Category: Mark Devotionals

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Mark Devotionals

Because he lives

Hope

“Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” (Mark 16:6)

Tomorrow, I’ll be flying out to Hawaii for my mother’s memorial service, and in a few days, we will be placing her remains in the earth.

But the truth is, that won’t really be her buried in the ground. Her spirit is with the Lord now, and the day will come when her ashes will rise and her spirit will be joined to a new body, perfect, immortal, incorruptible.

That’s my hope. Because Jesus lives, my mother lives also. (John 14:19)

And by his grace, so will I.

Many still mourn
And many still weep
For those that they love
Who have fallen asleep

But we have this hope
Though our hearts may still ache
Just one shout from above
And they all will awake

And in the reunion of joy
We will see
Death will be swallowed
In sweet victory — Bob Hartman

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Mark Devotionals

That he might save me…

cross

In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself!” (Mark 15:31)

Those words always resonate with me. The chief priest and scribes said those words to mock Jesus. But their words were truer than they knew.

In order to save us, Jesus couldn’t save himself. He had to die an excruciating death, taking all our sins on himself. All of God’s wrath toward us was poured out on him.

And because of him, the curtain that separated us from God was torn in two.

I’m so grateful that Jesus chose not to save himself so that he could save us.

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Mark Devotionals

What Jesus asks of us

Mary of Bethany

She has done what she could… (Mark 14:8)

I was just thinking on those words.

Mary of Bethany, Lazarus’ sister, couldn’t do much for Jesus.

She couldn’t defend him against his enemies.

She couldn’t stand up for him in his trial.

She could do nothing to prevent his death.

But she did what she could.

She didn’t even realize what she was doing: preparing Jesus’ body for burial.

All she knew was that she loved Jesus and was full of gratitude for what he had done for Lazarus. (John 11-12)

And so she did what she could.

That’s all Jesus asks of us.

Not to do what we can’t.

Not to do what others say we should.

But out of our love for Jesus and our gratitude towards him, to do what we can to serve him.

And ultimately, that’s what I want Jesus to say of me.

“Bruce did what he could.”

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Mark Devotionals

God of the living

God of the living

And as for the dead being raised—haven’t you read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God said to him: I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob?

He is not the God of the dead but of the living. (Mark 12:26-27)

It’s been about three weeks since my mother passed away. And perhaps that’s why the above verses resonate with me.

God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

And one day, the Father will put all of Jesus’ enemies under his feet, including the final enemy: death. (1 Corinthians 15:26-27)

I will see my mother again.

And so though I’m mourning for her, I’m also joyfully singing Christ’s victory song.

Death has been swallowed up in victory.
Where, death, is your victory?
Where, death, is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

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Mark Devotionals

Returning empty-handed?

fig tree

If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it… (Mark 11:3)

The next day when they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves. (Mark 11:12-13)

I don’t know that I’ve ever connected these two verses before. In both cases, the Lord needs something.

But in the first he receives what he asks, and in the second, he doesn’t.

It just made me think. “When the Lord needs something of me, how often does he come away empty-handed?”

Lord Jesus, may you never return empty-handed when approaching me for fruit.

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Mark Devotionals

First love

first love

 But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4)

I’ve been thinking about those words the past few days. What is the characteristic of first love? I think the main characteristic is joy.

What sparks first love for God? His mercy and love towards us. (1 John 4:19)

It seems the rich ruler never had that kind of love. He had never experienced his need for mercy, thinking that he was a pretty good person already. (Mark 10:19-20)

And so when Jesus asked him to give up all he had and to follow him, there was no joy. Only gloominess and sorrow. (21-22)

The disciples, on the other hand, did love Jesus, but their motivations were still very mixed, constantly thinking about what was in it for them for following Jesus. (28, 35-37)

But when Bartimaeus followed Jesus, he did so filled with joy. (Luke 18:43)

Why? Because he had asked for mercy and received it.

That’s first love.

Jesus looks at me and loves me. He “mercied” me. (Mark 10:21, 47)

I pray I never forget that or take it for granted.

I pray the same for you.

Because you first loved me,
Jesus, you will always be
You will always be
My first love. — Bob Hartman.

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Mark Devotionals

Self-sufficent? God-dependent?

God-dependent

After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.” (Mark 9:28-29)

I was just thinking about the disciples today. They had failed miserably trying to cast out a demon.

The reason?

Apparently, they were trying to cast the demon out on their own authority. By their own power. And it never occurred to them to pray.

It made me think, though, how often am I that way? How often, instead of relying on God and his power, am I relying on myself?

How often is it my first instinct to pray? Not just when I face problems bigger than me. But all the time.

Father, let me never try to live a self-sufficient life. Help me to always live a you-dependent life.

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Mark Devotionals

Father, what do I cling to?

Reading the Bible

For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they perform a ritual washing, holding fast to the tradition of the elders…

Having no regard for the command of God, you hold fast to human tradition. (Mark 7:3, 8 NET)

Those words, “hold fast,” really stood out to me.

By holding fast to their traditions, the Pharisees and the Jews dishonored God’s word, and by extension, the One who gave it. They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from him, clinging to other things.

Of course, we see the same kinds of problems among people claiming to be Christians today. They look at some of the things God has said, but instead of holding fast to those words, they cling to the values of “modern-day culture.”

And so though they may honor God with their lips, their hearts are actually far from him.

But I was thinking today, “What am I holding fast to? Am I holding fast to Jesus and his Word? Or am I holding fast to other things? A desire for financial security? My pride? Wrong attitudes? Or even sin?”

Jesus, take my whole heart. Let me hold fast to nothing else but you.

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Mark Devotionals

Come away

Sailing

[Jesus] said to [his disciples], “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” …

He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Very early in the morning he came toward them… (Mark 6:31, 48)

I was thinking today about what a good shepherd Jesus is.

He doesn’t simply ask us to serve, serve, serve. He’s not merely interested in what we do for him.

He cares about us.

So there are times when he says to us, Hey, stop working a bit. Come away with me and rest a while.”

Not only that, during those times when he sees us “straining at the oars”, when the wind is against us, he doesn’t callously ignore our struggles. He comes out to us and aids us.

