August 9
Mark 14:1-2
This is not the first time in the book of Mark that we have read something along the lines of, "The teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him." They were always looking for a way to get rid of Jesus. Here's the thing though. They weren't athiests. They believed in God and, in fact they were very 'religious' men. But were so religious and so stuck on their laws that they didn't have room for the new teachings of Jesus. This may not seem applicable to us, because we do believe in Jesus and His teachings. But application question number 2 says, "Where am I trying to get rid of Jesus in my life?" Maybe you aren't rejecting Jesus as a whole, but are there little areas in your life were you're trying to get around Him? We're all good at reasoning to ourselves to get out of doing things we are supposed to be doing. We need to be aware that these things are not harmless little deeds! They are rebelious actions that make today's principle very true...
Principle: It is possible to be religious while trying to get rid of Jesus.
Application:
1. How can I be alert to the evil intentions of others?
2. Where am I trying to get rid of Jesus in my life?
3. What secret dislike in my life could flare into hatred and hurt another?
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question 3, we all have somethings we don't like, we may even try to get out of them. But if we continue to let things go as they are without discussion the situation then one day we may lose it and let all things come out, this is when others get hurt. I pray that we seek God's advice in all situation and deal with them before they fester. This may not change the situation but it will change the way we look at it.
ReplyDeleteI like your commentary, Sarah. The elder brother does not really want the prodigal son to be welcomed home. He thinks he DESERVES the Father's love because he obeys the Father's commands. But the truth is both of the sons were lost...one was lost through rebellion and the other was lost through religion. Our faith is about neither one: it is about a relationship based on grace. A lot of terrible things have been done in the name of religion. We must guard ourselves against the pull away from the gospel of grace into anything that twists God's love into an excuse to hate somebody.
ReplyDeleteThank you for providing the 100 days of Mark study. This one hit pretty close to home. I too often save my Christianity for when it is convenient for me, and keep Jesus out of areas of my life.
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