Given in Love

Scripture – Mark 14:1-5: ¹Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. ²“But not during the Feast,” they said, “or the people may riot.” ³While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. ⁴Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? ⁵It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

Reflection: I was just reading an article about money. Specifically, the author was pointing out some of the things money says about us. As I consider how I handle money that comes my way, what does that reveal about me?

We know hardly anything about the woman in verse 3. Somehow she had a very expensive item in her possession. And she gave it over to Jesus. I mean, she didn’t give some of it. She broke the jar and poured everything out.

I must admit, I find myself wondering with some of those present whether or not this was a waste. But then, I usually find it easy to decide what other people should do with their stuff. It keeps me from thinking about what I should do with my stuff.

Lord, thank you for your provision in my life. Thank you for the freedom to handle what you’ve entrusted to me in any way I choose. Remind me that nothing I give to you in love is wasted. Teach me, Lord, to be like this woman.

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, March 30 (the rest of the story):

Scripture – Mark 14:6-11: ⁶“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ⁷The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. ⁸She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. ⁹I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” ¹⁰Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. ¹¹They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Welcome Home

Scripture – Mark 13:28-37: ²⁸“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. ²⁹Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. ³⁰I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³¹Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. ³²“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. ³⁴It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. ³⁵“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. ³⁶If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. ³⁷What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Reflection: What a simple picture. A man goes away and entrusts his house to his servants. All have assigned tasks. So whenever the man comes back, he’ll find the house in order.

This sure sounds like a story for the church. The Master will return some day. As Jesus points out, no one knows when that day will come. In the meantime, we are to remain faithful in carrying out the tasks He has assigned. Sometimes, I know, it seems like we’re just going through meaningless motions – doing things that don’t make much difference. However, that’s not my concern. My concern is faithfully doing what the Master is trusting me to do. As long as I do that, I welcome the day of His return.

Thanks you, Lord, for your trust in me. Whenever you choose to come back, by your grace, I’m ready. Help me help others to be ready, too.

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.

A Word of Warning

Scripture – Mark 13:20-27: ²⁰If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. ²¹At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. ²²For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. ²³So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. ²⁴“But in those days, following that distress, “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; ²⁵the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ ²⁶“At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

Reflection: “So be on your guard.” I find that to be a warning that’s very specific to this current age. Spiritually, there are so many temptations around – so many opportunities to get off track and worship the false gods and idols of our culture.

In this area there are a couple roads where, as I go around a bend, one lane becomes two. It doesn’t usually matter which lane I end up in as I’m driving. Usually, I don’t even think about it. Without any conscious decision I end up in one lane or the other.

Spiritually, those kinds of choices pop up often during the day. If I’m not paying attention…..?

I’ll make conscious decisions today to follow Christ. I will keep my guard up, ready for the evil one’s tricks.

Lord, thank you for your protection. You are the strongest. Keep my mind open and alert. Show me clearly the direction you have for me this day. Thanks again for your word of warning.

Unpleasant Images

Scripture – Mark 13:7-11: ⁷When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁸Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. ⁹“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. ¹⁰And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. ¹¹Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Reflection: This is a passage full of predictions I’d rather ignore. The first part describes what’s come to be normal today. Wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation, earthquakes, famines – those are regular reports on the nightly news.

The second part, however, gets more personal. Was Jesus talking just to His disciples or to us, as well? I don’t like the idea of being arrested because of my faith in Christ. I try not to imagine what it’s like to be beaten.

I like to think I’m ready for that. At the same time, I hope I never experience it. I read something like this and I am reminded my faith has never really been tested by any adversity.

Lord, if I’m honest, I’m very thankful for that. At the same time you call me to follow you. That means I will meet resistance and persecution at some point. Strengthen me today to stand firm for you no matter what. Remind me you will never leave me alone.

A Kingdom Perspective

Scripture – Mark 13:1-5: ¹As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” ²“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” ³As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, ⁴“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” ⁵Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.

Reflection:

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

The great proclamation of Easter still rings out – changing everything!