I was thinking of verses 51-52.

They were completely astounded, because they had not understood about the loaves. Instead, their hearts were hardened.

Yes, Jesus’ disciples were probably primarily astounded by his power.

But the lesson about the loaves was not simply that Jesus has the power to help us. The lesson about the loaves is that like a good shepherd, Jesus cares about us.

And that’s what touches me most about this passage.

My Shepherd cares for me.

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Mark Devotionals

Listen! Consider!

Sower

Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow. (Mark 4:3)

I was thinking today about the two words that start that verse.

Listen.

Consider.

The word translated “consider” in this translation, is sometimes not translated at all in English Bibles. It really is more of an interjection, meant to get people to pay attention to what was going to be said next.

In the King James version, it’s often translated, “behold.”

But at any rate, those two words, “listen” and “consider” are the main point of Jesus’ first parable.

Listen to his words. Don’t let them slip in one ear and out the other.

But don’t just listen to his words, consider them. Pay close attention to them. Let them get deeply rooted into your heart.

Then when the hard times in your life inevitably come, your faith won’t wither, but thrive.

And finally, let his words shape how you live your life each day. Don’t let anything choke out God’s word in your life, but let them bear fruit.

My church often puts it this way: head, heart, hands.

Is God’s word reaching your head, heart, and hands?

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Mark Devotionals

Father, am I brittle?

Wine

And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost as well as the skins. No, new wine is put into fresh wineskins. (Mark 2:22–23)

Father, is it possible that I could be as brittle as that old wineskin? So brittle that I would burst should you try to pour the wine of your Spirit into me in order to touch others?

Brittle because I lack your compassion and mercy for the hurting? (5, 17)

Brittle because I’m too busy judging those around me? (15-16)

Brittle because I’m too often comparing my “spirituality” to that of others? (18)

Father, change me into a new wineskin that you can freely pour your wine into. I don’t want anything you pour to be wasted.

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Mark Devotionals

I want everything to do with you!

open door

What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? (Mark 1:24)

I was thinking of the demon’s words to Jesus, essentially saying to him, “I want nothing to do with you. I don’t trust you, and I certainly don’t love you.”

That’s exactly the kind of attitude Jesus was calling the Jews and us to repent of.

“Your Father loves you. He desires your best and is inviting you into his kingdom as his beloved children. Turn to him! Trust him!”

I do trust him.

And so my heart’s cry is “I want everything to do with you!”

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Mark Devotionals

I still believe in you

Jesus resurrection
www.LumoProject.com

But go, tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.” (Mark 16:7)

Two words caught my eye today. Two words so ordinary you could easily miss them.

“…and Peter…”

The angel didn’t just say, “Tell his disciples.” He said, “Tell his disciples…and Peter.”

Somehow, I don’t think the angel threw that in on his own.

I get the feeling Jesus specifically told him, “Hey, tell Peter that I mean him too. He’s probably still beating himself for denying me. But tell him, ‘I still believe in you.'”

And if Peter still had any doubts, Jesus alleviated them by appearing to him personally (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5), and then having another private chat with him later (John 21).

That’s encouraging to me. No matter how badly I mess up, Jesus still calls me by name and says, “I believe in you.”

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Mark Devotionals

A King in name only?

Cross sign
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They dressed him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, king of the Jews!”

They were hitting him on the head with a stick and spitting on him. Getting down on their knees, they were paying him homage. (Mark 15:17-19)

Lord, the soldiers called you king. Pilate also pronounced you “King of the Jews.”

But ultimately, they were empty words. They beat and crucified you.

Do I ever treat you as a king in name only?

How often do I sing worship songs calling you my King?

Let those words never be empty homage.

You are not a King in name only.

You are King of all kings.

And you’re worthy of my honor and obedience.

Let me honor you not only with my words, but with my trust and obedience each day.

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Mark Devotionals

Faithfully doing what God has given us to do

faithfulness

Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.

It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert.

Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming… (Mark 13:33-35)

The master “gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work.”

Those words caught my attention. Jesus will return to this earth someday. But in the meantime, he has given each of us work to do. More, he’s given us the authority to do so.

We don’t have to wait for someone to give us permission to do the work he’s assigned to us. All we need to do is be faithful and do it.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about myself. I try to be faithful with what God’s entrusted me. But I have noticed times when I lack confidence. When I fear failure. And because of that, I sometimes hesitate in doing the things God’s asking me to do.

That’s what I need to push past. That’s where I’m seeking to grow. I want to boldly do whatever God asks of me with no fear.

How about you? What work has God given you? Who has he put in your life to touch? And are you being faithful?

Lord, as I wait for your return, let me be faithful in what you’ve given me to do.

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Mark Devotionals

Do I give to you what is yours?

Surrender

Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mark 12:17)

“Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “,,,

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:28-30)

Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had—all she had to live on.” (Mrk 12:43-44)

Father, do I give to you all that is rightfully yours? Is all I am yours? Do I truly love you with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength?

I am not my own. I was bought with a price, the blood of your own Son. (1 Corinthians 6:19－20)

So let me honor you with my body, my possessions, with all I am, as the widow did.

If there’s anything I’m still withholding from you, show me what that is, Father.

You are worthy of my all.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Mark Devotionals

Losing our saltiness?

losing our saltiness

There’s a lot to think about in this passage, but it was Jesus’ last words of this chapter that really hit home today.

Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another. (Mark 9:50)

Jesus has called us to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). To flavor the world with God’s love and grace.

But the church can lose its saltiness if we can’t even love each other.

Pride, bitterness, unforgiveness, and selfishness all cause us to lose our saltiness. You see the disciples struggling with these issues in this chapter and in its companion passage in Matthew 18.

But truth be told, so do I. Just thinking about yesterday, pride and selfishness were definite issues. And so as I read Jesus’ words, I had to repent.

How about you? What relationship issues, especially with your brothers and sisters in Christ, are causing you to lose your flavor?

Jesus said,

Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)

Let’s remember Jesus’ command to us and love each other. In doing so, we will keep our saltiness, flavoring this world with God’s love and grace.

