A Constant Struggle

Scripture – Mark 9:30-37: ³⁰They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, ³¹because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” ³²But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. ³³They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” ³⁴But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. ³⁵Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” ³⁶He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, ³⁷“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Reflection: Again, there are a lot of things going on in this passage. Jesus has somehow found some private time with His disciples. He uses that time to teach them – to tell them again what’s going to happen to Him. And again, they do not understand what He means.

I wonder why they were afraid to ask. Was it related to the argument they were having? I mean, here’s their teacher, their Lord, telling them He will give up His life. At the same time, they’re arguing over which of them is the greatest. Who deserves more?

Christ calls me to follow Him. He promises to give me all I need along the way – including time for refreshment and re-creation. Part of me still wants more. I look around at what other people have and I want what they have. I still get tempted by stuff and the money to buy stuff. In the face of that, Christ gave His live for me.

Lord, lift me above the temptations of my human nature. Touch me with your forgiveness and peace. Thank you for all I have. Lift my vision to see and follow you today with love and joy. For when I keep my eyes on you, that’s what I have.

An Invitation: For anyone interested in sharing their personal reflections from this week’s readings, you are invited to come by the Tim Hortons donut shop at Dix-Toledo and Northline in Southgate this Sunday morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.

Taking His Hand

Scripture – Mark 9:20-29: ²⁰So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. ²¹Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. ²²“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” ²³“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” ²⁴Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” ²⁵When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” ²⁶The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. ²⁸After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” ²⁹He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

Reflection: There are many familiar dynamics at work in this healing. The spirit recognized Jesus and realized its control over the boy had come to an end.

The father expressed his faith in Jesus. It doesn’t have to be perfect or full. Just a little faith is enough. Jesus knows my weakness. As I look to Him, He helps me over come my unbelief.

The healing is done as quietly as it could be. Jesus called the spirit out when He saw a crowd running over to see. And so, this business of keeping things under wraps continued.

Then the boy himself is healed. Jesus took him by the hand and helped him up. How often do I fail to take His hand when it’s offered?

Thank you, Lord, for your continuing healing touch in my life and in this world. Keep strengthening my faith. Lift me up and into ever new life. Use me to help others, as well.

What Were They Arguing About?

Scripture – Mark 9:14-19: ¹⁴When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. ¹⁵As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. ¹⁶“What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. ¹⁷A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. ¹⁸Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” ¹⁹“O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

Reflection: Who was Jesus referring to as the “unbelieving generation?” Was it the disciples or the people? In the places people showed no faith in Jesus, He couldn’t do much. So is the faith problem here with the disciples or the people?

A few times, when I’ve needed to see my doctor, he’s not been available. So I end up seeing another doctor. My confidence level usually drops – at least until I get a sense of how good he or she is. Clearly, the man came looking for Jesus to heal his son. The disciples were just substitutes for the real thing.

In this passage, we’re not told what the argument was about. Were the disciples and the people blaming each other for a lack of faith. I can only do my best, staying aware that power comes from Christ. Whether I’m talking with someone or praying with them, it’s crucial we both realize He is the Healer.

Lord, keep my mind straight on this today. As I deal with different people, empower me to do what you call me to do. Forgive me for taking any of your glory to myself. May people see you through me this day.

Welcoming What Comes Today

Scripture – Mark 9:9-13: ⁹As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. ¹⁰They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. ¹¹And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” ¹²Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? ¹³But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”

Reflection: It’s obvious now that Peter, James and John have been shown some things meant just for them. And like before, they’re told clearly not to tell what they’ve seen – at least, not yet. Jesus mentions, almost as an aside, that He will rise from the dead. Then they can talk about all this.

This caught their attention. It must have been an interesting discussion they had. They would have no background for this rising from the dead scenario Jesus mentioned except……they were the ones present for the raising of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 6:37-43).

How often does God prepare me in the present for future plans and I don’t even realize it? The experiences of today are shaping the person I’ll be tomorrow. I will stay open to that reality. I’ll embrace what comes today and accept today as a gift.

Lord Jesus, keep forming and re-forming me as you will. Whatever comes today, show me how to learn from it. Thank for your on-going transforming work in my life.

