Category: Gospels
Can you drink the cup?
Scripture reading for February 23rd: Mark 10
Key scriptures for over-comers: Mark 10:36-39 “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at Your right and the other at Your left in Your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered.”
Two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, had ambitions to have positions of honor in His coming kingdom. They came to Jesus asking that they be granted this honor. Jesus never scolded them for their ambition but He never promised them the honor they had asked for. Rather, He asked them a question: “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” In Jewish Scripture and culture, the cup of wine was a symbolic picture of the wrath of God’s judgment on human sin. (Psalm 75:8) (Isaiah 51:17) Jesus was asking them if they were willing to suffer for their faith and place of honor in His kingdom. He was also reinforcing the fact that He Himself would drink this cup of wrath on all mankind’s behalf.
Observations for over-comers: It is good to aspire to places of honor in Jesus Christ’s kingdom. We must count the cost and be willing to lay our life down. God will decide who is worthy! “No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges. He brings one down, He exalts another. In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs.” (Psalm 75:6-8)
Overcoming unbelief!
Scripture reading for February 22nd: Mark 9
Key scriptures for over-comers: Mark 9:21-24 “Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can?'” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”
This demon possessed boy’s father had brought his child to the disciples for deliverance, but they were unable to help him. When Jesus arrived back with Peter, James and John, from the glorious transformation experience, He ministered to this man and his son. He heard the explanation of the demon trying to kill the boy and found out that this condition existed from childhood. We are not told how this happened, except that this boy’s life was in grave danger from these demonic attacks.
As Jesus was talking with this father, the man humbly asked Him, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus quickly corrected his wavering statement of “If” with a promise that “Everything is possible for him who believes.” This desperate man caught on quickly, stating his faith and asking for help with his human unbelief! Jesus met him where he was and his son was delivered!
Observations for over-comers: Sometimes our human tendencies to question God’s ability creep into our reasoning in difficult situations. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring quick correction and help to stand firm! “I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me, God sends His love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 57:2-3)
Don’t chase after the miraculous!
Scripture reading for February 19th: Mark 8
Key scriptures for over-comers: Mark 8:11-13 “The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test Him, they asked Him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it.” Then He left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.”
After a miraculous feeding of 4000 men, plus women and children with just seven loaves and two fish, Jesus went to another side of the Sea of Galilee. He was met by the Pharisees who demanded that Jesus perform a miraculous sign from heaven. These were scholars of the Old Testament and the very Messiah spoken of in the Law and Prophets now stood before them. He had taught in the temple, and in their synagogues and done many mighty miracles as signs spoken of in the Scriptures. But they refused to believe in Him, instead wanting to be entertained by the miraculous! Jesus sighed deeply in disgust!
Part of our church culture today should read this Scripture and take heed. Some don’t even believe in the miraculous and that is wrong. But others go around seeking the miraculous. They are not satisfied if “the miraculous” isn’t happening where God has planted them. Just as Jesus did not turn the stones into bread or jump off the Temple to appease Satan, He does not do miracles to satisfy curiosity! (Matthew 4:1-7) He only responds to faith!
Observations for over-comers: Beware of seeking miraculous signs! Jesus has given us His Word and Spirit and promises to work with us confirming His Word with signs that follow as He sees the need! “He has shown you, O man, what is good. and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
Faith that presses over obstacles!
Scripture reading for February 18th: Mark 7
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Mark 7:26-30 “First let the children eat all they want,” He told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then He told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.”
Jesus was approached by a Syrophoenician woman in need of healing for her demon-possessed daughter. His response to her could have been taken as offensive and highly partial. He told her that the deliverance she was seeking belonged first to the Jews–they were God’s children! A reply like this today in our culture would have been a terrible offense that could result in prosecution!
But this woman was not offended, but countered Jesus’ statement with a deep faith that healing and deliverance would be for all who sought Jesus out. Her reply, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” brought a positive response from Jesus! She would not be denied or deterred, but persevered and received what she was believing for!
Observations for over-comers: God is honored when we persistently pour out our hearts to Him for help, even when we don’t understand why obstacles or delays appear to hinder us. “I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; before Him I tell my trouble.” (Psalm 142:1-2)
Only believe!
Scripture reading for February 16th: Mark 5
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Mark 5:35-36 “While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the Teacher any more? Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”
Jairus had come in faith to Jesus for healing of a daughter that he knew was dying. Jesus had responded and went with him to minister to his daughter. On the way, another hurting woman reached out and touched Jesus’ garment and He felt divine healing power flow from that exchange. He stopped and after identifying the woman, declared that her faith had healed her. But bad news arrived from Jairus’ home–his daughter was dead! The servant told him not to bother Jesus any more!
As Jairus was contemplating what to do, Jesus spoke a simple word of encouragement: “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Believers must never feel that bringing a need to Jesus is bothering Him in any way! We must hold onto our trust and press on. Simply resting in Christ Jesus brings us peace and fear must leave!