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Mark Devotionals

Lord, do you sometimes sigh?

Making God sigh

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, demanding of him a sign from heaven to test him.

Sighing deeply in his spirit, he said, “Why does this generation demand a sign?” (Mark 8:11-12)

Aware of this, [Jesus] said to [his disciples], “Why are you discussing the fact you have no bread?

Don’t you understand or comprehend? Do you have hardened hearts? Do you have eyes and not see; do you have ears and not hear? And do you not remember…

Don’t you understand yet?” (Mark 8:17-18, 21)

How often, Jesus, do you sigh deeply at my stubbornness, at my unbelief?

How often do you sigh deeply at my hardened heart, at my eyes that don’t see and ears that don’t hear? At my failure to remember. At my lack of understanding?

And yet, somehow, you’ve never given up on me.

As with the blind man, you keep touching my eyes until I can see. You keep touching my ears until I can hear. You keep touching my mind until I can understand. And you keep touching my heart until it softens.

Thank you for your incredible grace.

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Mark Devotionals

Rejecting God’s reign in our lives

God as king

“This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.

They worship me in vain,
teaching as doctrines human commands.”

Abandoning the command of God, you hold on to human tradition. (Mark 7:6-8)

Whenever I read these words, they always hit me. Today, I was thinking about what things we hold on to as Christians. Would Jesus say these things to us? To me?

“Abandoning the command of God, you hold to society’s values and way of thinking.”

“Abandoning the command of God, you hold to your own opinions.”

“Abandoning the command of God, you ‘follow your heart.'”

“Abandoning the command of God, you hold on to your sin and excuses.”

If we reject God’s reign in our lives, our worship is in vain.

We may be honoring God with our lips, but our hearts are far from him.

Father, let my heart truly be yours, every moment, every day. Reign in my heart. Be King of my thoughts, King of my decisions, King of my actions, King of my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Mark Devotionals

Why Jesus came

Demoniac
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The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the devil’s works. (1 John 3:8)

I thought of this verse as I read Mark 5 today.

Through Satan’s work in the garden of Eden, deceiving Adam and Eve and leading them into sin, all kinds of evil came into this world. And to this day, Satan is actively working to destroy people.

But Jesus came to destroy the devil’s works.

We see him doing that in Mark 5, setting the demon-possessed man free, healing the woman who had suffered from a menstrual problem for 12 years, and raising a dead girl back to life.

He’s still doing the same thing today. Setting people who are oppressed by the devil free, bringing healing to them physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and bringing the spiritually dead back to life.

And the day will come when he will destroy death completely.

But I don’t want to just rejoice in all this. As Jesus’ disciple, I want to join in his work, touching all the hurting and broken people around me with God’s love. I want to be part of what he’s doing. How about you?

Lord Jesus, show me how I can join in your work today. Use me to destroy the devil’s work in the lives of those around me.

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Mark Devotionals

Way Back Wednesday — If we truly want to understand God’s Word

Way back Wednesday

This is a little something that I wrote a few years ago for those who say they want to understand their Bibles better. If that’s you, read on…

If we truly want to understand God’s word (Mark 4)
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Mark Devotionals

Stubborn and hard-hearted

hardened hearts

After looking around at them with anger, he was grieved at the hardness of their hearts… (Mark 3:5)

Those words hit me hard today.

And it just made me wonder, “How often does Jesus grieve at the hardness of my heart?

“How often does he grieve because I’m too stubborn to change my mind, even when I know I’m wrong?

“How often does he grieve because I forget how much he truly cares for the people he’s placed around me?

“How often does he grieve because my heart is so hard, I can’t see what God is trying to do to touch those people?”

What can be done
For an old heart like mine?

Soften it up
With oil and wine

The oil is You, Your Spirit of love
Please wash me anew in the wine of Your blood — Keith Green

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Mark Devotionals

The One who takes away our guilt and shame

Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)

I’d never thought of this before, but how many people had been telling this paralytic, “It’s your fault you’re this way. God must be punishing you for some sin in your life.”

It was a very common way of thinking in those days. (John 9:1-2, Luke 13:1-4)

How long had this man carried this burden of guilt and shame? How often had he loathed himself for his sin every time he saw his paralyzed body?

Whether or not his condition was directly connected to his sin, I don’t know. But his sin and the shame that came from it were very real.

But then this man heard about Jesus. He heard his teaching. And it sparked faith in both him and his friends. I don’t think this was just faith that Jesus could heal him. I think he took Jesus’ message to heart.

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! (Mark 1:15)

And when Jesus saw his faith, he said, “Your sins are forgiven.”

In an instant, all the man’s guilt and shame were gone.

How about you? Are you burdened by your guilt and shame?

Jesus is the one who takes away our guilt and shame.

And when we come to him with a heart of faith and repentance, he looks at us and says to us the same thing he told that man. “My child. Your sins are forgiven.”

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Mark Devotionals

Watching and praying

Mark

Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning.

Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!” (Mark 13:35-37)

He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.”…Then he came and found them sleeping. (Mark 14:34, 37)

It’s interesting to me that in the garden of Gethsemane, the disciples lived out the parable Jesus had just told them.

In the parable and in the garden, Jesus told them, “Be alert. Stay awake.” (In the Greek, those two commands are exactly the same.)

But when their Master returned, the disciples were sleeping. Why? Luke tells us the reason: they were exhausted from grief. (Luke 22:45)

Grief from hearing Jesus was leaving them (John 16:5-6).

Grief that one of them would betray him (Mark 14:18).

Grief that all would forsake him. (Mark 14:27)

And because of their grief, they failed to watch and pray. So when the time of trial came, they fell. (50)

Sometimes, we are so burdened by our problems that we say, “I can’t pray. I’m too exhausted. I’m feeling too weak.”

But it’s precisely during those times that we need to watch and pray the most.

Jesus was exhausted. He was emotionally drained. But in the garden, he watched and he prayed. So when the time of trial came, he was able to stand.

Are you feeling exhausted? Are you feeling emotionally drained? Now especially is the time to watch and pray.