A Mysterious Event

Scripture – Mark 9:1-8: ¹And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” ²After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. ³His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. ⁴And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. ⁵Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” ⁶(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) ⁷Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” ⁸Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

Reflection: This has always been a mysterious event to me. What were the disciples seeing? What really was going on? This is the second time Jesus has taken Peter, James and John with Him apart from the others. Jesus obviously has some special plans for them

They experience this great visual scene on the mountaintop. Then they have an audio experience as the voice speaks. Then all is quiet again.

I don’t have much comment on this. I’m just aware there times Christ has a message for me that might not be for anyone else. Sometimes He’s preparing me for something special. And sometimes I have mountaintop experiences that can’t really be described.

Lord, keep me open today. I don’t know what you have in mind for me, but I’m ready.

Time to Go Deeper

Scripture – Mark 8:31-33: ³¹He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. ³²He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ³³But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Reflection: The disciples have come to the point of calling Jesus the Christ – the anointed one promised by God through the prophets – the one who will save Israel. (Mark 8:29) Now that they have that awareness, He brings them into a deeper understanding. “He then began to teach them…”

Accepting Christ as Savior is a great experience. I realize I have the gift of eternal life in Him. Because it’s not based on how good I’ve been, it’s nothing I can lose by not being good enough. It’s a gift from God. And it’s mine (and hopefully, yours) forever.

Accepting Him as Lord is a different experience. As I begin following Him I have to practice letting Him be the primary director of my life. I let Him take control. That’s where I struggle, because I want to stay in control. In this passage, Jesus began leading them into some new ways of understanding His mission. Peter didn’t like what he was hearing. But as Jesus pointed out, the things of God lead us into areas quite different than the things of people.

Lord, as I follow you, imperfectly as I do, I still find your way to be the best. Keep leading. And keep me open to your leading. Take control my heart at a deeper level today.

An Invitation: For anyone interested in sharing their personal reflections from this week’s readings, you are invited to come by the Tim Hortons donut shop at Dix-Toledo and Northline in Southgate tomorrow morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.

Reading for Sunday, February, 24:

Scripture – Mark 8:34-38: ³⁴Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ³⁵For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? ³⁷Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? ³⁸If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

On the Way

Scripture – Mark 8:27-30: ²⁷Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” ²⁸They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” ²⁹“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” ³⁰Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Reflection: Caesarea Philippi looks to be around twenty five miles or so north of Capernaum. I imagine that would be a day’s journey. Actually, I’ve never walked that far at one time. And I certainly wouldn’t try it in sandals on a dirt road. Yet that’s how they got around in those days.

I often overlook the amount of time they spent walking. That was also a lot of time to talk and enjoy the company of Jesus. In this passage, Jesus brings up a pretty important question while they were “on the way.”

I’ve had a couple of friends tell me they like to walk while they pray. I haven’t done much of that. I’ll try that over these next couple weeks. I need to do more walking anyway. So I’ll see how I can use that to keep the lines of communication open between Christ and me.

Lord, you really do speak with me and to me a lot. I don’t always hear – usually because I’m so busy talking myself. Help me explore some new ways of prayer. Open the ears of my heart even this day.

An Invitation: For anyone interested in sharing their personal reflections from this week’s readings, you are invited to come by the Tim Hortons donut shop at Dix-Toledo and Northline in Southgate this Sunday morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.

Like Trees Walking Around

Scripture – Mark 8:22-26: ²²They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. ²³He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” ²⁴He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” ²⁵Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. ²⁶Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.”

Reflection: There are some intriguing dynamics here. Why did Jesus lead the man outside the village for this healing? And why did He tell the man to avoid the village on his way home? Then, why did it take two touches for the healing to be complete?

I certainly don’t have any clear answers for those questions. I do know I need to Christ to adjust my vision from time to time. I easily slip into not seeing individual people. I just see “things” walking around. Sometimes they are in my way. Sometimes they take up my time. Sometimes I objectify them so much they are “like trees walking around.”

