June 18
Mark 6:1-6
I laughed when I read the principle for today (about witnessing in your hometown), because I am actually on a mission trip right now. Mission trips are great – after all, Jesus did tell us to go to the ends of the earth. However, I think that sometimes we forget that we are supposed to be missionaries every day, even where we live. It is not something we can turn on when we are in a foreign city then turn off when we get back home. The problem is, it’s hard to witness at home! Sometimes we get too busy and caught up in our lives to see the opportunities around us. Sometimes we are too embarrassed to talk to people who we know. Sometimes our actions discredit our testimonies and people don’t trust what we are saying. Even Jesus had trouble witnessing in His home town. The people knew His family and knew Him, so they didn’t understand were all these teachings and miracles were coming from. But we need to take a lesson from Jesus and not give up. This was not the first time Jesus had tried to teach the people in his hometown about who He really was. They even drove Him out of town the last time! (Luke 4:16-30). If you have an opportunity to go somewhere on a mission trip, it’s always an incredible experience. But, we are called to share Jesus everywhere, even in Joplin, Edmond, or wherever you live!
Principle: The hardest place to witness is in one’s hometown.
Application:
1. Have I so focused on Jesus’ humanness that I have missed the fact that He is God – all powerful and sovereign?
2. Were in my life is Jesus’ power being stifled or limited because of my shallow faith in Him?
3. How would Jesus respond to my view of Him – am I amazing Him with my unbelief or my faith?
4. Am I willing to continue to witness in my family and community even though I don’t see results?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Re: question #3: In the beginning of today’s scripture the people were Amazed at Jesus' teaching because they couldn't believe someone they knew, knew so much. And then at the end, Jesus was Amazed at them for their unbelief. I usually think of the word "amazed" as something wonderful, but in this case it has is a very sad connotation. I pray that my heart is always open in wonderful Amazing faith so that I will continually learn more of Jesus’ wonderful Amazing teachings.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it so hard to witness in your family and community? We are more comfortable at home. Then I am reminded that people at home know all of my faults and sins of the past. When we confess our sins He is just to forgive us and remembers them know more. No matter what we do at home they will always remember our faults. We must be a strong witness in our home in order to replace the bad memories with good ones. This is a big challenge. We will have to be strong in faith and keep on pushing just like Jesus had to do.
ReplyDeleteOnly twice in the scripture is Jesus amazed. He was amazed at the faith of a Roman soldier and he was amazed at the lack of faith in his home town. I pray that my faith will be on the right side. Here's a thought about witnessing to those closest to us: We can emphasize the grace of God. My life may not be a testimony to perfection, but it can always be a testimony to God's grace.
ReplyDelete