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Mark Devotionals

Watching and waiting for our Lord

Mark

In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near—at the door… Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming. (Mark 13:29,33)

None of us know when Jesus is coming. But we know that his return will come in difficult times.

The problem with difficult times is that we often end up focusing on our own problems. We become very internally focused, and we forget to watch for his return.

But watching for his return does not merely mean looking to the sky waiting for him to come.

It means doing the things he has called you to do. (Luke 12:42-43)

And one of the main things he has called us to do each day is to touch the people he’s put in our lives with his love.

At the end of each day, can we look back and say that we have done that? Or will we look back and see a day totally focused on ourselves?

May we never waste a day as we watch and wait for our Lord’s return.

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Mark Devotionals

What brings a smile to Jesus’ face

Mark

Mark doesn’t tell us so, but I imagine two people brought smiles to Jesus’ face in this chapter.

The first, surprisingly, was a scribe. Surprising because most scribes were hostile to Jesus.

The second was a poor widow.

Why do I think they brought smiles to Jesus’ faith.

They both had something in common. They understood that more than our keeping a bunch of rules, God is interested in our hearts.

For the scribe, he understood that though God had commanded the Jews to give burnt offerings and sacrifices, God desires people who love him with all their hearts, minds, soul, and strength even more.

And God also desires people who values those God values, namely, every single person God has created.

For the widow, she understood that though she had so little to give, God was more interested in her love and trust in him than how much money she put into the offering box.

So many people that day were probably keeping the letter of the law, tithing and giving much more than that widow. But this woman’s heart belonged to God. And Jesus saw that.

May we all bring a smile to our Lord’s face.

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Mark Devotionals

Where our power comes from

Mark

After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive [the demon] out?”

And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.” (Mark 9:28-29)

The disciples were embarrassed. Many times before they had cast demons out of people. But this time, they couldn’t. Why not?

I think it was because after casting so many demons out, they were starting to think that their power to do so came from within themselves.

Oh, maybe they didn’t actually say so, but their attitudes and actions showed it.

Frustration that the demon wouldn’t leave. And a failure to come to God in prayer.

Often times, the more we do ministry, the more our confidence grows. We start thinking, “I can do this!”

But what is our confidence in?

In ourselves? In our gifts?

Or in God?

If we put our confidence in ourselves and our gifts, things may go well for a while. But in the end, we’ll face frustration and failure just like the disciples did.

Remember where your power comes from. As Jesus said, without him, we can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)

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Mark Devotionals

Ashamed?

Mark

For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8:38)

There is a certain irony in Jesus’ words that I had never noticed before. He calls the people in our world, “an adulterous and sinful generation.”

That is something they should find great shame in. But the truth is, nowadays, many people boast about their sin. Not only that, they cheer on those who engage in it. (Romans 1:21-32)

And if that weren’t enough, they try to put to shame those who follow Christ and his words.

But Jesus said,

If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. (34)

The cross was perhaps the most painful and shameful kind of death ever. People were nailed naked on a cross. And when Jesus was on the cross, people mocked him.

To be a disciple of Christ means taking up our cross and experiencing the suffering and shame he did.

Not everyone will like us.

Some will mock us.

But Jesus said in our shame, we find blessing. (Matthew 5:10-12)

More, through our boldness, some of the very people that mock us now may find salvation.

So let us say with Paul:

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… (Romans 1:16)

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Mark Devotionals

Abandoning God’s commands

Mark

“This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.


They worship me in vain,
teaching as doctrines human commands.”

Abandoning the command of God, you hold on to human tradition…You have a fine way of invalidating God’s command in order to set up your tradition!” (Mark 7:6-9)

It’s hard not to look at Jesus’ words and think about current culture, especially among those claiming to be Christians.

More and more people who claim to be Christians honor God with their lips, claiming to love God and follow him, but have abandoned God’s commands when it comes to morality.

They invalidate God’s commands in order to set up their own morality, teaching as doctrines what the world teaches.

This is becoming increasingly true when it comes to issues of sexual morality and gender. More and more people are abandoning God’s teaching on these issues to embrace the world’s.

More, they twist God’s clear teaching to make it match the world’s.

Jesus made it very clear his opinion of those who would do such a thing.

You cannot claim to honor and love God while at the same time abandoning his commands and following the teaching of the world.

Do you honor God with your lips while rejecting what he commands?

Or does your heart truly belong to him?

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Mark Devotionals

A world full of hurting people

Mark

After reading this passage, I just thought about all the people in this world who are hurting.eople who are hurting because death has come to this world and touched those they love. (Mark 5:22-23, 35)

People who are hurting because death has come to this world and touched those they love. (22-23, 35)

People who are hurting because of problems that only get worse no matter what they do. (25-26)

People who are crying out in their souls night and day. (5)

Jesus had compassion on them. He touched them. He healed them.

Now, he has called us to do the same. We are his eyes, his ears, his mouth, his hands, and his feet in this broken world.

Lord, open my eyes to those who are hurting around me. Use me somehow to touch them with your love and bring healing to them.

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Mark Devotionals

Why so afraid?

Mark

Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith? (Mark 4:40)

Those words struck me this morning.

How often do we look at our problems with fear or worry?

How often does Jesus say to us, “Why are you afraid? Why are you worrying? Don’t you trust me yet? Don’t you believe I love you and am working for your good?”

How much less stress would we have if instead of focusing on our problems, we looked at Jesus and said, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him! If he is that powerful, and if he truly cares about me so much, then what am I worrying about?”

Lord, increase my faith. Teach me to trust you.

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Mark Devotionals

Chosen to be with him. Chosen to do battle.

Mark

He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, to send them out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons. (Mark 3:14-15)

What does it mean to live the Christian life? I think we find the answer in these two verses.

We are chosen to be with Jesus.

This doesn’t mean just spending time with God during your quiet time (important as that is) and then living the rest of the day for yourself.

It means being with Jesus every moment of every day. It means walking with him, constantly listening for his voice, and following his lead. (John 15:4-5)

But we aren’t just chosen to be with Jesus. He sends us out into the world to do spiritual battle. (Ephesians 6:11-12, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

Oh, we may not be driving out demons. But we are called to do battle against Satan and his kingdom. And we mainly do that by sharing the gospel with those around us.

