Author: Aaron Hufty

Re:Verse reading–Mark 8:27-38 (day two) “But who do you say that I am?” vs. 29b

In our reading last week Jesus condemned the Pharisees for saying things with their lips, but having a heart far from him (7:6). This week we read of a more personal encounter with his disciple. Those who know Jesus, who read about him, worship him, and place our hope in him; who do we say that he is? When asked to give an account for the savior, what is your answer. There is no equivocating. He either is or isn’t the Christ. Our hearts must be turned to him, and what flows from our mouths must reflect that dependency on Jesus. Check your heart, and let your praise flow.

Re:Verse reading – Mark 7:1-23 (day two) After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man.” Vs. 14-15

Have you ever considered that the law is good? Most of us just think of it as a necessary nuisance. In the spiritual sense it serves to point out that we are all flawed sinners. But the Jews observe several ceremonial laws that served them well. The need for hygiene in the ancient world was not widely understood. The idea of cleaning your body, your cookware, and your utensils likely did more to help the general health of the population that was ever clearly understood in the ancient world. These laws served a purpose, but like most things after time people have a way of focusing on the minutiae and they forget the intent. If, as we follow the law it beocomes only about following orders and it does nothing to bring glory to God, then our motivation should be re-examined. We don’t follow the ceremonial laws of ancient Israel, but there are areas of our lives that could stand some scrutiny. Why do you pray the way you do? How do you treat your family, strangers, the lost?

Re:Verse reading– Mark 6:1-13 (day two) 

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? ” vs. 2b

Going home can be rough. Perhaps you are experiencing that this holiday season. Often when we go back to the place where we grew up, surrounded by the people we knew it can be like we are playing a part that we’ve been playing for decades. Arguments that have never been resolved. Truths that have never been told. This is due, in part, to how others view us. We are forever that 16 year-old kid that kept making poor decisions.

When I was a teacher and I would hear my students talk about politics, world events, or give some commentary on culture I often found it amusing but, just as often, dismissed it as youthful ignorance. As those same students left, went to college, had families and careers their voice began to have a ring of wisdom, but my first reaction was to hear them as a high school student, not a lawyer, teacher, political consultant, or frankly as an adult.

I have been on both sides of this parable. I have gone home and been dismissed, and I have readily dismissed those that I couldn’t imagine as anything other than a child. Where are you on the spectrum? Where was Jesus? How did he react? He continued healing, he sent disciples out with instructions to teach, heal, and move on if need be. Let’s listen better. Let’s give honor where it is due.

Re:Verse reading– Mark 5:1-20 (day two) 

Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him. Vs 6

It strikes me to read of this reaction by evil (demons) toward Jesus. How did Legion recognize the Son of God? Was Jesus so pure, so radiant that he was instantly recognized? What does that say about us? When evil looks at us what is the reaction? Oh, look here, a sympathetic soul. Or, He’s been down this road before this should’nt be difficult. How about, Hey, this guys on our team already. We are not Jesus, but don’t we want to live a life that make evil beg for mercy when we are around? I’d much rather be an unyielding force than an easy target. Pray for God’s strength to fill you in those places that are prone to get you into trouble. Anger, fear, lust – actively give those to Jesus each day, and let evil deal with him rather than you. A herd of pigs might not appreciate it, but you certainly will.

Re:Verse reading Mark 3: 20-35 (day two) 

“And He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal.” Vs. 20

I took the day off today. It was a big weekend. There was lots going on, and I spent a lot of time preparing and presenting Christmas at First. I don’t often take a personal day, but I did today. Maybe that is why this scripture spoke to me. We often speak of Jesus not having a home or a “place to lay his head,” and, depending on your translation, verse 20 may say “into a home.” Regardless of whether it was Jesus’ own house, he still needed to eat. He still needed rest.

I find a strange dichotomy between the command for Sabbath and our excuse to “get away.” We are made to rest, and the command is to rest in the Lord. To spend our time meditating and communing with him. How often, though, do we check our Christianity at the door on the premise that we just need a break. Jesus needed and deserved rest, but Jesus never gave up his call follow his father’s command. There are two lessons here: Find Sabbath, never abandon your call.

Re:Verse reading–Mark 2:1-12 (day two) And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. v 2.

Mark’s gospel account does not include the story of Christ’s birth, but this verse struck me this morning as I read it in context with the Advent season. There was another time that Jesus encountered “no room.” He was born to parents that held no nobility or great wealth. They were forced to take the charity of an inn-keeper who was willing to let them stay in a stable on their census visit to Bethlehem. Now thirty years later, Jesus is faced with a much different scenario. Others are forced to clamor outside because there is no room left where Jesus is teaching.

Where are you this season? What is filling your heart? Is it so full of “stuff” that there is no room for Jesus, or is Jesus so filling your life that there just isn’t any room for anything else? Never too late to do some heart-cleaning.

Re:Verse reading–Mark 1:21-39 (day two) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 1:35

The day before was filled with healing, and that day was to be filled with preaching. Jesus was busy, but not too busy to pray. As our example Jesus knew that those who would follow him would fill their lives. Their lives would be filled with a call to family, to work, to serve, and to a thousand other things. Those who would come after Christ would be busy. So, Jesus demonstrated how to recalibrate one’s heart and mind during those times. He prayed. He began his day communing with the Father.

We have begun a campaign to “Pray First” as we search for the next under-shepherd to come and lead us. Our responsibility to pray first does not begin or end there. It is simply a reminder. This is how we walk, by first bending our knees. In this great season of Advent will you Pray First?