SCRIPTURE: Mark 3:7-30
OBSERVATION:
Jesus faces a variety of challenges:
– Crowds following him everywhere, making it hard for Him to move, to teach, to eat
– Demons stirring up trouble with their provokative confessions
– No time alone with his disciples
– One of His own followers would one day betray Him (I’m sure He knew this)
– Family accusing Him of being out of His mind
– Religious leaders accusing Him of being a servant of Satan
According to Luke, Jesus picks the twelve apostles after a night of prayer (Luke 6:12-13); was Judas an answer to His prayer?
Jesus suggests that His miracles are only possible because the ‘strong man’ (Satan) has been bound.
What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, to say that the work of God is of the devil, and why is this sin unforgiveable whereas blaspheming God’s Name is forgiveable?
APPLICATION:
Like Jesus, I will also face opposition and accusation, even from those close to me.
I can be more confident in the Lord, and in His calling me, because He has defeated and bound the strong man, I serve the reigning King (Colossians 2:13-15, Hebrews 2:14-15)!
In times of opposition and accusation, I need to stop defending myself and entrust myself to the Lord, open to His correction if I’m wrong, and resting in His power if I’m falsely accused or attacked.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for reminding me that the enemy has been defeated and that I am free and safe in You. Thank You for showing me that You also went through times of testing and opposition, and that I too can be confident when I experience opposition. Keep me humble and hopeful! Amen.
Jesus was certainly the Master Teacher with His parable and miracle ministry. As He was the answer to those who needed physical healing then, He is my answer to my physical and spiritual healing today. I too need to recognize Him as my Lord and my God. As His disciples responded to His call, so I too need to respond to that call and serve Him wherever He sends me. I need to hear His call – God speaking to me today. Help me Lord in my daily witnessing – proclaiming the Good News. May I remain focussed to do Your will, even though those around me may say He’s lost his mind. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God.
As Christ gave the physical healing to the people, He also gives the spiritual healing to His people. There is a radical change in the physical healing and the same is true in the spiritual healing. We can serve only one Master, Jesus Christ. Help me Lord to put You first in all things. Once again, Today God Is First. Lead me Guide me by Your Spirit so I walk in the Way everlasting.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
He shall direct thy paths
In all thy ways acknowledge Him
Hallelu, Hallelujah!