For it is through the gospel that the gates of hell are torn down and people are set free from Satan’s kingdom.

That’s the Christian life: to be with Jesus and to touch others with his gospel.

And as we do so, I believe Jesus looks at us, smiles, and says,

Who are my mother and my brothers?…

Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:33-35)

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Mark Devotionals

Because God loves us

Mark

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”

Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. (Mark 1:9-13)

It always strikes me that just one sentence after we see the Father saying to Jesus, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,” it says the Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.

Sometimes we think, “Though God loves us, he sometimes lets us go through deserts.”

But the thought that came to me today was this: “Because God loves us, he sometimes drives us into the deserts.”

Why?

I think we see the answer in Hebrews 12:6-7.

for the Lord disciplines the one he loves
and punishes every son he receives.,

Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

Even Jesus, who never sinned, experienced the Father’s discipline. And we see it here in Mark. But why did Jesus have to undergo discipline if he never sinned? 

That answer is also in Hebrews.

Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.

After he was perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him... (Hebrews 5:8-9)

As a man, Jesus had to learn obedience just like we do. And obedience is tested not in the easy times, but in the difficult.

It’s easy to obey God when all is going well. It’s hard to obey God when we’re going through a desert. Through his time in the desert, Jesus learned obedience. It was an obedience that would be tested again in Gethsemane. (Mark 14:36-40)

But now, because Jesus has learned obedience, the writer of Hebrews says,

For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)

So don’t get discouraged when you go through deserts. God doesn’t drive you there because he hates you. He does it because he loves you.

Just as he disciplined Jesus, he disciplines us. Not to destroy us. But for our good. (Hebrews 12:10-11)

And if you’re struggling through a desert right now, know that Jesus understands you. Because he has experienced the Father’s discipline too.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

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Mark Devotionals

A living Savior

Mark

It’s so easy to just gloss over these verses and not really think about them because we’ve read them so often.

But think about the angel’s words to the women that first resurrection morning.

“What are you doing here? You came here to visit a dead corpse, but I’m telling you: Jesus is alive! He’s risen! He isn’t here. Look for yourself!

“Now go tell his disciples. He’s going on ahead of you. You will see him again.”

We too do not serve a dead, rotting corpse, but a living, vibrant Savior.

And now his message to us is the same as his message to the women:

“I go ahead of you, like a shepherd goes ahead of his sheep. If you look for me, you will find me.

“And you will see me face to face.

“So go! Tell the people around you that I am alive! And bring hope to this lost and dying world.”

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Mark Devotionals Psalms Devotionals

The one who understands our suffering

Psalms

As I was reading Mark 15 this morning, I thought about Jesus’ words “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Jesus was of course quoting from Psalm 22, and as I read it, I came across these words.

For he has not despised or abhorred the torment of the oppressed. He did not hide his face from him but listened when he cried to him for help. (Psalm 22:24)

Jesus knows what it’s like to have the Father hide his face from him. To feel abandoned. (Although the Father never truly abandoned Jesus).

And it is for that reason that he does not despise or abhor those who are suffering.

Although we may feel abandoned by God at times, or feel as if he is ignoring our prayers, he does not hide his face from us. And he does turn his ears to our prayers.

So whatever you’re going through now, turn to him. And remember the words of the writer to the Hebrews.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

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Mark Devotionals

Because we are his elect

Mark

We are obviously going through difficult times right now with the Covid-19 pandemic going on.

Jesus did warn about difficult times. He warned about wars, natural disasters, and persecution.

But the good news is that because we are his elect, his chosen ones, we have no reason to fear.

In the last days, he cuts short the days of tribulation for the sake of his elect (Mark 13:20).

He warns us as his elect to watch out for false prophets and Messiahs so that we will not be deceived, though the rest of the world will be. (21-23)

And when things are at their worst, he will gather his elect to himself. (27)

In short, no wars, no natural disasters or disease (including Covid-19), no persecution…absolutely nothing can separate us, his elect, from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:35-39)

All things will work together for the good of us who love him, and have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

For those he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:29)

That’s our hope. In these troubled times, let us rest in that hope.

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Mark Devotionals

Recognizing our Lord

Mark

Jesus’ opening words to the parable of the tenants really struck me today.

A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug out a pit for a winepress, and built a watchtower. (Mark 12:1)

The owner, of course, represents God. God is the one who created us, created the environment we live in, and provided work for us to do. Our very ability to work and produce anything comes from him.

We are mere tenants in this world. Because of that, we owe to our Lord the fruit of our lives. Nothing really belongs to us. It all belongs to him.

But like the tenants in the story, so many reject God’s rightful lordship over their lives.

“My money! My body! My life!”

Do these words sound at all familiar? Do those words ever come out of your mouth?

Those were essentially the words of the tenants. And so they rejected the One who is the very cornerstone of our lives.

Do you?

We were made in the very image of God. Like Caesar’s image was imprinted on the Roman coins showing his authority over all who used them, God’s image is imprinted on all of us. We are accountable to him.

Do we give to God what is rightfully his? Do we give to God our very lives?

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Mark Devotionals

Forgiveness

Mark

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing. (Mark 11:25)

Powerful words, to say the least.

But how often do they cross our minds as we pray?

If there’s one thing that Jesus makes crystal clear, it’s that our horizontal relationships with each other have a definite impact on our vertical relationship with God.

We cannot separate the two.

And if we don’t make every effort to make things right with those who have wronged us, it will cause a block in our relationship with God.

After all, how can we say, “I can’t forgive that person,” and then say in the next moment, “God, please forgive me.”

Is it always easy to forgive? No. More often than not, it can be extremely painful to do.

But the good news is that we have a High Priest that intercedes for us, and he will help us forgive if we’ll just ask.

And so if when you’re praying, you remember someone that you have yet to forgive, pray, “Lord have mercy on me. And help me forgive.”

Better yet, pray, “Lord have mercy on this person that has hurt me.”

And by his grace, the One who forgave his enemies (including us) on the cross, will give us the ability to forgive those who have wronged us.