That change is evident in today’s reading. This comes right after Jesus observed a “poor widow” putting just a couple small copper coins in the temple offering. He pointed out that hers was the greatest of gifts because she gave “all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)

In the face to that lesson about generosity, one the disciples makes a comment about the magnificence of human engineering. It is easy to get caught up in such things. We have beautiful houses, impressive city skylines, and cool new vehicles……not to mention the ever-changing world of technology.

Jesus’ reminder still comes to us. None of that will last. If I spend my life paying too much attention to that stuff, my time will be wasted. What does last? What am I doing that will last? What are you doing?

Lord, your kingdom and your reign are forever. Keep me focused on that. As I live help me stay open to your direction, working as a kingdom citizen. The bright and impressive things around me are enticing. Help me see them for what they are and you for who you are.

A Good Day for Us All

Scripture – Mark 12:28-34: ²⁸One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” ²⁹“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” ³²“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. ³³To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” ³⁴When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Reflection: What was the teacher of the law missing? He was not far from the kingdom of God, but apparently not in it, either.

He had the idea that loving God and neighbor was more important than religious rituals. Had he not put that into practice? Was it that he left out Jesus’ reference to loving God with all your soul? What was he missing?

I don’t know the answer to that. I do know, in Christ, I’m not missing anything. By His grace I am in the kingdom right now. I have eternal life right now.

This is Good Friday – the day we observe as the day Christ died on the cross. Because He did that, I have forgiveness for my sin and the promise of life everlasting. So do you! Have you received that promise? Where are you in relation to the kingdom of God?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for taking your cross. Thank you for loving me so much. I don’t deserve what you’ve given. That’s why this Friday is called “Good.” Because of your cross, I don’t get what I deserve.

Two Special Invitations: We’re having a Good Friday worship experience at 7:30pm tonight at the church (Bethel Baptist, 13330 Trenton Road, Southgate). Everyone’s welcome.

On Sunday, we’re having an Easter Sunrise Service outside at Lions Park in Southgate, beginning at 7:15am. (The sun is due to rise at 7:30am.) Dress warm and come join us as we begin our Easter celebrations.

Faithful Living in Real Life

Scripture – Mark 12:18-27 ¹⁸Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. ¹⁹“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother. ²⁰Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. ²¹The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. ²²In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. ²³At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” ²⁴Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? ²⁵When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. ²⁶Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ? ²⁷He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”

Reflection: Another group of leaders came trying to trick Jesus into saying something they could disagree with. This group brought a theoretical question. I find those kinds of questions annoying. They usually are meant to do nothing but start an argument.

Jesus didn’t bite on this one. Instead, He simply pointed out that an entire movement within the Jewish faith was wrong. He used scripture to point out how they did not know scripture – or at least were totally closed to what it says.

It’s no wonder these people wanted to get rid of Him. He was a threat on many levels to them. Because of that, they couldn’t see the life – the new relationship with God – He offers.

Remind me today, Lord, to live in real time. Keep me from getting tangled up in theoretical situations. You’ve called me to live in the real world. Teach me to do that in a redemptive way.

A Person of Integrity

Scripture – Mark 12:13-17 ¹³Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. ¹⁴They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? ¹⁵Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” ¹⁶They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. ¹⁷Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.

Reflection: It looks like these Jewish leaders knew more about Jesus than they realized. He was a man of integrity – a man who would not be swayed by what other people thought.

Their goal was to somehow “catch him in his words.” Yet, the simple fact is, if I always tell the truth, I don’t have to worry about being caught. I don’t have to wonder what I told this person or that person. I have no stories to keep straight.

Jesus has this wonderful (and sometimes disturbing) way of seeing right into my heart. Sometimes I ask Him things I really don’t care about, and He answers with what I need to hear. The answer to the question about taxes was easy. The harder question is, how can I be a person of integrity like Him?

Lord Jesus, please keep working on me and in me. Teach me to follow your example, as well as your teaching. Show me today how to speak the truth. Remind me that you are first on the list of those I want to please this day.

