Mark 9:49-50 - September 5, 2010

Mark 9:49-50 “Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

What is this connection between salt and fire? How can fire touch our lives and become like salt to us? By the way… what is this fire that Jesus is talking about? Let’s answer scripture questions with other scriptures. In I Peter 4:12 Peter wrote “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” KJV From this it is clear that the fires that will salt our lives are these fiery trials which try us. Peter clearly confirms the reality that these fires will touch each one of us and are a common part of the Christian life. He speaks with such certainty that he says “think it not strange” that these trials are a part of your life! Don’t question them. Don’t fear them. They are normal. They bear fruit in our lives.

So how can a fiery trial become a fruitful part of our life? Wouldn’t it seem logical that these things should be avoided and disdained? Not according to Paul! In 1 Cor 3:11-13 Paul develops our understanding of the purpose of trials: “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.” The trials that touch us test the quality of the life we are building for God! When pressures and trials come we have an opportunity to discover whether the life of God within us is maturing or stagnant. We are allowed to see a momentary glimpse of what Jesus sees about us all of the time! The revelation is not for God’s insight but rather for our own lives and the lives of those who are watching us. Trials remove pretense and façade. As Paul said, trials cause our life in God to be “shown for what it is!”

In Mark 9:49-50 Jesus relates these fires to the work of salting something. Salt has two primary functions. Salt preserves and salt flavors! When Jesus presents this concept of salting our lives with fire He is preparing each heart to embrace trials as a gift from God not to complain against them. As Peter exhorts the church to embrace the trials of life as an expected part of our training and preparation he presents a one word response that confronts every spirit of complaint and every temptation to make excuses for a sinful heart in the midst of suffering. The one word foundation for responding to trials is simple: “Rejoice!” Let the fires of this life do their work and rejoice that you are counted worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ’s glory.

Continuing with this thought Jesus says “salt is good!” Can you say that with me? “Salt is good!” But there is still another caution from Jesus. Salt can lose its saltiness and then it is of no value. The point is this: do not let the trials that you go through amount to nothing because you lose the lessons learned in the fire!

To conclude this Jesus once again says something thought provoking: “have salt in yourselves and be at peace with each other.” Once your life has been salted the salt is now a part of you. It is in you. It can be nurtured and cultivated to stay a living part of your life in God. Do not allow the lessons to fade so that you must learn them over and over again. In so doing the fruit of the lessons learned in the fire will be peace in your relationships. When our hearts have learned through suffering the trivial things that tend to stumble us lose their power to influence our hearts. The brighter the fires you have triumphed over, the greater the peace in the trials that follow!

Mark 9:41-48 - September 3, 2010

Mark 9:41-48 “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.”42 "And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'”

What kind of influence do you have on people? Jesus declares a stern warning to all men in this passage. Many times correction and warning are most readily received if they are intertwined with positive encouragements that temper the more challenging topics that must be addressed. It is in this tone that Jesus identifies two responses to our relationship with believers. Do we serve them because of their association with Christ, knowing that to serve them is to serve Christ? Or do we cause them to sin through the influence of our own unconquered flesh?

It is an all too common condition amongst believers to see one person draw another more righteous believer into sin because their own sinfulness is being confronted by the purity of the other person’s life! This and many other expressions of the principle that Jesus is addressing are all committed to the great harm of both the one defiled and the one who leads them astray.

Jesus’ illustration of the little child who believes is a picture of the innocence found in those who are pure of heart. And it is this innocence that is wounded when we draw someone else into our sinfulness either intentionally or even unintentionally. To this Jesus speaks with great warning and seemingly sorrow. Other passages make it clear that our God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and yet Jesus speaks strongly that it would have been better for a person to be cast into deep waters with a millstone around their neck than for them to have a negative influence on one who is pure in heart.

Jesus does not stop with this temporal warning either! Our Lord continues on to warn of the fires of hell that await those who contribute to the defilement of one who is pure in heart. The Lord’s counsel is an aggressive pursuit of correcting the sinful nature of our hearts. If our hand offends, cut it off. If our eye offends, pluck it out. And so on, and so on. What firm words of warning that end with the sobering statement in Mark 9:47-48 “It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'”

At the heart of this message is a call to accountability. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ we will have no one to blame but ourselves. Here and now, in this life, the warning has come with great strength and absolute clarity. We are accountable to God for our choices and our actions. We are accountable to God for what we allow to remain in our own lives and for the negative influences we have on others due to these unrepentant areas in our lives. Jesus calls us to deal radically with sin!

Mark 9:38-40 - September 2, 2010

Mark 9:38-40 "Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." 39 "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us.”