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Mark Devotionals

Hardened and dulled hearts

Mark

As I look at these passages, I see so many cases of hardened and dulled hearts.

The Pharisees had hardened and dulled hearts, asking for signs from heaven, despite the numerous miracles Jesus had already performed. (Mark 8:11-13).

The disciples, despite twice seeing Jesus provide bread for huge crowds, had hardened and dulled hearts, not understanding that Jesus would take care of their needs. (Mark 8:17-21)

Peter and the disciples had hardened and dulled hearts, not understanding that Jesus had to die. Peter went so far as to rebuke Jesus for saying that He did. (Mark 8:31-33, 9:31-33)

The father of the demon-possessed child had a hardened and dulled heart, one moment saying he believed, and the next admitting that he still couldn’t completely believe. (Mark 9:24)

It was because of dull and hardened hearts that God allows for divorce. Far better, for example, for a wife to get a divorce than to suffer abuse from a husband with a hardened heart.

But God’s ideal was that husband and wife become one in a loving union. (Mark 10:5-8)

The rich young man had a hardened and dulled heart, unwilling to let go of his riches in order to follow Jesus. (Mark 10:17-23)

How often are our hearts hardened and dull?

Despite seeing all Jesus has done for us, we still fail to believe that he will provide our needs. Instead, we keep asking for visible signs that he is with us. “God if you’re really with me, do this for me. Do that for me.”

Or Jesus tells us the same truth over and over, and we still can’t grasp it.

We struggle with our faith, one moment believing, one moment not.

Or because of our hardened hearts, we settle for second best instead of God’s ideal.

Because of our hardened hearts, some of us are unwilling to let go of this world in order to follow Jesus. We may do a lot of “good things”, but we never truly give our hearts to him.

What is the medicine for a dull and hardened heart?

God’s grace.

By his grace, God did what was impossible for us: he saved us. (Mark 10:26-27)

And by that same grace, he can soften all the remnants of our dull and hardened hearts.

All we have to do is ask.

To be like that father who said, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Or like Bartimaeus who said, “Lord, I want to see.” (Mark 10:51)

Lord, help my unbelief. Help me to see and grasp the truth that you love me and want my best. Heal my hardened heart, and help me to trust you completely. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Mark Devotionals

Who does your heart belong to?

Mark

Jesus’ words to the Pharisees really hit me today.

He said to them,

This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.
They worship me in vain… (Mark 7:6-7)

I can teach all the right things, I can say all the right things, I can even do a lot of good things.

But does my heart truly belong to God? Is my heart truly his? If not, all my acts of “worship” are empty and fruitless in His eyes.

Lord, search me and know my heart. May it truly belong to you in every way. Amen.

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Mark Devotionals

Remembering who Jesus is

Mark

In this story of Jesus walking on the water, two things really strike me.

Amazingly enough, the fact that Jesus walked on water isn’t one of those two things.

I suppose it’s due to the fact that I’ve read this story hundreds of times, that Jesus walking on water doesn’t really strike me anymore. Maybe I need to recapture that wonder.

Anyway, first, Mark tells us that as Jesus approached the boat, he meant to pass by his disciples. Pass by them?!?

Not help them?

But Mark is very clear: Jesus wanted to pass by them. Why?

I think we find the answer in two Old Testament stories. One in Exodus 33:18-34:7, and the other in I Kings 19:11-12.

In both cases, God passed by first Moses and then Elijah, displaying his glory to them.

And I think that was Jesus’ intention, that in seeing him walk on water, they would see his glory and trust him.

I think that’s especially clear in his words to them when they thought they were seeing a ghost. He said to them,

Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. (Mark 6:50)

“It is I.”

I suppose Jesus could have simply been saying “It’s me.” But remember also that when God identified himself to Moses, he said,

I AM WHO I AM., This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you. (Exodus 3:14)

When “I AM” was translated into Greek, it was translated “eigo eimi.”

The Jews would later try to kill Jesus for applying those words to himself, because they knew he was identifying himself as God. (John 8:58-59)

Now when Jesus identifies himself to his disciples, he uses those exact words: “I AM.”

“I AM the God who controls the seas. I AM the God who showed himself to Moses and Elijah. Don’t be afraid.”

That’s probably what Jesus meant. But even after his disciples realized it was Jesus, they still didn’t understand what he meant by “I AM.”

And that leads to the second thing that strikes me: their response. Mark says of them,

They were completely astounded… (51)

Why?

…because they had not understood about the loaves (52)

Remember that this incident happened right after Jesus had fed the 5000. What had the disciples not understood about the loaves?

That the same “I AM” who miraculously provided manna in the desert for the Israelites was walking among them, providing bread for his people once again.

Christian tradition holds that Peter was Mark’s source for this gospel. And I can just imagine him saying this to Mark as he related this story:

“You know, even after Jesus fed the 5000, it never struck us who we were really dealing with. We were like Job.

“Do you remember what Job said, Mark? ‘Yahweh alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea…If he passed me by, I wouldn’t see him, if he went by, I wouldn’t recognize him.’ (Job 9:8, 11)

“That was us, Mark! Jesus was about to pass us by, and we didn’t recognize him. Even when he got into the boat, we didn’t recognize who he really was.

“But we should have. If only we had understood the significance of the loaves, we would have grasped then and there who he really was!”

How about you? What storms are you going through now? Are you “straining at the oars, with the wind against you?”

Remember who Jesus is. Remember he is the “I AM.”

And know that the same God who showed his glory to Moses, the same God who showed his glory to Elijah, and the same God who showed his glory to his disciples, will show his glory to you, and he will help you.

Don’t miss him when he passes by!

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Mark Devotionals

Tell them!

Mark

Happy Good Friday everyone!

Today Jesus’ words to the man who had been demon-possessed really struck me.

Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you. (Mark 5:19)

Sometimes we wonder how to share the gospel with people. Often times the best way is to do what Jesus told this man to do. Tell others what the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.

So on this Good Friday, think about that. What has the Lord done for you, not just on that Friday 2000 years ago, but from the time you first met him? And in what ways has he had mercy on you?