Real Freedom

Scripture – Mark 12:6-12: ⁶“He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ ⁷“But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ ⁸So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. ⁹“What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. ¹⁰Haven’t you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; ¹¹the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” ¹²Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

Reflection: This parable is part of Jesus’ teaching in Jerusalem during what we call Holy Week. It is a brief summary of what would happen this week. God sent His Son. He was rejected and killed.

The Jewish leaders were upset with this because they knew Jesus was talking about them. I find it interesting that they avoided acting because they were afraid.

One of the powerful dynamics of this Holy Week experience is that Jesus moved with such freedom, while the people trying to kill him were caught in their fear. Here the leaders didn’t do what they wanted because they were afraid of the crowd. They were not free because the approval of the crowd controlled them.

I know that fear. Peer pressure is not reserved just for youth. By the grace and power of Christ, I will live in freedom today.

Lord, you know the things that bind me and hold me back. Please set me free today. Remind me to move and act according to your call and not according to my feelings. In all of that, give me a sensitive and discerning spirit.

God Is the Owner

Scripture – Mark 12:1-6: ¹He then began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. ²At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. ³But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. ⁴Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. ⁵He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. ⁶“He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

Reflection: The foundational truth of all stewardship is this: God is the owner. Literally, every thing and every person belongs to Him. God has entrusted some of what He owns to my care. He’s asked me to manage His stuff on His behalf.

The trouble comes when I start thinking things are mine. I start thinking of what I own, what I have, what makes up my stuff. Then I start hanging on to it and protecting it. Then when the Owner sends someone to collect some of what belongs to Him, I tighten my grip.

I will loosen my grip. I’ll hold on lightly to the things God has entrusted to me.

Lord, I know there’s a deeper level to this parable, one that’s especially evident in this Holy Week. At the same time, I keep learning there are no rules when it comes to being open to your word. You continue to speak, sometimes in surprising ways. Thank you for this lesson today.

Powerful Praying

Scripture – Mark 11:20-25: ²⁰In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. ²¹Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” ²²“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ²³“I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. ²⁴Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ²⁵And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Reflection: Jesus has some powerful words here that I find hard to believe. He gives some interesting guidance for prayer.

1) Have faith in God. That seems so basic. At the same time, I am tempted all day long to place my ultimate faith and trust in other things or people. So as simple as it seems, here is where prayer begins – any prayer.

2) Believe you have received whatever you ask for. This is where I begin backpedaling all over the place. I immediately begin a list of things I shouldn’t ask for, and I tell myself Jesus doesn’t mean those. Yet His word is “whatever,” and that is as all-inclusive as it gets. So I’m left to consider carefully what I’m going to ask for.

3) Forgive whoever you need to forgive. I don’t usually have to look far to find people I’m holding something against. Daily forgiveness is a great and freeing discipline. It’s like a gift I give and receive at the same time.

Lord, your amazing word again strikes home with me. As I enter into prayer throughout this day, give me the confidence to pray in faith, expectation and grace. Thanks.

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, March 16:

Scripture – Mark 11:27-33: ²⁷They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. ²⁸“By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” ²⁹Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ³⁰John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!” ³¹They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ ³²But if we say, ‘From men’.…” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) ³³So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Always in Season

Scripture – Mark 11:12-19: ¹²The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. ¹³Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. ¹⁴Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. ¹⁵On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, ¹⁶and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. ¹⁷And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?’ But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” ¹⁸The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. ¹⁹When evening came, they went out of the city.

Reflection: What is the lesson of the fig tree? As long as I remember, it seems unfair that this poor tree ends up with a curse on it. Mark is clear that it was not the season for figs. So why does it get in trouble for having no figs?

I guess, as I look at my life, I have fruitless days from time to time. Do I have fruitless seasons? Do I go for extended periods of time, staying real busy, but producing only leaves?

Maybe in the Kingdom there are no “off” seasons. Even when I’m on vacation from my role as pastor, I’m not on vacation from Jesus. I’ll remember I’m called to be a full-time follower.

Lord, by your grace may I avoid fruitless seasons in my life. There are days I shut down and don’t even pay attention to you. I’m sorry for that. You are never draining. You are always filling. Keep me in season 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 this Sunday morning at 9:45am. We’ll have a cup of coffee and see what the Lord has been teaching us this week.