Just yesterday, however, I had two encounters with people I didn’t expect to see – one a stranger, the other a friend. Both times I was able to see them. And I was blessed and enriched because of that. I’ll keep my eyes open today for the individuals who cross my path.

Lord, thank you first of all for seeing me. Thank you for your healing, adjusting touch on my eyes. Please keep them open today. Remind me to welcome the people I see, for they are part of your blessing for me this day.

What Are They Missing?

Scripture – Mark 8:17-21: ¹⁷Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? ¹⁸Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? ¹⁹When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. ²⁰“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” ²¹He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

Reflection: Somehow the disciples are still missing the deeper truth. They’re still talking about a loaf of bread. Their focus on that is limiting their ability to see deeper.

Now, I must admit, I don’t understand this little riddle either. I’m not sure what point Jesus is trying to make, nor what exactly the disciples are missing.

I do see that I need to keep checking the condition of my heart. What level of hardness is there? What lessons do I avoid learning? Where do I seal myself off? And how can I soften my heart?

Lord, I’m not always sure where I’m to stand firm and where I’ve let my heart harden. What lines are drawn by your word and your directions? Those I will not cross. At the same time, what lines are drawn by my fear or my weariness or my lack of interest? Help me see the differences today. Show me your ways. Even when I don’t understand your word, I trust your word. I trust you. Thank you for your patience with me. Soften my heart this day.

How Will I Change Today?

Scripture – Mark 8:11-16: ¹¹The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. ¹²He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it.” ¹³Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. ¹⁴The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. ¹⁵“Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” ¹⁶They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”

Reflection: There are times people ask questions looking for answers. And there are times people ask questions as a way of picking a fight or making a point. Jesus showed little patience with the latter. In this scene, He simply breaks off the conversation and leaves. That’s not a bad strategy.

Then He gave the warning about “the yeast of the Pharisees.” Yeast is something that gets into bread dough and affects the way it is. This can be good or bad. Jesus speaks here of the kind of yeast that can have a negative affect on me.

I’ll be careful today about what I let into my heart. There may be doubts, fears, suspicions – things that will continue growing and working within me. I often don’t even realize it. I will watch for that kind of yeast this day.

Lord Jesus, please put your protective and discerning Spirit around me today. Help me recognize the bad yeast that gets introduced to my heart, and remind me to turn it over to you. Keep me clean and clear today. Let your good yeast make me more like you. Thanks.

Play It Again!

Scripture – Mark 8:1-10: ¹During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ²“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. ³If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” ⁴His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” ⁵“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. ⁶He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. ⁷They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. ⁸The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ⁹About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, ¹⁰he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.

Reflection: This is like an instant replay. And once again, the disciples seem a bit confused.

I wonder what’s been going on for the three days. I imagine it’s been like a huge revival meeting of some kind. I’m sure there would have been healings, along with a lot of teaching. It looks like the people stayed longer than they’d planned. So they were running short of food.

The result is a scene very similar that that in Mark 6. Jesus took what was available, gave thanks and provided food for over four thousand people. They all ate and were satisfied. The leftovers were collected.

If I’m where Christ wants me to be, I’ll have all I need. I’ll keep trusting Him to do that.

Lord Jesus, thank you for this reminder. You again bring home a crucial truth here – one I easily miss or take for granted because the story is so familiar. Thank you for taking care of me this day. You do that every day. I’m sorry I don’t say “Thank you” often enough.

An Astounding Act

Scripture – Mark 7:24-30: ²⁴Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. ²⁵In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. ²⁶The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. ²⁷“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” ²⁸“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” ²⁹Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” ³⁰She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Reflection: This is quite an event. The woman who came was not Jewish. Yet she had heard of Jesus, and she believed He could heal her daughter. As she persisted in her request, it was granted.

In this brief encounter, Jesus shows He has come for all people, not just those in the Jewish faith. That would have been an astounding act. But then, Jesus came to shake everything up. God was not to be found in a box crafted by obedience to laws and regulations. God’s grace is not dependent on my behavior.

I’ll be very careful as to how I act and consider other people. I have a tendency – almost unconscious – to screen people as to whether or not they should be part of the church.

