Author: Aaron Hufty

Re:Verse passage – Mark 7:1-23 (day two) Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men. v. 8

This should hit everyone square between the eyes. Whether it is tradition of denomination, our own culture, our particular gather, we have ways of doing things “in the name of Jesus.” So much so that we often don’t remember how they became tradition in the first place, but they have become our stock and trade when it comes to how we do church. You won’t find a bigger advocate for tradition than me, but I also want to be the first to say that if we don’t run everything by scripture and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we are running a risk of being far from God. Even more than that when our traditions become our doxology we teach others, ie our children, to worship the tradition first. This is a hard lesson for any institution that has been around for generations, but our litmus test should never be measured against our history, but against God’s authority.

Re:Verse passage – Mark 6:45-53 (day two)

for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” v. 50

We have studied Mark for several weeks, and one of the angles we have been studying is how people respond to Jesus. Week after week, Pastor Chris calls everyone to some sort of response in worship. He is giving voice to the work of the Spirit in each service. We are always responding in some way or other. A response that gets a lot of text in scripture is one of fear. When you read the birth narrative in the gospel according to Luke, almost every encounter with the divine is preceded by the statement do not be afraid. That has to mean something, right. When you witness something supernatural there is a fight or flight response that is triggered. When you don’t know how to process what you are experiencing, a common response is fear. That is how we are wired, it’s ok. It is what we do next that matters. When we hear the words ‘do not be afraid’ we are called to trust the messenger and put that fear into action. It is our privilege to be a part of the Kingdom building that is happening all around us, but we must first get out of our own way. The fear response likely tells us that we are not up to the task that we are facing. True statement. The next step for believers is to trust that the Lord will equip you to do just what he has called you to.

Re:Verse passage – Mark 6:30-44 (day two) 

And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.”  v. 31a

Your job will always ask more of you. Rarely, if ever, will you find in your vocational calling a time that says ‘you’ve done enough, you should relax.’ There is always a benchmark we are reaching, a deadline approaching, and the bottom line to consider. What often makes it worse is if there is a let up of pressure it is often accompanied by a sense of guilt that can come either internally or externally. There will always be more to do. Jesus sets the example for us to breathe. From the earliest pages of scripture, we are told to rest. Even in the midst of an avalanche of needs surrounding Jesus and the disciples, he reminded them of the need to stop. Not forever. We should take seriously the call to work, and to rest.

Re:Verse passage – Mark 6:14-29 (day one) But when Herod heard of it, he kept saying, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen!” V. 16

Herod was a haunted man. Much like the nervous narrator in Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘Tell-Tale Heart’, Herod was haunted by the circumstances that led to his order to behead John the Baptist. That death weighed on him, and that albatross haunted him. When he heard of the work of the disciples his anxiety spiked. It is likely that John was never far from his mind, and hearing of Christ’s ministry was a trigger. Undealt-with sin will do this to you. The decision to kill John was based on a lack of character and other poor life choices that Herod had allowed himself to make. The further you allow sin to eat away at your being the more catastrophic the consequences can be. For all of us it starts with sin, but for the believer it ends with repentance. No matter how far down he rabbit hole you think you are, there is no distance to far for the forgiving mercy of Jesus. Don’t compound sin with sin the way Herod did. Repent and that tell-tale heart will never beat under your floorboard.

Re:Verse passage – Mark 6:7-13 (day two)

And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs…v. 7a 

It is notable all the things the disciples are instructed not to take, but it struck me today what they did take. They were sent in pairs. This is significant in that Jesus knew the disciples would be aided by the encouragement and accountability of a partner in ministry. Ministry (the kind to which we are ALL called) can be a daunting and draining journey. Each of us will have periods in our call where we feel beat up. There were specific times in Jesus’ earthly journey where he sequestered himself to pray, but how much more did he surround himself with partners in ministry? When we are on mission together we are better. Who are you praying with? Who are you sharing your journey with? Who had Jesus sent to accompany you on your call to serve?

Re:Verse passage – Mark 6:1-6 (day two) 

When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue… v. 2a

I love this picture of Jesus. It’s one that we don’t often see portrayed. If you think a scene with Jesus, you are likely picturing him at the seashore, in a boat, feeding thousands, or performing a miracle. I don’t want us to miss this picture of Jesus in worship. Most of Jesus’ life, like ours, is spent outside the walls of the church. Much of what Jesus was here to do was to seek and save that which was last. Our call is the same. Living on mission is what we want for every believer. Jesus also made a priority of regular worship on the Sabbath. He gathered with others who wrestled with scripture, and share wisdom to help others understand the mysteries of faith. Gathered worship is a privilege and responsibility for every believer. We gather, first, to honor God. In so doing, we build and edify the church. We are better believers when we faithfully and actively attend worship. By honoring the Lord, and strengthening the body we become better equipped to be on mission outside the walls of the church. See you Sunday.

Re:Verse passage – Mark 5:21-34 (day two)

For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” v. 28

It would be easy to read this story and think the woman was so desperate she was willing to try anything. Indeed, she had trusted doctors, healers, and all sorts of remedies, but this wasn’t the act of ‘let’s try one more thing’ thinking. All of the other remedies and treatments were simply part of a timeline toward an encounter with Jesus. It does make her story more dramatic, yes, but I have known people who have the exact opposite response after a years of being sick. I have seen them resign themselves to whatever is next. It is a defense mechanism against another disappointment. This woman’s actions were so focused on Jesus, she knew that touching him would heal her. That is the faith that Jesus acknowledged. Don’t expect Jesus to be a last resort for you or someone else in a time of hurt or loss. Regardless of your circumstances and how you got there, when it is time to encounter Jesus, do it like this woman: fully commit. The time for doubt, fear, and hesitation are behind. It is now time for healing and wholeness. It is time to touch the savior.