirit and His Christ, we have others born of the same seed. Seed produces after its kind. Truth produces Christians. All fruit-bearing plants born again of the word of God and purified in obeying the truth are God’s bountiful covenant garden – the kingdom ... the church ... the saved. Fostering seed growth and fruit production will inevitably produce brotherly love (1:22b) in this lush garden. It was love that created the seed and love is the life force imbedded in that seed. The new life is born of love and must live in love. Anything else is either born of a different seed, or being born of the same seed will soon wither and die.

“Hearing Ears” – MARK 4:1-9

Can you imagine reading this passage and realizing for the first time that Jesus just called you “dirt”? He did. Does that offend you? It should not if you actually listen to what He means. That was the challenge Jesus faced at this point in His ministry, getting people to actually accept and digest His teaching. To grasp what he means, not just hear what He says. So, He teaches using dirt, rocks, thorns and roadbeds. Even to this day people misconstrue His teaching, choosing to warp His words instead of taking them to heart. For those who would actually listen (Mark 4:9), they could take what they understood in daily life and use it to unlock deep spiritual truth. Jesus began to teach them in parables (Mark 4:2).

A vital component to effective communication is listening. I do not mean simply having your ears function as God designed them, since the gospel is preached to the deaf as well as the hearing. A concept eloquently spoken into an empty cavern does not communicate anything because it was not heard. Sometimes we get the impression that Jesus felt like He was speaking into dark nothingness. The Word of God (John 1:1) had spoken the universe into existence, informed people of the Divine expectations and watched as mankind fell and wandered. Now He has taken on the form of a man and speaks to them directly. His greatest desire is to save and in order to save He must communicate with the hearts and minds of receptive people. Many had been hearing His teaching (Mark 4:1), but how many were listening. Jesus turned to the parables to force some intellectual interaction with His audience.

The Word of God challenges us, just as God intended. Instead of creating creatures with a full data base of knowledge and pre-programmed to act only within the confines of that knowledge, people were created with brains that needed to be filled and free will. Still, the Bible challenges us and is not a simple “1., 2., 3.” for us to use a s a checklist for success. Pause for a moment to consider our options here. Either God is an effective communicator and desires us to strive for understanding, or He is an ineffective communicator and His word cannot be understood. A third option is that God has deliberately sown confusion in His Word. Too many are too willing to write God off and accept the notion that people interpret Scripture differently because God made it impossible to understand. Too many are too willing to accept that confusion is an acceptable byproduct of religion. Jesus said it all comes down to rocks, dirt, roadways, and thorns.