Helping Others

 N.T.#364

August 9, 2024  "Helping Others"

Mark 6-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

Crowds kept seeking Jesus, but they were keeping Him from attending to His disciples. So He took them on a men's retreat. First to Bethsaida and then by boat to the wilderness northeast of the Sea of Galilee. Frequently they disappeared into the hill country to recover and rest in preparation for further ministry. However, by this time, a multitude greeted them with expectations. Did the disciples suggest they keep sailing to the other side so no one found them? 

Jesus saw things differently-He had compassion toward the people, like sheep without a shepherd. He began teaching them many things. (verse 34)

Compassion means feel sympathy, to pity.

Sheep aare dumb, defenseless, and directionless. They can't make the right choices, defend themselves from predators, and struggle with decision-making. Aren't people like sheep?

Although, the Lord is like a shepherd who gathers the lambs in his arms. (Isaiah 40:11)

How are with sharing, helping, and giving?

LET IT GROW 

It was getting late in a deserted area with 5,000 men and perhaps up to 20,000 hungry people in the crowd. You know folks get irritable when they get hungry. Wrap up the teaching and send them away so they can eat. Good thought, but not quite what Jesus had in mind. 

Had the disciples not heard about God's provision to Israel for 40 years? Feeding a couple million was no small task. Jesus blessed the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, which could be stretched to feed a party of 13 plus a boy. God never lacks resources. He can always afford what He chooses to provide. No need of catering nor clean up. Everyone was stuffed like Thanksgiving turkeys and leftovers, too. 

What is your kingdom mission that God has for you? We are called to give whatever we have-our time, our money, and our abilities. 

LET IT GO

Use us to meet the needs of people.

Give us compassion.

When a Head is Required

N.T.#363  "When a Head is Required"

August 8, 2024 

Mark 6-Part 4

LET IT GLOW 

For a little historical background, king Herod, actually a tetrarch, Herod Antipas, was the second son of king Herod the Great, and became ruler of Galilee. After Herod the Great died, Palestine was divided among his sons.  Herod the Great captured Jerusalem and was the descendent of Esau and Edom.) 

Another son of Herod the Great was Phillip (Herodias' husband). She was the daughter of Aristobulus, another son of Herod the Great. Herodias married her own father's brother. What precipitated the arrest of John the Baptist was that Herod Antipas (uncle of Herodias) talked her into leaving her husband in order to marry him. This compounded the incest, as well as violating Leviticus 18:16. What a messy family. 

John was outraged that a ruler in Israel would sin this way openly, so he rebuked Herod severely. (verse 4) For this, Herod imprisoned and later killed John. (verses 14-29) You probably recall the details from Matthew 14 where Herodias' daughter danced at the king's birthday party pleasing him. Then he promised her anything she desired; mom told her to ask for John the Baptist's head and it was brought to her on a platter. (The disciples came and buried John's body.)

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and a holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. (verse 20)

What a testimony of John's. He preached repentance of sins, you know. Herod was exceeding sorry having made an oath of giving his stepdaughter anything she wished, even up to half of his kingdom.

LET IT GROW 

And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. (verses 31-32)

It was a busy day, yet Jesus insisted His disciples leave the crowds to rest and be alone with Him. He knew the busier they were, the more they needed to make time to rest and be alone with Him. If they didn't, eventually they would hurt both themselves and those they were seeking to help. The same is true of us.

God knows demands and responsibilities we face-at home, on the job, even in our church. We need His wisdom to keep things in perspective and His strength to get them done rightly. [Resource: Billy Graham's Wisdom for Each Day, a devotional book] 

LET IT GO

Give us wisdom, strength, and courage to carry out Your will Lord God.

Trust and Obey, Go and Sow

 N.T.#362  "Trust and Obey, Go and Sow"

August 7, 2024 

Mark 6-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

Originally, my husband and I were to scout out mission possibilities for our church when we went on our mission trip. However, more was required of us. Since our leader and his wife could not go, we stepped up and led the way. I was not prepared to teach in a bible class, but it appeared needful. I shared my testimony with the older children and teens, as well as the Gospel. When the opportunity arises, take it and be a faithful witness for Jesus. Go and sow the Gospel as we trust and obey Jesus.

It was time for some Ministry 101. Jesus had taught His disciples, showed them how to meet people's needs, and to love them. Their mission required no formal curriculum, no audition, no lecture to attend, no tuition, no written exam. The disciples had only the Old Testament Scriptures to read and the divine Author of those writings to teach them. 

