Category: Growth (Page 4 of 15)

People respond to Jesus in all sorts of ways.

A stunned and fearful group asked Jesus to leave after the dramatic healing of a demoniac. In the next city, Jairus, a synagogue ruler, begged Jesus to heal his daughter. On the way, a long-suffering woman reached out for her healing by simple touching Jesus’ clothes. Finally, upon entering the house where the little girl now lay dead, the people laughed at Jesus (Mark 5).

Fear, desperation, hope, ridicule. Jesus brought out all these feelings and emotions within a short walk. I cannot imagine laughing at Jesus, nor can I imagine asking him to leave. However, if I were there in the moment, I’d probably respond like everyone else.

One thing I know for sure, when that little girl came skipping out of her death room, laughter of derision turned to laughter of joy, and no one looked at Jesus in the same way again.

No one expected the wild man of Gerasene, a man filled with a band of demons named “Legion,” to ever return to normal. Living along among the tombs, crying with madness, a menace to himself and others, he evoked fear, not compassion (I’m reading in Mark 5 this morning).

Until Jesus walked up the hill. Until Jesus stopped for a conversation with the man’s, literally, inner demons. A few minutes and a herd of drowned pigs later, the man sat with Jesus, dressed and in his right mind.

Who do you know that’s seems so far from redemption that you cannot imagine them sitting at the feet of Jesus? In my experience, these folks are often closer to faith then we think, ready to let Jesus drive out their demons.

Of course, there are those who just want Jesus to go away. But others know themselves, their issues, their struggle with sin, and wait for their pivotal meeting with Jesus.

Week One of Reading the Bible Cover to Cover

God chose Abram in Genesis 12, blessing him and his offspring forever. Shortly thereafter, a famine forced Abram and his family to immigrate to Egypt.

Afraid of Pharaoh, Abram lied about Sarai. Not my wife, he fibbed, but my sister. Due to his deception and the good will of Pharaoh, Abram grew rich. God, however, punished Pharaoh for taking a man’s wife. Pharaoh discovered the ruse and booted Abram and his clan out of Egypt.

Abram, blessed by God, in this first true test of faith, lied and deceived instead of praying and trusting the Lord.

Why type of person does God use? Fearful, self-centered, far from perfect people – like you and me.

Week One of Reading the Bible Cover to Cover

We’ve all gotten a call from a person we don’t recognize. After a few seconds we ask, “who is this?” When they tell us, we start to understand. Knowledge of our past history with that person settles our mind. Context clears up our questions.

At the end of Mark 4, the disciples struggle to keep their small boat from sinking in the midst of a storm. Jesus sleeps in the stern – sleeps – while they fight for their lives. Panicking, they shake Jesus until he stirs. Jesus stands, rebukes the wind and waves, and dead calm prevails.

The disciples ask each other, “who is this?” Mark, writing for Peter, a member of the boat’s crew, describes the disciples’ response as terrified. Not awed, not relieved, not grateful. First response = Terror.

As I attempt to get closer to Jesus, as I read more, think more, and pray more, I actually find my mind less settled, less sure of my notions about Jesus. I find myself asking, who is this?

Week One of Reading the Bible Cover to Cover

There’s still time to join me and many others as we read the Bible cover to cover in 2021. According to the reading plan we are just beginning week one. Join us!