THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:1-11 “Wherever the gospel is preached, what she has done will also be told.” (Mark 14:9) The religious leaders are scheming to kill Jesus. Jesus is eating at the home of a leper. A woman pours expensive perfume over Jesus’ feet. The disciples harshly criticize her for her wasteful behavior. Two of…
Author: Norm
Sleeping on the job?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:32-37 “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.” (Mark 13:36) We are Jesus’ servants, saved and graced to continue His work of salvation. Here Jesus reminds His followers that He will come back to see how we did. People usually sleep when the boss is away, and are…
Still looking up (despite the mess we’re in)!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:28-31 “This generation will not pass away until these things have happened.” (Mark 13:30) Jesus is referring to the events of AD 70, when Rome destroys Jerusalem. Those were terrible times, and since then the world hasn’t gotten any better. Every generation since that time has endured times of sin’s fury unleashed….
His banner unfurled!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 60 “You have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.” (Psalm 60:4) What good is a banner against a bow and arrow? A banner is useless… unless that banner represents something else. “Let his banner over me be love!” (Song of Songs 2:4) The love of God gives us an…
Am I listening?
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 33-36 “The Lord sent word through his messengers again and again.” (2 Chronicles 36:15) Can any of the kings here have said, ‘I didn’t know!’? Was God’s judgment against them and the land unexpected? Its not that God didn’t send warnings. And its not that they didn’t see the evidence in the lives…
He will forgive me too!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 29-32 “He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.” (2 Chronicles 30:9) I have met some people who were convinced God could not forgive them. Satan loves to reinforce this lie, and many Christians believe it. But what do we see in these stories of the kings of…
Keep looking up!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:24-27 “The Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26) Jesus now shifts His focus to the last days when He will return. He quotes Isaiah 13:10 (or Isaiah 34:4), the final judgment, the “day of the Lord”. The day is coming when Jesus will return and make things…
Faith under attack!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:14-23 “So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.” (Mark 13:23) Jesus speaks like a prophet, using strong language to make a point. Like a prophet, He also blends immediate and ultimate events, for dramatic effect. He refers to the imminent destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD) and…
Spirit-powered witnesses!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:9-13 “And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.” (Mark 13:10) Apparently Jesus needs us for a job: to let people know the good news. Jesus’ followers (not just ministers) are sent to share the kingdom message. The Lord uses our presence in this dark world to spread the word….
Building what endures!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:1-8 “Do you see all these great buildings, every one will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:3) These were the first words I thought of on September 11, 2001. I don’t mean that God was punishing the US, or the people in the towers. But our grand buildings often represent our arrogance, our…