Mark 1:25-28

“They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.” vss. 27-28

The gospels all report that the casting out of demons was a part of Jesus’ healing ministry. In fact, encounters like the one Mark describes here caught people’s attention and boosted his reputation. We don’t talk much about demon possession now–it’s probably not even a recognized medical diagnosis. But for the people of Galilee it seems to have been a common occurrence, and Jesus had compassion for such folks. And there was something about him, his authoritative voice perhaps, that had an immediately cleansing effect on them. Of course this wasn’t the most important part of his ministry–his teaching is what set him apart, and that’s what we’re most interested in. But for the people of Capernaum, where Jesus began his ministry, the healing and casting out of demons is what gathered the crowds. Sometimes we forget that in our own congregations. We focus on the teaching and learning, but Jesus would have us looking out for the homeless and the street people as well. People with unclean spirits are walking our streets too. It bothers us, but we mostly avoid dealing with them. They make us uncomfortable with their loud voices and profanity–Jesus loved such as these. Surely there must be some way for us to do the same!

Thought for the Day: How do I react to the homeless among us?

Mark 1:21-24

“They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” vss. 21-22

Capernaum was the hometown of the first disciples and Mark tells us that on the sabbath they all went to the synagogue. Because he was evidently known by the leaders there, he was asked to teach, and the people were astounded. Unlike the scribes he didn’t focus on various interpretations of the law, but presented what to their ears was entirely new material. And he spoke in an authoritative way, implying that what he said mattered, and should be taken to heart. Even though Mark doesn’t mention the content of Jesus’ teachings we have access to them in Matthew and Luke, and many of us continue to be astounded by what he told the people. It isn’t that he offers a new set of laws, but he offers guidelines for living that are unparalleled. Those who take his teachings to heart find meaning for their lives by loving unconditionally and regularly engaging in acts of sacrificial service. In so doing they discover the truth of what Jesus promised in Matthew. “Everyone, then, who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” What a blessing it is to still have access to the wisdom of Jesus! In his words we learn the way to just and joyful living!

Thought for the Day: What teachings of Jesus have I taken to heart?

1 Corinthians 8:7-13

“‘Food will not bring us close to God.’ We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” vss. 8-9

Anything can become a divisive issue in a congregation! Among other things the Corinthians were struggling with whether or not it was appropriate to eat food that had been offered to idols. Some said that it was fine, but others wondered whether those who had once worshiped idols could by eating continue in idolatry. Paul agreed that food isn’t the issue, but also believed that it could be a stumbling block. Congregations making rules about alcohol consumption on their campuses sometimes are led to ban the practice, not because they think drinking is bad, but because of their concern for those who are alcoholics. Paul would agree. He says that he would rather give up eating meat than cause someone to fall. And even if we don’t agree with Paul’s opinions in other matters, in this case he provides solid guidance. It is true that because we live by grace we can engage in any number of activities, some of which may have been banned by our pietistic parents, but that doesn’t mean we should. Life in Christ is communal, and our behaviors have an influence, for better or for worse, on our brothers and sisters. It’s pointless to insist on doing something that may bring injury to others.

Thought for the Day: Things I’ve given up for the sake of others.

1 Corinthians 8:1-6

“Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” vs. 1P

Since he had lived in Corinth for 18 months Paul knew the congregation pretty well, and he sensed who the trouble-makers were–and it wasn’t the new members! Rather the difficulty was coming from those who had been there for some time and who had developed a kind of arrogance about what was necessary to embrace the gospel of grace. In this particular instance they told gentile converts that there were no restrictions about eating food that had been sacrificed to idols. Not all the offerings were consumed by the flames and the leftovers were sold by the priests. And it seems Christians were their best customers. And some of the new folks were horrified–in our world it would be like a new convert seeing the pastor of the congregation coming out of a liquor store! The old-timers in Corinth thought this was perfectly fine–and based on what they knew, it was! But it was causing dissension in the congregation and Paul hated that more than anything. So he lets them know that love is more important than knowledge–in fact ultimately love would be the foundation of their community, and not knowledge. And so it continues. Congregations still have members who know a lot, sometimes more than the pastor! And that can be a problem, especially when love is lacking.

Thought for the Day: How do I use my knowledge?

Psalm 111:5-10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.” vs. 10

Wisdom was a major concern of those who wrote our scriptures. There’s a whole category of writing that is known as “Wisdom Literature,” and that includes books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Often we see it contrasted with foolishness, as in the teachings of Jesus where he speaks of wise maidens who brought extra oil for their lamps, and the foolish who didn’t. He concluded the Sermon on the Mount by describing the wise as those who built their houses upon rock, and the foolish as those who had foundations of sand. Quite clearly wisdom is a virtue or quality that is aspired to by many, yet acquired by few. The psalmist says that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and the testimony of the ages gives credence to his observation. There are a lot of smart people in the world, straight A students and folks with multiple advanced degrees, and some of them say and do remarkably foolish things because they have left God out of their calculus for living. A truly wise person knows that God is, and with that foundational knowledge, will speak and act with humility and a deep sense of their own fallibility. We all know such people and count it a blessing to have them as friends. They’re like oak trees among us and it’s a pleasure to bask in the shade and stability of their presence!