Lord, I am so sorry for that. My human nature still asserts itself, and I sometimes do nothing to check it. Open me to all I see today. Remind me you love them and died for them. Thank you for what you have done and are doing for me.

An Invitation: For anyone interested in sharing their personal reflections from this week’s readings, you are invited to come by the Tim Hortons donut shop at Dix-Toledo and Northline in Southgate tomorrow morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.

Reading for Sunday, February, 17:

Scripture – Mark 7:31-37: ³¹Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. ³²There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. ³³After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. ³⁴He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). ³⁵At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. ³⁶Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. ³⁷People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

The Lure of Convenience

Scripture – Mark 7:14-23: ¹⁴Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. ¹⁵Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.’” ¹⁷After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. ¹⁸“Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him ‘unclean’? ¹⁹For it doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods “clean.”) ²⁰He went on: “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ ²¹For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, ²²greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’”

Reflection: What an interesting observation Jesus makes here. It’s clear from Mark’s editorial comment in vs. 19 that Jesus, on one level, is talking about food. However, He’s talking about food in the 1^st century. We have quite a different diet in 21^st century North America.

Much of what we eat today does go into our heart – and usually not in a good way. For all our talk about eating healthy foods, it’s very hard to do. We are so taken by the lure of convenience that we eat all kinds of stuff because it’s easier and faster than taking time to actually cook and prepare a meal. A basic rule of thumb seems to be, the more processed a food is, the less healthy it is. Such is the price of affluence today.

Given that, what is Jesus’ word for us – for me – today? I find myself aware that I ignore a lot of this. I even joke about our “healthy” meals at McDonald’s. I’ll pay attention to what I eat over these next few days. The idea of “clean” and “unclean” food has quite a different meaning in this culture.

Lord, guide me today. Give me a disciplined heart which will lead to a cleaner heart. I know you’re talking about way more than food here. Yet this is a great place to focus. Be the Lord of my diet this day as you provide my daily bread.

An Invitation: For anyone interested in sharing their personal reflections from this week’s readings, you are invited to come by the Tim Hortons donut shop at Dix-Toledo and Northline in Southgate this Sunday morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.

Speaking Truth to Power

Scripture – Mark 7:6-13: ⁶He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. ⁷They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ ⁸You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” ⁹And he said to them: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! ¹⁰For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ ¹¹But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), ¹²then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. ¹³Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

Reflection: Jesus could not be clearer. These are very pointed words, directed toward Jewish leaders, using their own scriptures. Part of the call of the church today is to speak truth to power. That looks a bit different to every church in their local community. How does that apply to Bethel Baptist in Southgate?

I serve on an advisory committee for our local school board. I fill the role of “local clergy.” We’re pretty much a token committee – called together to fulfill a state mandate. It’s clear my input is not really wanted, just my presence. However, I keep asking questions and offering suggestions. And for some reason, they keep calling me back. I will continue to do that. I will look at this role from a pastoral and, perhaps, a prophetic point of view.

Lord, please give me guidance in this arena. Teach me to serve you as I serve this community. Give me wisdom and discernment as I serve that I might bring honor to you.

A Reasonable Question

Scripture – Mark 7:1-5: ¹The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and ²saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were “unclean,” that is, unwashed. ³(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. ⁴When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.) ⁵So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with ‘unclean’ hands?”

Reflection: In the Old Testament book of Leviticus, God gave several laws related to cleanliness. There were a lot of regulations that included washing hands and even clothes. In the wilderness, God was giving His people some basic hygiene instruction.

In Jesus’ day, these regulations had become primarily ceremonial. They were another example of people working to fulfill the laws without any connection to worshipping the One who gave the law.

The Pharisees ask a reasonable question here. They saw some of Jesus’ disciples who were not following “the tradition of the elders.” So they asked about that.

I think I would have asked, as well. The key is to ask honest questions and be ready for honest answers. There’s no question younger generations do not blindly accept the traditions of a local church. I will make sure I differentiate between traditions and Biblical instruction.

Lord Jesus, you know how tempted I am to get set in my ways. Please keep me open to your ways. Give me a discerning spirit as new traditions emerge. Teach me to keep teaching your truth in these new days, while staying open to new ways of communicating and experiencing that truth.