Observations for over-comers: Even in the face of an impossible situation, running to Jesus in faith is the answer to receiving a miracle! In the face of bad reports, we cling to our faith to see it become sight! “In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” Yet You heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, . . .” (Psalms 31:22-23)
Learn to depend on the Lord totally!
Scripture reading for February 17th: Mark 6
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Mark 6: 7-11 “Calling the Twelve to Him, He sent them out two by two and gave the authority over evil spirits. These were His instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff–no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.”
Jesus sent His original twelve disciples out in pairs on a mission to preach the message of repentance and to confront the domain of Satan. They were not to take anything with them to sustain themselves–except one set of clothes, sandals and a walking stick. They were not to take bread to eat or money to buy anything or a bedroll to sleep on. They must seek out a home in each town they visited where someone would welcome them and then accept their hospitality for food and shelter. If no one would welcome them, then they were to shake the dust from their sandals as a witness against that town and move on to the next place of ministry.
Jesus kept it very simple! These instructions required great humility, cooperation, and no fear of man’s rejection. They had to walk by faith and follow instructions in each village. They must work together. The results were totally up to God and the people’s heart condition to accept or reject them and their message.
Observations for over-comers: Disciples must learn to depend totally on the Lord to guide them and supply their needs. Working in pairs, they learned to help each other stay focused. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return on their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Faith thinking!
Scripture reading for February 16th: Mark 5
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Mark 5:27-29 “When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.”
Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake and a man named Jairus, a synagogue ruler, came asking Him to come to his house and heal his dying daughter. As Jesus went with Jairus, a large crowd followed along and one woman pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. When she did this, Jesus felt power leave His body and looked around to see who had touched Him. The woman came to Him and humbly confessed what she had done. Jesus commended her for her faith and declared her healing!
The key to this woman’s healing was her belief in her heart that Jesus could and would heal her. She spoke to herself this truth: “If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.” Jesus actually felt her faith drawing healing power from His body as she acted on what she truly believed, pressing through the crowd to touch Jesus’ robe! (Mark 5:30) He drew her faith confession from her lips again to seal her healing!
Observations for over-comers: We must guard our hearts and speak words of faith in each situation and trial of life. Words are powerful when they come from believing hearts. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Be attentive to the words of Jesus!
Scripture reading for February 15th: Mark 4
Key Scripture for over-comers: Mark 4:24-25 “Consider carefully what you hear,” He continued. “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 he has will be taken from him.”
Jesus told His followers that listening was important. Listening is not just to hear, but to understand. When we give full attention to Jesus and want to learn, He reveals more and more of His plans and us. The measure of diligence and desire we give brings and even greater measure of reward. On the contrary, if we are careless in our listening and desire to learn, we can even lose what we have already understood. Spiritual life is not static, but must be growing through active listening and obedience to God’s instructions. We will definitely reap more than what we sow!
Observations for over-comers: Active listening is listening with the heart as well as the ears with the intent to learn and obey. “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.” (Proverbs 22:17-18)
“Called To be with Him”
Scripture reading for February 12th: Mark 3
Key Scriptures: Mark 3:13-15 “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve–designating them apostles–that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
Jesus personally called the twelve and designated them as ‘apostles’. He chose working men from various backgrounds and called them to follow Him and to be with Him. Working men would be trustworthy to do the work Jesus was calling them to. We really get to know someone’s heart, values and temperament when we live with them. For these disciples to be what Jesus wanted them to be and accomplish the work of ministry, the first requirement was spending time with Jesus.
Jesus then gave them authority to preach and drive out demons. They learned about this authority by watching Jesus use His authority to preach and drive out demons. As they walked together throughout the land, Jesus continually preached to crowds and ministered healing and deliverance. Watching with the understanding that they would soon be doing ministry like Jesus made learning come quicker!
Observation for over-comers: As disciples, our first calling is to be with our Lord, allowing His presence to fill our hearts. The Holy Spirit is our continual guide! “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
The Sabbath was made for man!
Scripture reading for February 11th: Mark 2
Key Scriptures: Mark 2:27-28 “Then He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
God, Himself, rested on the seventh day of creation week. On that seventh day, He enjoyed the creation He had made and had sweet fellowship with the man and woman He had created. He gave that seventh day to the nation of Israel in a covenant through the Law that was embodied in the fourth commandment of the Ten. The Sabbath was to be a day set apart for rest and refreshment. It was a day for His people to enjoy creation and fellowship with the Creator and know His heart. There was to be no work on that day. It was a day to remember their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the awesome God who lead them out.
Jesus corrected the religious people of His time about their abuse of the Sabbath. For them it had become rules and regulations instead of rest and fellowship with the Creator! Religion makes us ‘do’ but Jesus calls us to ‘rest’!
Observations for over-comers: Overcomers rest in Christ and daily contemplate His great works. “How great are Your works, O Lord, How profound are Your thoughts.” (Psalm 92:5)(A Psalm for the Sabbath Day)