Author: Norm

“They went out and preached that people should repent.” (Mark 6:12)As a Jesus follower, repentance is a part of the journey of faith.But do I go around telling people to repent, like the disciples did?The answer is both no and yes. The word ‘repent’ is a translation of a compound Greek word metanoia.It literally means ‘to…

“He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few.” (Mark 6:5)As a Jesus follower, I look to Jesus with hope and expectation.This does not mean that He always answers my prayers as I ask.But it is not that Jesus cannot answer my prayers.Here in Nazareth Jesus could not answer their prayers.Because…

“Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”).” (Mark 5:41)As a Jesus follower, I long to hear Jesus say these words.Not to me, but to people I am with who need waking up.I’ve been with a young child who was dying, and also when he died.With those dying with pain, or experiencing…

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34)As a Jesus follower, I am drawn to Jesus by simple faith.Like so many who came to Jesus, my hope in Jesus is simple.I have a need, I’ve considered the options, and Jesus meets my need.I am aware of all…

By Rev’d Jon Swales I don’t want to be a Christianwho forgets how to feel—who hides behind answers,quotes verses like shields,and silences sorrowwith a song. I don’t want a faithof romanticised abstraction,where resurrection is polishedand the cross is theory.Give me something real—flesh and blood,grief and grace. I want to weepwith eyes wide open. Tears that…

“She came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak.” (Mark 5:27)As Jesus followers, we have been cleansed, made clean, pure.Yesterday we saw unorthodox, desperate faith in action.Now we see the same, but even worse – disgusting faith.This woman was impure, like a leper, untouchable (Leviticus 15:19-30).She was sick, disgusting, someone to be avoided.She was…

“Jairus pleaded earnestly with him… So Jesus went with him.” (Mark 5:23-24)As a Jesus follower, I can relate to times of desperation.Jairus was not looking for a religious experience.He was not expressing religious faith in Jesus as God’s Messiah.He was a synagogue leader, his faith was formed by the traditions of the Elders.Yet when his daughter…

“Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19)As a Jesus follower, I would prefer to be closer to Jesus.Not that I want to die and leave my family.But to experience more of those moments when Jesus feels near.There are specific times and settings when I…

“Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.” (Mark 4:17)As a Jesus follower, I have experienced the Satan’s ‘scare tactics’.This story about demons and pigs seems really odd.But when I see how the people respond, it makes more sense.These negative spirits delight in promoting crisis and fear.That is what they are doing…

“A man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him.” (Mark 5:1)As a Jesus follower, I have encountered ‘impure spirits’ before.This man had become deranged and violent, out of and beyond control.I have been with people experiencing different, yet similar, ‘spirits’.People screaming, writhing, foaming, harming themselves, violent and uncontrollable. People then did not…