The Boldness of Bartimaeus

Scripture – Mark 10:46-52: ⁴⁶Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. ⁴⁷When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” ⁵⁰Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. ⁵¹“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” ⁵²“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Reflection: There are many layers of meaning in this story. At the same time, it’s pretty straightforward on the surface.

Clearly Bartimaeus had an idea of who Jesus was. When he heard Jesus was near he began shouting to get His attention. And he did. Bartimaeus knew exactly what he wanted Jesus to do for him. So when Jesus asked, he was ready: “I want to see.” Immediately, he received his sight. Then he stayed with Jesus, following Him along the road.

How often am I that clear about what I want? For really, the question still comes from the same Christ who spoke to Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” How would you answer that question? What do you want or need from Jesus today?

Lord, I don’t know why I make it so hard. You’re ready to help me any way you can. And you can do anything! Give me the boldness of Bartimaeus – the boldness to ask, expecting to receive.

Hard to Believe

Scripture – Mark 10:28-34: ²⁸Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” ²⁹“I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel ³⁰will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. ³¹But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” ³²They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. ³³“We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, ³⁴who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

Reflection: This is the third time Jesus has talked about what would happen to Him when they got to Jerusalem. He did all He could to prepare these disciples for that experience. Yet it was still something beyond their imaginations.

I like to think I would have done better than them. In fact, it’s easy to read some of these stories, laugh at them and wonder how they could miss who Jesus was. I forget that I have the great advantage of knowing the whole story – at least as recorded in the Bible. These people were right there with a real flesh and blood person who was telling them things that didn’t fit with any other experience they’d known.

Lord, teach me to be patent with people and to look at life from their point of view. Thank you for going to Jerusalem- to the cross. While I would have had a hard time believing you then, I believe you now.

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, March 9:

Scripture – Mark 10:35-40: ³⁵Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” ³⁶“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. ³⁷They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” ³⁸“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” ³⁹“We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, ⁴⁰but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

If I Were a Rich Man

Scripture – Mark 10:23-27: ²³Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” ²⁴The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” ²⁶The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” ²⁷Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Reflection: Who are “the rich?” Very simply, they are people who have more than I do. It’s easy for me to point a finger at them and make sarcastic comments about how extravagant and wasteful they are.

Yet the fact is the Lord has blessed me with more than most people in the world. My human nature wants me to look up the economic ladder at all the people who have more. In Christ, I remember to look down that ladder and see all the people looking up at me.

It is hard for us who are rich to stay focused on the kingdom. One of Satan’s most effective schemes is to keep us dissatisfied. So I end up paying attention to what I don’t have rather than to how I can serve.

I will look at what I have and thank God for it today. I will be intentional about that.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your provision in my life. As much as I resist the reality that I am rich, the fact remains that I am over blessed. Forgive me for wanting more. Show me your ways today. Give me a servant’s heart and a thankful attitude.

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.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Scripture – Mark 10:17-22: ¹⁷As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. ¹⁹You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” ²¹Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ²²At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Reflection: Here comes a man wanting to know what he needs to “do.” That’s the easy way out. If I can reduce following Jesus to a check list, then I can mark things off as I do them, and eventually I’ll have done enough. Discipleship becomes little more than a scavenger hunt.

Jesus looked at this man and loved him. (That’s a step I often overlook.) Then, as He does so often, He gives the man more than what he’s asked for. Jesus reached deep into the man’s heart and gave him the challenge and opportunity to change his life – to let go of what was standing between him and eternal life.

The man “went away sad” from this dialogue. I wonder if he was sad because he knew it would be painful to do what Jesus told him. I can imagine him selling all his stuff and giving the proceeds to the poor – as hard as that would have been for him. In doing that, he would already be following Jesus.

What’s the word for me here? I’ll look deeper into my own heart, rather than speculate about this man. What’s the challenge for me? What’s the opportunity?

Lord, thank you for the assurance of eternal life. In that sense, the man’s question is not mine. Still, guide me into deeper waters as I follow you. Show me where I need to loosen my grip, even though it may be painful to do that.