Jesus' itinerary in ministry was preaching, teaching, healing, and casting out demons in Galilee. He delegated the same ministry duties to the twelve. They were do to give an accountability for their actions.

What were their instructions?

1. They were sent out in pairs, two by two. Their companionship gave them power over discouragement. Quitting was not an option, for there was work to do.
2. Travel light. The disciples were to have sandals, but no two coats. A tunic was worn next to the skin like our undergarments, which could be changed if no water was available to clean up. 
3. A staff only was to be taken for protection against wild animals, robbers, rough terrain. 
4. No scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. Total dependance upon God to supply their needs including lodging, was expected. No preparation and burdensome provisions to distract them from the main thing. (verses 7-9)
5. No reservations for lodging was needed. They were to stay at one house and go out ministering from there in the village. (verse 10)
6. If they were no received nor heard, instructions were to depart shaking off the dust under their feet. Judgment was due those unaccepting people. (verse 12)

The disciples obeyed what Jesus commanded. They testified across Israel wherever they could find their fellow Jews. 

Are we a witness of what Jesus has done for us? Do we recognize divine appointments? Are we obedient to follow our Savior wherever He leads.

LET IT GROW

And they went out, and preached that men should repent. (verse 12)

Repentance is not just feeling sorry for sin, but a deliberate, life-changing decision to turn away from the wrong direction and turn toward the right direction. When you come to Christ, you deliberately leave your old way of living behind. You trust Christ, love Him, and serve Him. Friend, have you done this?

And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. (verse 13)

Jesus is the One who has that kind of power. He gave His disciples the power to heal the sick by supernatural means. 

We don't know how long or how far the disciples' ministry was. They met back together with Jesus. These excited disciples returned to Capernaum with stories to tell their Master and what they had taught. (verse 30) We are accountable to our church and Lord Jesus when we go out doing ministry on mission.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Mark]

LET IT GO

What a privilege it is to go and share Your love and Word with others.

Help us to live simply, stay where you put us, leave when we must, tell the truth, and rely on You, Savior.

Prepare us for Kingdom work. You will give the increase.

Unbelief

N.T.#361 "Unbelief"

August 6, 2024 

Mark 6-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus could do no miracle in His hometown of Nazareth except He healed a few sick people. (verse 5)At that time, family and friends rejected Jesus as the Messiah. It was their unbelief that held Him back. So it was with the Old Testament prophets, rejected by the religious authorities, ignored by the common people, and martyred by Israel's kings. Today, pastors are least respected in the circle of family and friends. God will not work where there is no faith. 

Christ did not lack power; rather, the absence of faith caused God to withhold supernatural work. His relatives focused on Jesus' humanity and faitled to recognize the supernatural nature of His words and works.  (Evans)

They missed out, didn't they? The Messiah whom prophet foretold hundreds of years earlier was in their midst, but sin blinded them to that fact. What a blessing it would have been to sit and listen to the Creator of everything teach. What an opportunity it would have been. Do we miss out on blessing because we are blinded by who the messenger is? 

LET IT GROW

And He marvelled because of their unbelief. And He went round about the villages, teaching. (verse 6)

In the Greek language, marvelled means to wonder; unbelief means faithlessness, disbelief, unfaithfulness.

It shocked Jesus at the unbelief present in Nazareth. They had seen what everyone else had seen, yet still they didn't believe in who He was/is. So Jesus left and continued to proclaim His kingdom message in the surrounding villages.

When we are rejected, continue to pray and teach God's Word in spite of the reaction of hearers. One day they will understand the truth. This explains why Jesus' ministry was primarily in the area of the Sea of Galilee and He called fishermen to be His disciples.

LET IT GO 

Help us continue to walk by faith and not by sight, Jesus.

Lead us daily in Your ways and where You want us to go minister to those in need.

Help us hide Your Word in our heart so we don't sin against You.

A Hometown Reception

 N. T. #360  "A Hometown Reception"

August 5, 2024

Mark 6

LET IT GLOW 

I can recall when a young man from my hometown returned from the Viet Nam war, enjured. We had a parade in his honor. However, Jesus did not get such a warm response in His hometown.

Jesus and His disciples came to His own country or hometown, which was Nazareth. What did He do? On the Sabbath Jesus began to teach in the synagogue. It seems there were various groups of people there listening. 

First were the disciples. They accepted His Word as truth from God’s lips. Are we a part of this group?

  Here are the curious, yet not committed. They haven’t rejected the Gospel, still reflecting  They have questions, honest doubts  It takes faith to believe in One unseen by you, to believe the Bible is true  Keep reading and searching for the Truth.

