Thursday, July 1, 2010

Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right

Mark 6
He's just a carpenter... Mark 6:3a NLT

LET IT GLOW

As Jesus taught in the synagogue in Nazareth, His hometown, many who
heard Him were amazed. They wondered where He got the wisdom and
power to perform miracles. They knew His family. Verse 3 says they
were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him.

In verse 4, Jesus told them," A prophet is honored everywhere except in
his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family."
Verse 6 tells us He was amazed at their unbelief.
Amazed means to feel great astonishment, surprise, or wonder.
(How it must have saddened Jesus that He couldn't minister to His
friends and relatives.)

Did the local people see Jesus as a "hometown boy", nothing
extraordinary or sinless?

I'm glad Jesus was a carpenter by trade. Carpenters know how things
fit together. My grandfather was a carpenter. He built several houses
in my hometown and other towns close. They are still being lived in.
He even built what was our barn, which  stood for at least 50 years.
So I would say he knew how to build.

Jesus is preparing my mansion  in heaven, according to John 14.
He already has plans for a new Jerusalem, with dimensions and materials
already prepared, by Rev.21.

LET IT GROW

Later in this chapter, we have the rest of the story of John the Baptist.
He pointed out King Herod and his wife's sin-they married, but she
was his brother's wife.(Mistake #1 for Herod)
Later, Herod offered his daughter anything she wanted, up to half of his
kingdom. (Mistake #2 for Herod)

The king's daughter asked her mother what she should request.
Her answer was John the Baptist's head on a tray. What a revengeful and
hateful woman.
Herod regreted his offer, but did it in front of guests so he couldn't
refuse it. (He believed John the Baptist was a just and holy man.)
He opened his mouth without thinking first.

So it was done. Two wrongs don't make a right. John was beheaded
for telling the truth, calling sin sin.

Do I say I'll do something without first weighing the consequences?
Do I agree to do something without first consulting my Heavenly
Father?


LET IT GO

Continue to love others and be a witness of the good news of Jesus.
Help others not be offended in God's Word.
Watch what I say or promise.
Be responsible for my words and actions, bearing the consequences.

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