Practical Love

Scripture – Mark 6:53-56: ⁵³When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. ⁵⁴As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. ⁵⁵They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. ⁵⁶And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

Reflection: Jesus’ reputation as a healer had become wide-spread. So people crowded around whenever they heard He was in the area. He healed all who came and touched Him.

I know Jesus is much more than a healer. His mission – His purpose in coming to earth – is much bigger than healing physical ailments. Yet that’s what He did. That’s one of the ways He impacted the lives of people. And here, I don’t see Him asking anything else of them.

It puts me in mind of our Food Pantry at church. We give away food twice a week to people who need help. We don’t ask questions. We just offer a bit of practical love as followers of Christ.

Every situation doesn’t have to be a preaching event. Sometimes I just do good because there’s good to do. I will look for ways to serve people today.

Lord, remind me to love people in practical ways today. Keep me looking beyond myself. Help me help people where they are without asking anything in return.

The Miracle of Daily Bread

Scripture – Mark 6:45-52: ⁴⁵Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. ⁴⁶After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. ⁴⁷When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. ⁴⁸He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, ⁴⁹but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, ⁵⁰because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ⁵¹Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, ⁵²for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Reflection: What connection did the disciples miss? What did they not understand about the loaves? (Mark 6:36-44) How did they miss that Jesus could do miraculous things that defied the laws of nature?

I guess the more pointed question is: How do I miss that? Jesus is still working miracles in the world today. I’ve seen Him make things happen that defy any “logical” explanation on my part. Personally, I’ve known Him to stretch our finances so we cover unexpected bills. More often than I can count, He’s provided physical and emotional strength when I thought I was tapped out. He’s lifted me many times when I’ve fallen.

Most of the time I’ve learned to expect Him to provide all I need whenever I need it. When He’s in the boat, there is peace. While I’m not so much surprised when He does that, I am always amazed.

Thank you, Lord. Forgive me when I doubt. Give me this day the bread we need.

The Choices Before Us

Scripture – Mark 6:21-29: ²¹Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. ²²When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” ²³And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” ²⁴She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. ²⁵At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” ²⁶The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. ²⁷So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, ²⁸and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. ²⁹On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Reflection: There is so much wrong in this whole scene. Choices are made along the way that left Herod stuck in a corner. In the end, he was trapped by his own words, fueled by his lust for his wife’s daughter, who may well have been his niece. This is a picture of a sorry family.

It looks like John the Baptist came out the best here. He was set free from prison. He died with his integrity intact. His memory would be honored.

Lord, please save me from the bad choices I’m tempted to make. I know the Evil One is constantly ready to take advantage when opportune times come. Keep me alert. Keep me safe. I have no chance to resist apart from you.

An Invitation: For anyone interested in sharing their personal reflections from this week’s readings, you are invited to come by the Tim Hortons donut shop at Dix-Toledo and Northline in Southgate this Sunday morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.

Refreshingly Honest

Scripture – Mark 6:14-20: ¹⁴King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” ¹⁵Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” ¹⁶But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” ¹⁷For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. ¹⁸For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” ¹⁹So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, ²⁰because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.

Reflection: It’s intriguing that Herod liked to listen to John It seems John was saying some pretty pointed things to him. Perhaps Herod’s confusion came because he recognized the truth John was speaking.

A great temptation for people in power is to surround themselves with people who agree with them. Consider President Bush, for example. It’s pretty clear he doesn’t appreciate people who disagree with him. And our country is poorer because of that. Yet I find it refreshing, though not always enjoyable, when people challenge me with different points of view.

I will speak as honestly as I can today. And I will accept other perspectives as gifts given to help me grow.

Lord, give me courage and humility. Teach me to speak clearly, honestly and boldly. At the same time, remind me to hear and appreciate other points of view. In all of those dialogues, may your truth prevail.

Jesus Is the Boss!

Scripture – Mark 6:1-6: ¹Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. ²When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! ³Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. ⁴Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.” ⁵He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. ⁶And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.