Let the Little Children Come

Scripture – Mark 10:13-16: ¹³People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Reflection: The other day in a Bible study, we got to talking about children. We observed they are voiceless and powerless in a culture run by adults. Usually they’re not taken seriously. They’re certainly not included in any big decisions. We easily overlook them.

Yet Jesus makes it a point to welcome them and receive them. He reminds me that each child is a person created and loved by God. Each child has great value because of that.

Our North American culture does tend to de-value children. We try to pay as little as possible for schools. We skimp on health care. We ignore the negative affects of poverty on our children. Even in the church, we don’t really listen to them. Then we wonder why they don’t pay attention to us when they become teenagers.

Lord, remind me to see and value all people today. Each one is someone of great worth. I’m sorry for not paying attention. Open my heart as I encounter children today.

What God Has Joined Together

Scripture – Mark 10:6-12: ⁶“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ⁷‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, ⁸and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. ⁹Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” ¹⁰When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. ¹¹He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. ¹²And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

Reflection: This is a passage that sticks itself right in the middle of family life in our North American culture today. Divorce is part of our culture. Thirty years ago I heard a preacher point out that our culture no longer believes in marriage as a permanent institution. That observation has been reinforced ever since.

I’ve performed a lot of weddings over the years. And very few of them, I suspect, involve couples who come to marriage with a clear sense that God has joined them together. People get married for all sorts of reasons. How often is God’s call to marriage part of that process? I don’t know. I just raise the question.

The fact is divorce has touched most all of us in various ways. I won’t go into much more because it gets a bit too personal. I’ll just say, sometimes divorce is a step to correct a decision that should never have been made. It does not separate what God has joined together.

God has a plan for every person. Sometimes that plan includes marriage – a union where two specific people come together in Christ so they become one. When that happens, it is a wonderful new creation.

Lord, it’s not my place to judge why people get married. It is my place to raise some questions for them to answer. Guide me in that as I meet with people and talk with them about marriage.

Ready for Hard Answers

Scripture – Mark 10:1-5: ¹Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. ²Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” ³“What did Moses command you?” he replied. ⁴They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” ⁵“It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied.

Reflection: According to the Jewish law, a husband could divorce his wife for any reason he wanted. Even if he was just tired of having her around, he could write out the certificate and send her away. It was that easy – and that unfair.

So on one level, the answer to the Pharisees’ question is “yes.” It was lawful. However, is it right? That’s the question Jesus is about to address. His answer is in tomorrow’s reading.

For today, I’m reminded of what someone once told me: “Don’t ask me questions you don’t want me to answer.” Sometimes I avoid taking things to Christ because I don’t want to hear His answer. Yet He will always be honest. He will always be right. And He will always answer out of love.

Lord, lead me to a deeper place in my heart where I have difficult questions. Give me courage to ask them and readiness to hear your answers. You always have my best in mind. Help me remember that.

Do Not Stop Him

Scripture – Mark 9:38-42: ³⁸“Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” ³⁹“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, ⁴⁰for whoever is not against us is for us. ⁴¹I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. ⁴²“And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.

Reflection: The net Jesus casts is far wider than I can envision. The natural way to phrase things would be, ‘Whoever is not for us is against us.’ Lots of groups do that. Right to Life, for example, has built its mission on that statement. The Jewish leadership had pretty well come around to that in Jesus’ day, as well.

But Jesus reverses our idea of common sense. “Whoever is not against us is for us,” He said. We welcome the efforts of many people. We don’t have to agree on every specific thing before we can join together.

Where there is a choice to do good, I’ll choose the good. Where there is a choice between helping or ignoring, I’ll help. The key, as always, is that I live and act in the name of Jesus.

Lord, open my eyes, ears and heart today. Show me how to live for you. Save me from those temptations to live against you. In my heart of hearts, you are the Lord – the Director of my life. Keep reminding me to let you be in control.

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, March 2:

Scripture – Mark 9:43-50: ⁴³If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. ⁴⁵And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. ⁴⁷And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ⁴⁸where “‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ ⁴⁹Everyone will be salted with fire. ⁵⁰“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”