The largest group is cynical and closed . They only question and never seek answers  We leave them in God’s hands and pray for mercy  (Swindoll)

LET IT GROW 

Take a closer look at what happened:

• In the synagogue many hearing Jesus were astonished asking where did He get these things. They wondered where His wisdom came from  that He could do such mighty works. (verse 2)
• Doubts about Jesus came because they knew Him as the carpenter and Mary’s son. His half brothers are named and known in Nazareth as well. Jesus had half sisters there, too.
• They were offended at Jesus. 

What can we learn from Jesus’ experience in His hometown?

A prophet or preacher is not honored in his own hometown among his own family and friends. They know his faults and shortcomings, considering him one of theirs, nothing special. What a shame it is that those will not accept his change and calling of God.

LET IT GO

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, to draw people to Him, and provide abundant life. 

Thank You Lord Jesus for choosing us and saving us sinners. 

Glory to Your name.

Faith Seen

N.T.#359 "Faith Seen"

August 2, 2024 

Mark 5-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

Have you ever been desperate for an answered prayer, a job, or a situation to work out? Jesus has the answer. How strong is your faith?

Jairus was a faith, no longer a proud official in the synagogue, who became a humbled, broken daddy whose daughter lay dying. He was desperate. He found a Savior waiting, willing, and ready to meet all of his needs, including the one that brought him to desperation. (C.S. Lewis)

If it is a child or loved one we wait to surrender to the Lord or to find His will, keep praying. God is not almost sovereign, but completely sovereign. He knows all. 

LET IT GROW

Someone had accessed Jesus' kingdom power by desperate faith, and He wasn't going to ignore it. He can distinguish between people bumping against Him and those touching Him in faith. The woman with the 12-year issue of blood was healed because of her faith. 

Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me. (Ps. 50:15)

Jesus drew the woman out of the crowd to allow her to praise God for her healing. Jesus was determined to see that God was glorified publicly in this healing. (Evans)

When God comes through in our life, and no one knows about it but you, we need to declare His deeds and give Him glory.

Let the redeemed of the LORD proclaim that He has redeemed them from the power of the foe. (Ps. 107:2)

How is your faith in Jesus?

LET IT GO 

Thank You Jesus for all the times You have healed me, provided for me, forgiven me, and loved me.

To You be the glory forever!

Healing and Faith

N.T.#358 "Healing and Faith"

August 1, 2024 

Mark 5-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

Jesus went with Jairus, but the crowd following Him thronged (to compress, crowd on all sides)  as they went to the daughter of the synagogue official. Matthew inserts the situation and encounter of the woman with Jesus:

• She was hemorrhaging.
• It lasted 12 years.
• She had endured painful treatments by many physicians to no success.
• The problem grew worse for her.
• The woman heard of Jesus, probably His healings, and knew Jesus was her last hope for healing.
• She came in the press (multitude, people) behind Jesus and touched His garment.

For she thought to herself, If I can just touch His robe, I will be healed. (verse 28)

Is that faith or what? For sure. Such great faith and humility, as well as feeling too unworthy to approach Jesus directly like the synagogue leader did. Chances are the woman was excluded from everything, isolating herself. Jesus could have let the situation go, but He wanted a personal relationship with her. Her faith made the woman whole. Like the woman, we must tell Jesus the truth.

There was a time whenever I was just as desperate as this woman. After a colonoscopy, I kept bleeding. The doctor had removed a good sized polp, and put a clip on it to stop the bleeding. Yet it kept on. He had told me if the bleeding did not stop during the night, I would need surgery. By midnight, the bleeding had not stopped and I was weak. Thus, I knew surgery would be difficult for me to go through and survive. I was desperate like this woman. I reached up toward heaven to touch the hem of the Savior's robe, asking for healing. I knew if He willed, Jesus could heal me like He did this woman. My God heard my desperation and immediately healed me. That is why I praise Him.

Have you had a similar situation?

LET IT GROW

What happened to the woman with the issue of blood? 

Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. (verse 29, NLT)

Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from Him, so He turned around in the crowd and asked who touched His robe. Immediately Jesus knew in Himself that virture (miraculous power, strength) had gone out of Him. There were so many people that the disciples could not give the answer.

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth. (verse 33)

Jesus wants us to admit our sins and our need for His help. 

Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (verse 34)

What love and compassion our Savior has!

For 23 years I had a similar problem. How terrible it is and embarrassing it is to have heavy periods. Jesus used surgery to heal me. How grateful I am.

LET IT GO 

What a wonderful Savior You are, Jesus!

Help us have the faith we need through this day.