Thought for the Day: Wise people I have known.

Psalm 111:1-5

“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” vss. 1-2

From the beginning the wonders of the universe have been admired by all humans! The psalmist calls them the great works of the Lord and adds that they are studied by all who delight in them. Through the centuries as we have continued our study with increasingly sophisticated instruments of discovery, our appreciation has increased. Using powerful microscopes to peer inward and massive telescopes to look upward, we have discovered beauty and precision beyond our imaginations. And as we’ve explored the complexities of atoms and black holes, we have begun to realize that the God in whom the universe has its being is far greater than our puny minds can ever comprehend. It’s really crazy! At one time religious folks were afraid of science, fearing that as our knowledge increased, God would eventually die and that faith would become obsolete. But now, as exploration of the universe has expanded, we have gained new appreciation of God’s handiwork in the intricacies of creation. For many scientists study has enhanced faith and even caused them to join with theologians in giving praise and thanks to God, the source of all light and being in the entire universe. And as that study continues, just imagine what wonders will be revealed!

Thought for the Day: What happens when our God is too small?

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command.” vs. 18

According to Deuteronomy the Israelites experience of God at Mt. Sinai was too much for them. Never again did they want to hear the voice of the Lord shake the earth and set the heavens ablaze. If one day Moses wasn’t around anymore they wanted a prophet just like him to act as an intermediary. Now Israel and Judah ended up with more prophets than they ever imagined. Every generation or two new ones would show up, and sometimes the people listened. But as the years passed some began to think they needed the prophet who had been promised in Deuteronomy, and they were still looking for that Moses-like prophet when Jesus showed up in Galilee. In fact after they heard Jesus preach and teach, some thought that he was indeed that prophet. As a result it got pretty confusing. He was Jesus, pure and simple, but nearly everyone he encountered thought he was someone else. Actually people are still looking for those who will be a channel for the words of the Lord. And whenever someone gets a bit of notoriety, they can end up with a slew of disciples. The problem is that not all these so-called prophets can be trusted. That’s why most folks stick to the tried and true–they trust Jesus, and none other. And that’s a really good choice!

Thought for the Day: Why do I trust Jesus?

Mark 1:19-20

Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.” vs. 20

Mark frequently uses the word “immediately” as he describes the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Jesus felt a sense of urgency in his work; it’s as though he didn’t have much time to waste as he called his disciples. And what amazes us is how quickly they responded! They may have been familiar with him, we don’t know that, but there’s no hesitancy in following him. They didn’t need a day or two to think it over, and he didn’t even ask them to pray about their decision. Later on we discover from Luke that there were some who hesitated–one man asked to be able to bury his father, another wanted to say good-bye to his family–but Jesus wasn’t empathetic. This was important work, and he didn’t want followers who weren’t totally committed. We might wonder how we would respond in similar circumstances. Obviously times have changed, and Mark’s snapshot may have left out some prolonged farewells. But we also know that sometimes our best decisions have been those made on the spur of the moment. Some of us have changed careers in the blink of an eye–and when it’s something important we know that there’s no point in delaying. Our heart says “Go for it!” And so we do! And our lives are never the same!

Thought for the Day: My biggest spur-of-the-minute decision.

Mark 1:16-18

“As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’” vss. 16-17

Mark is the action gospel. The writer doesn’t include much of Jesus’ teaching–there’s no Sermon on the Mount and only a few parables–and Jesus is always on the move. He seems to have been alone as he entered Galilee and his first act as he walked along the Sea is to call some disciples. He is evidently not interested in their spirituality and he doesn’t bother to ask for volunteers. He simply says, “Follow me!” It’s likely that they were acquainted with him–perhaps they’d heard him preaching, or they may even have known of him. We don’t know if they were active in their synagogue or if they were literate. All we know is that they were fishermen, and that was enough for Jesus. This becomes the pattern for his ministry. He calls people where they are and as they are, and so it has continued through the centuries. As a result, people from all kinds of backgrounds and every educational level have heard the invitation that comes through the Holy Spirit, and have become followers of Jesus. And more than that, they have become leaders in the Church. It might seem a strange way to build a worldwide organization, but it seems to have worked very well.

Thought for the Day: What’s the difference between volunteering and being called?

Mark 1:14-15

“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’” vss. 14-15

According to Mark, the first gospel written, Jesus had been in Judea, near where John was baptizing, and when John was arrested he headed north to Galilee, his home territory, and began his ministry. Though he seems not to have baptized anyone, his message of “Repent and believe in the good news,” was similar to that of John. For him the good news was that “The kingdom of God has come near.” It’s important to note his verb use. He doesn’t say that the kingdom will come, but rather that the kingdom has come near. In other words, the kingdom had arrived; all the people had to do was open their eyes and see it! And that’s how it still is for us. The kingdom of God is here and we can actually glimpse and experience it. That’s a far cry from those who say we have to wait until we die to see God’s kingdom. How sad it must be to live with no sense of God in the present! The people Jesus preached to saw the kingdom in him and what he did. We see the kingdom in the light-filled lives of his followers and in their actions, and what a beautiful sight it is! 

Thought for the Day: Where have I seen God’s kingdom today?