Author: Scott Lane

Re:Verse reading–Mark 9:14-29 (day five) 

Why were the disciples unable to drive out the demon? It was a question that was haunting them. They posed the question in private. Jesus’ response, prayer was missing.

Perhaps the questioning and arguing of the scribes distracted and/or discouraged the disciples. Both can lead to doubt and uncertainty.   Often times the criticism and cynicism around us have the same effects. (Jesus’ frustration could have been aimed at the scribes) Maybe the disciples were self-confident and self-reliant when dealing with the possessed boy. “We got this!” “Been there, done that!” could have been their perspective. We can get complacent and “cocky” in our relationship and in our faith with God. (Jesus frustration could have been aimed at His disciples)

Faith/belief must be constantly cultivated. Jesus modeled and taught that spiritual disciplines such as prayer are means by which our faith and belief are strengthened. Prayer places our focus and dependence on God. Both needed for the disciples and for us.

Re:Verse reading–Mark 8:27-38 (day five)

When Peter makes the great confession, there were assumptions that go along with it. Jesus will be a king, a shepherd, and redeemer. Yet they missed the parts of scripture that prophesied of His affliction, suffering, and death. (Isaiah 52-53) Jesus begins to teach them what it really meant for Him to be Messiah. They were thinking/believing that the weapon that would establish and grow the Kingdom of God would be the sword. Then Jesus clears their confusion. When Jesus begins talking about His own suffering and death, maybe the disciples concluded that they would probably meet the same fate. Fear, uncertainty, and self-preservation quickly took over. Peter speaks (rebukes) in strong reaction.

Jesus then describes the strategy and weapon that will establish and grow God’s Kingdom- the Cross. “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” The weapon needed is not the sword (political and social revolution), but rather the Cross (humility, sacrifice, suffering, and obedience).

Re:Verse reading – Mark 7:1-23 (day five)

Mark 7:6, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites”, Mark 7: 8-9 ^“Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men. You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition”. Mark 7:13 “thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

Why was Jesus so harsh to the Pharisees? Why were His words to them always so personal and severe? Was He picking on them?

No! He was showing them and those around them the importance and prominence of Scripture and the rightful place and priority of human tradition and regulations.

Scripture will guide a person to better understand the heart of God and in stark contrast the see clearly heart of man. Traditions, legalism, and idolatry will ultimately elevate that which is human above that which is divine- a very dangerous place.

Be careful of leaders/teachers who don’t clearly teach and preach the Holiness and Mercy of God’s heart. Be equally as cautious of teachers/preachers who don’t clearly communicate the dark sinful nature of the human heart.

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

Ever heard of “Max Q”. It’s a term  from NASA describing the maximum amount of aerodynamic pressure required for atmospheric flight (stress while entering the atmosphere). All shuttles and ships are designed to perform and function effectively while in Max Q.

What about the disciples? They were experiencing social, theological, and political Max Q. Their assignment was specific and realistic (there would be hostility and opposition).  Wonder if they felt the stress and pressure? Wonder if they felt prepared or optimistic?  Wonder if they wanted to postpone or delay?  Wonder if they would rather “play it safe”?
The words of Donald English are challenging and appropriate, “We go for safety in the faith, while trying to follow a Lord who risked Himself in incarnation and all that followed it… Our plea that we need more training is met by the simple observation that the disciples needed more training- much more training; yet they were sent out, and were effective.”

Ready to live effectively in 2017 with Max Q?

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

In an unprecedented move, Jesus tells the demon possessed man to, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” Earlier (Mark 1), Jesus forbids people to tell others. So, why does this man get a different response? Why is he told to go preach when Jesus didn’t yet trust His disciples who had “little or weak” faith (Mark 4:40).

Maybe better questions for us to consider would be: How much do you need to know before God will desire to use you for His Purpose and Glory? Do you need seminary? Evangelism training? (Answer- All you need is your testimony (your life before you encountered and surrendered to Christ, how and when you encountered and surrendered to Christ, and what your life has been like since you have encountered and surrendered to Christ.) How long do you have to wait before God will use you? (Answer- God can use you immediately).

Do you have a testimony? Will you ask God to use you today?

Re:Verse reading–Mark 2:1-12 (day five) 

⁵ And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  Who’s faith was Jesus referring to? Some scholars say the paralytic and the ones who brought him. Others say just the ones who brought him. What both of these viewpoints have in common: the ones who brought him, had faith and also influence on paralytic man.

A few observations of these “friends”:  They believed that Jesus could and would meet the paralyzed man’s needs.  They used their influence to get him to come encounter Jesus.  They were persistent in finding an opportunity for him to be with Jesus.

Do you have intentional friendships with lost people to grow and leverage influence for the Gospel? Do you truly believe that Jesus could and would meet their needs?

George Barna’s research continues to show 47% of people indicate that they would come to church if invited.   Researchers also tell us that the Christmas Season is a time that people are more open to spiritual discussions and attending events.

Will you “make the ask” this Holiday season?   Will you be persistent?   Christmas at First is this Saturday and Sunday. Christmas Eve Candlelight and Lord’s Supper Service begins at 5:30.

Re:Verse reading–Mark 1:21-39 (day five) It was a long, hard, productive day by all accounts. There was teaching, then exorcism in the synagogue. Later, came the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law. After sunset more healing and exorcisms followed. Jesus was the focus of attention and the topic of discussion all around Capernaum. The people were amazed. The disciples were excited that Jesus’ ministry was off to such a great start.

Yet, after praying the next morning Jesus identifies that something is missing: The Gospel. We must always keep ”the Hand of God, the Face of God, the Heart of God, and Voice of God” together. Jesus didn’t quit meeting the “felt needs” of those around Him, rather He did recognize that the potential for the Gospel to be overlooked or ignored existed.

Everything we do or say in the service of God must be in harmony with the Good News of the Kingdom of God.