Then practice sharing your testimony by telling it to your family and friends who are Christians. It will definitely be an encouragement to them. Be especially sure to share your story with your children if they haven’t heard it yet.

And then pray for opportunities to share your testimony with those around you who don’t know him. There are so many people now who need to hear words of hope.

But most of all, take time to thank God today for all he has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.

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Mark Devotionals

If we truly want to understand God’s word

Understanding the Bible

How many Christians say,  “I wish I could understand my Bible better”?

In this passage, Jesus tells us how to do so.

First, have an open heart to what God says.

You see, Jesus teaches us as much as we can understand. (Mark 4:33)

But more than once, he says in this passage, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.” (9, 23)

The problem with many people is that they don’t truly welcome the word they do understand. (20)

Instead they argue with it. Or they simply ignore it.

And so Jesus says,

Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you use, it will be measured to you–and more will be added to you.

For whoever has, more will be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. (Mark 4:24-25)

The key to understanding your Bible is not merely learning things you have never heard before. The key is putting into practice what you already do understand.

Again, the problem with most Christians is not that they don’t understand a lot of things the Bible says. The problem is that they don’t do anything about what they do understand. Or worse, they rebel against it.

If you put into practice what you do understand, Jesus says you will be given even more understanding.

If you don’t, however, you’ll end up like those people Jesus talked about, “seeing, but never perceiving, hearing but never understanding.” (12)

Do you truly wish to understood your Bible better? How much are you putting into practice what you do understand?

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Mark Devotionals

Driven out

Mark

Sometimes, looking at the same story in different gospels can be very interesting.

In Matthew 4, it says after Jesus was baptized, the Spirit “led him” into the desert.

In Mark 1, it says the Spirit “drove him out into the desert.” It’s the same word Mark uses when he talks about Jesus “driving out” demons.

And this just one verse after God had told Jesus, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”

Sometimes we go through times of testing. You may be feeling that way now. We feel driven out by God, and we wonder, “Does God really love me?”

Yes he does. Remember this: the times of testing God puts his children through are not to destroy them, but to strengthen them.

He is not hoping we will be defeated. He is cheering for our victory.

And though we may be surrounded by “beasts” at times, his angels are always with us, supporting us as well.

Jesus himself knew what like to be “driven out.” So if you feel driven out, turn to him, your high priest.

As the writer of Hebrews said,

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

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Mark Devotionals

Valuing Jesus. Valued by Jesus.

As I read this chapter, I marvel at Mary, sister of Lazarus and Martha. (See John 12:1-8.)

She valued Jesus so much, she was willing to sacrifice some very costly perfume in order to honor Jesus. It makes me think: “How much do I value Jesus?”

Am I like Mary?

Or am I like Judas, who professes love for Jesus, and yet betrays him with my actions?

Or am I like Peter, who professes love for Jesus, but can’t even stay awake for him?

But don’t miss something else in this passage.

Jesus values us, even in our weakness.

Knowing that his disciples that would run from him in his time of trial, and that Peter would deny even knowing him, Jesus nevertheless broke bread at dinner and said, “Take it. This is my body.”

Then he took a cup and gave it to them, and said, “This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:22-24)

That’s how much Jesus values us, weak and fragile as we are. He gave his life for us.

And it was no light sacrifice either. He agonized over it, pleading with the Father, “Take this cup from me! I don’t want to go to the cross!”

But in the end, he did so. Why? Because he valued us so much.

Let us value Jesus each day as Mary did. But just as importantly, never forget how much he values us.

As John says,

We love because he first loved us. (I John 4:19)

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Mark Devotionals

Be on your guard

Mark

It’s hard to miss the repetition Jesus uses here when he talks about the last days.

Three times, he says, “Be on your guard!”

All three times, it’s different things we are to be on our guard about.

The first time, Jesus warns us to be on our guard because persecution will come (Mark 13:9-13).

The time will come when we will be hated even by those closest to us because we love Jesus.

There will be times we will be punished by those in power for proclaiming Jesus.

You already see this in countries like China. But you also see it in the States as well: people punished for standing up for what scripture clearly teaches in terms of right and wrong.

Jesus then warns a second time: “Be on your guard (23)”.

Why? Because false messiahs, false prophets, and false teachers will come to deceive, even performing miraculous signs.

Do you test the teachings you hear from your pastor, from pastors on the internet, and famous Christian authors?

Hopefully, those you listen to are spiritually solid, but if you are not on our guard, you may be deceived.

Jesus warns a final time: “Be on your guard (33).”

Why? Because Jesus will come back some day and he will hold you accountable for how you are living. When Jesus comes back, will he be able to say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant?”

How about you? Are you on your guard?

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Mark Devotionals

A+? F?

Mark

I wrote something very similar to this some time ago, and it probably gives a better explanation of  this passage’s context and what it is about. But today, I wanted to focus on something a bit different.

Last Sunday, a former of pastor of mine was giving a message on “A+” people.

So often, we look at ourselves, not as A+ people, but as “F”s. And because of that, we think God sees us the same way.

But that’s not true. He sees us as A+ people. Why? Because we are more special than others? No. But because in his grace, he has adopted us as his children. And he loves us.

We see a glimpse of that truth in this passage.

In talking about taxes, Jesus talked about how Caesar’s likeness and inscription were engraved on the Roman coins, marking them as belonging to Caesar.

But in the same way, God’s likeness and inscription are engraved on us. We were all created in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26)

And when we become Christians, his inscription is written in our hearts. Paul tells us,

“You show that you are Christ’s letter delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God—not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:3)

What does that inscription say? What does the Holy Spirit say of us?

He tells us, “You are God’s child. You belong to him.” (Romans 8:16)

And so as we offer our lives to God, we do so not as oppressed, fearful slaves.

We do not need to wonder, “Does God really love me? Does God really accept me? Am I really an A+ in his eyes?”

Rather, we say with joy, “Yes! I am your child. I belong to you.” And it’s in that joy, we offer to him our all.

Maybe you’re still struggling with feeling you’re an F. You look at your life, and you say, “I sure don’t feel like God’s likeness and inscription are written on me.”