Reflection: This is about the only place (or situation) where we read about something Jesus could not do. Clearly, the limitations on His power are linked to the low regard of the people in His hometown. People there had watched Him grow up. They knew His family. He wasn’t anyone “special” to them.

The miracles so far in Mark have included faith on someone’s part. How do I limit His power today? In some ways, I become so familiar with Him I forget He’s the Lord. He becomes more like a partner – a collaborator on different projects. Yet He is not a partner. He’s the boss! He’s the one in charge. His power comes into play when I trust Him and submit to Him.

Lord, I’m sorry for watering down this relationship we have. I often take your words as advice, when in fact they are commands. Teach me again to pay attention, to listen and to obey. In that, I will see your miraculous power at work today.

Always a New Beginning

Scripture – Mark 5:35-43: ³⁵While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” ³⁶Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” ³⁷He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. ³⁸When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. ³⁹He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” ⁴⁰But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. ⁴¹He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). ⁴²Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. ⁴³He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Reflection: I once saw a saying, “God may seem slow, but He’s never late.” I imagine Jairus being very impatient as Jesus takes His time on this trip. Then, when the news came that his daughter had died….I cannot imagine how he must have felt.

In the face of that, Jesus’ word must have seemed hollow – “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Jesus knew it was not too late. He knows what He’s doing. The child still had life ahead of her.

There are times I let myself give up – when I figure it’s too late. I forget that God can do anything. I’ve seen Him do amazing things in the past. Yet I still need to be reminded from time to time, Christ is never out of control. So even when I think all is lost, a new beginning is always in the works.

Keep me looking forward, Lord. You have always provided. You are always in control. Forgive me when my faith falls short. I’m ready for the new thing you have planned for today.

A Peaceful Pace

Scripture – Mark 5:21-24: ²¹When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. ²²Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet ²³and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” ²⁴So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him.

Reflection: Word of Jesus had spread to the point where Jairus had enough faith that he believed Jesus could heal his daughter. While he couldn’t bring her, he came himself with his request.

As I imagine what this was like for Jairus, a lot of things come to mind. He would have been worried and scared about his daughter. I expect he would have felt relief when Jesus agreed to go with him. And I picture Jairus getting frustrated as the crowd came into play – slowing things down. I can see him trying to hurry Jesus along – anxious to get back to his daughter. Jesus, however, never seems to hurry.

Lord, you know there are times when I get in a hurry. I’ve become better at that over the years. Not wearing a watch has been a great help. Following your example, likewise, makes a difference, Please slow me down today. Guide me in your timing, not mine.

An Invitation: For anyone interested in sharing their personal reflections from this week’s readings, you are invited to come by the Tim Hortons donut shop at Dix-Toledo and Northline in Southgate tomorrow morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.

Reading for Sunday, February 3:

Scripture – Mark 5:25-34: ²⁵And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. ²⁶She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. ²⁷When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, ²⁸because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. ³⁰At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” ³¹“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’” ³²But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. ³³Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. ³⁴He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Reflection: How do you think Jairus felt in verses 30-34?

Doing It Christ's Way

Scripture – Mark 5:14-20: ¹⁴Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. ¹⁵When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ¹⁶Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. ¹⁷Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. ¹⁸As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. ¹⁹Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Reflection: What a change for this man! He’s been freed from the demons that held him captive. He knows it was Jesus who did that. In response, he does what Jesus tells him to do.

Following Christ doesn’t always mean I go where I want. The man wanted to go with Jesus in the boat. Jesus told him. “No.” Instead, He sent the man back home to tell people there what had happened – what the Lord had done for him. And that’s what he did.

Lord sometimes I get an idea of what I want to do as I follow you. Then you have a different plan for me. , I must admit, sometimes when I don’t get my way, I tend to sulk a bit. Then, when I do start doing what you have asked, I don’t bring much enthusiasm to the task. I’m sorry for that. Remind me today of this man. He went back and told his story, and people were amazed. Show me your way, this day, O Lord.

An Invitation: For anyone interested in sharing their personal reflections from this week’s readings, you are invited to come by the Tim Hortons donut shop at Dix-Toledo and Northline in Southgate this Sunday morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.