But they are. And though we are not yet perfect, Paul assures us,

“We all…are being transformed into the same image as (Jesus) from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The same God that joyfully said “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” looks at you with that same love and joy and says, “I am your God too.”

The Lord your God is among you,
a warrior who saves.

He will rejoice over you with gladness.
He will be quiet in his love.
He will delight in you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

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Mark Devotionals

Listen to him!

Mark

I don’t find it much a coincidence that shortly after Peter had been arguing with Jesus over his mission, the Father said what he did.

On that high mountain, for the first time, Peter, James, and John, caught a glimpse of Jesus’ true glory. And then the Father spoke.

“This is my beloved Son; listen to him! (Mark 9:7)

That word “listen” also has the strong nuance of, “obey.”

I can’t help but think Peter heard the Father’s words as a rebuke. “Don’t argue with my beloved Son. Obey him!”

I also don’t find it a coincidence that Moses appeared with Jesus on that mountain. Moses himself had told the Israelites,

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers and sisters. You must listen to everything he tells you.

And everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be completely cut off from the people. (Acts 3:22-23, see also Deuteronomy 18:15-19)

Years later, the writer of Hebrews said something similar in Hebrews 3, comparing Moses and Jesus. His point?

“Don’t rebel like the Israelites did against Moses. Someone far greater has come. Moses was a mere servant. But Jesus is God’s Son. Listen to him! Believe him! Obey him! If you do, you will find rest. If you don’t, you will be judged.”

Let us not argue with our Lord as Peter did. But each day, let us listen to, believe, and obey him.

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Mark Devotionals

Who Jesus really is

Mark

Who is Jesus, really?

The disciples should have known. But somehow, they didn’t.

It should have been clear to them after Jesus fed the 5000. But after Jesus calmed the storm, it’s clear that they still didn’t really know. (Mark 6:51-52)

It should have been clear after he fed the 4000. But even after that, it still wasn’t.

When Jesus warned them against the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod, they thought he was referring to the fact that they had no bread.

And so Jesus said,

Why are you discussing the fact you have no bread?

Don’t you understand or comprehend? Do you have hardened hearts? Do you have eyes and not see; do you have ears and not hear? (Mark 8:17-18)

What did they not see, hear, or understand?

That Yahweh himself was in their midst.

The same Yahweh that fed the Israelite bread in the desert (Exodus 16), the same Yahweh that calmed the sea (Jonah 1:13-16, Psalm 107:27-30), the same Yahweh with the shepherd’s heart for his people (Psalm 23, Mark 6:34, 8:2-3) was the same Yahweh who was with them now.

Was it any wonder the joy Jesus felt when Peter finally got it, proclaiming him as the Messiah, the Son of the living God? (Mark 8:29; Matthew 16:16)

But even so, Peter’s comprehension was incomplete and he ultimately tried to contradict his Lord’s words (Mark 8:32-33).

How about us? Do we realize that in Jesus, Yahweh is truly with us?

That when we are in need, he will provide?

That when the storms of life hit, he will bring us through?

That when he speaks, we are to believe and follow no matter what?

Or does he look at us in amazement, and say, “Don’t you understand yet?” (Mark 8:21)

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Mark Devotionals

The teaching we hold to

Mark

Jesus’ words strike me in this passage. Quoting from Isaiah, he says,

This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.

They worship me in vain,
teaching as doctrines human commands. (Mark 7:6-7)

And then he said,

“Abandoning the command of God, you hold on to human tradition…You have a fine way of invalidating God’s command in order to set up your tradition. (8-9)

Nowadays, many Christian churches seem to be going down this path. Instead of following the commands of God, they are following the teaching of the world.

They invalidate God’s command in order to follow the world’s teaching on what’s right and wrong, and how we should live.

How about you? Are you abandoning the commands of God in order to follow the teaching of the world?

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Mark Devotionals

Making our Lord marvel

Mark

Two verses strike me from this chapter.

So they were offended at [Jesus]. (Mark 6:3)

And,

…he was amazed at their unbelief.” (6)

To this day, people are offended at Jesus. At least when he makes claims of authority over our lives.

The gentle Jesus that loves and welcomes little children, almost everyone loves. The Jesus who is king and will one day judge all people, not so much.

I suppose the question for us who claim to be Christians is, “Does that Jesus offend us?” And if so, why?

How often does Jesus marvel at our unbelief? That we would question his love for us? That we would question his wisdom? That we would question his authority in our lives?

I ask myself, how often does Jesus marvel at my unbelief? How often do I hesitate to do what he asks? Especially in light of all he has done for me.

How about you? What is your attitude toward our Lord? 

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Mark Devotionals

Responding to God’s Word

Mark

In a lot of ways, this passage is connected to what I talked about yesterday: our response to Jesus’ authority.

Today, the question is, “How do we respond to His word?” You see this in the parable of the soils, but also in these words:

Consider carefully what you hear…With the measure you use, it will be measured to you— and even more.

Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. (Mark 4:24-25)

In short, if you hear God’s word, and it bears fruit in your life, God will give you more and more wisdom and understanding.

But if you harden your heart to his word, if you abandon it when trials and hardship come, or if you let it get choked out by other things, you’ll lose the wisdom and understanding God had previously given you.

How about you? Does God’s word bear fruit in your life?

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Mark Devotionals

Jesus’ authority

Mark

As I’ve been reading Mark this week, one word has come to mind: Authority. Namely, Jesus’ authority.

You see it first in his message.

The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! (Mark 1:15)

You see it when he calls people to follow him, and they immediately drop everything to do so. (Mark 1:16-20, 2:14)

You see his authority and power over sickness and demons. (1:21-25, 32-34, 40-42, 3:10-12).

You see his authority to forgive sins against God. (2:10)

You see his authority to loosen the Sabbath regulations. (2:23-3:6)

But one thing you also see is people defying or questioning Jesus’ authority. (1:43-45; 2:24; 3:6; 3:22)..

I guess my question for myself and for you is this: What do we do with Jesus’ authority?

Are we like his disciples, accepting his authority in our lives, and following him?

Or do we question or even defy his authority?

In short, do our hearts belong to him?

Would Jesus say to us,

Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46)