Mark 9:38 carries within it a simple but important message. Many people within the body of Christ have fallen to the deception that this teaching addresses. Throughout much of the church people are polarized around certain doctrinal positions or topical emphasis. There are those who focus on faith, others prioritize evangelism, still others spiritual gifts, prayer or end time truths. Each of these focuses is valuable and plays an important part in our Christian faith. Where the problem comes in is in the area of exclusivity. Too many groups within the body of Christ cling to their emphasis with great tenacity but to the exclusion and at times even criticism of those with other emphasis.

In Mark 9:38-40 the disciples are concerned about the fact that there are some people conducting ministry successfully in Christ’s name that are not connected relationally to their expression of ministry. This independent success has raised a concern in the hearts of the disciples that has provoked them to ask the Lord if He would like them to put a stop to this work without connection. The lesson from Christ is quick and immediate as He tells them “do not stop him.” Jesus makes it clear that anyone who does a miracle in the name of Christ will be personally impacted by that miracle flowing through them and their loyalty to Christ will be deepened by it. He then states an important principle: “whoever is not against us is for us.”

In this response Jesus addresses a very important issue that has crept into the body of Christ today. It is impossible to state with certainty what motivated the disciples in their concern over the ministry of this man but it is easy to see the motives of many who carry this same limiting concern in the church of today for there are many different ones at work. In the 21^st century church there are leaders who target someone’s doctrinal differences as the point of their criticism. There are others who feel that anyone who is not under their authority or the authority of their group cannot be legitimate. There are still others who would point to the supernatural demonstrations taking place in the name of Christ as their primary point of resistance. To all of these the answer of Christ is incredibly simple in its focus “whoever is not against us is for us!”

Jesus chooses to focus on the issues that unite rather than the things that divide. In is so comforting to see two things demonstrated in the emphasis of His response. First He displays a desire to focus on the good that is being done above any problems created by an individual who is not working directly under His authority or that of His disciples. Secondly Jesus demonstrates a tremendous confidence in the ability of the Holy Spirit to steer the hearts of those who work in the name of Christ. He does not react with a fearful concern that this man is somehow going to damage the work of Christ through His efforts. Jesus is at rest and simply responds with the phrase we have noted above that those who are not against us are for us!

This is not to say that there is never a time that a church or minister should a stand against obvious heresy or clearly destructive ministry styles, the scriptures address many of these with sufficient clarity so as to make our responsibility clear. What is important to say is that those issues and areas are when the extremes are found not simply areas of difference. There are many things clearly stated for the church within scripture, but there are also many things that the Lord has chosen to leave as grey areas, obscure areas that leave room for us to have differences and still be united in spirit. Though in a different context, Paul expressed this same confidence in God’s ability to direct hearts into right belief in Phil 3:15-16 where he stated, “…if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” Let the church seek opportunity to be united above its search for that which can divide and let us grow up in love so that the full measure of the body of Christ can be seen in all of its diversity by a world that is desperately in need of a powerful church to demonstrate the glory of Jesus Christ in this generation.

Mark 9:36-37 - September 1, 2010

Mark 9:36-37 “He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Jesus places value on everyone! That is one of the things that I love about Jesus! There is no person young or old, sinner or saint, Jew or Gentile whom Jesus does not love and value. This truth is at the heart of everything that God does. So much so that Paul states in Rom 5:8 “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The love of God is consistently on display through the life and ministry of Christ. His actions while alive, the death that He died and the message that He brings to us in His resurrection all speak to us a message of enduring and sacrificial love.

Mark 9:36 displays this message in a moving image of Christ’s tenderness as He takes a little child and has him stand amongst the group. Jesus does not merely bring this child into the group as an illustration and leave him standing cold and alone while everyone stares at the child and listens to Jesus. Jesus takes that child in His arms and holds him close! Jesus embraces this child and then uses that embrace as the teaching point. The embrace IS the message! Jesus holds this child close and says “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.” As He states these words He demonstrates in that embrace what it means to welcome that child. To give the love that is Christ’s love is to see the heart behind the physical needs and to reach into the needs of the heart. Jesus saw this child as more than an illustration for His sermon. Even while reaching His goal of ministering to the people Jesus tenderly cares about the emotions of this child. In this same way as Christ displays this sensitivity He turns to those present and encourages them to open their hearts to people.

“Welcome the weak one and you welcome me. Welcome me and you welcome my Father!” At times Jesus made things so simple. “Treat other people; even the ones that you feel may not be able to make a major contribution, as though they were valuable to God!” This is a powerful lesson, and of equal importance is the connection to the principle that to love them IS to love God. They are all interconnected. When we place value on the things that matter to someone, we place value on them through that action! And God values people! He values them so much that He died for them! In John’s Epistle to the church he states this principle very directly in 1 John 4:20-21 by saying “If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” If we want a deeper revelation of God one of the quickest paths to encountering His love is to find it through loving others!

Sturbridge Worship Center Church Transition

Due to our church transition, the daily devotional will resume after Labor Day. Thank you for your understanding.

Mark 9:35 - July 7, 2010

Mark 9:35 “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

Jesus has set the stage for a personal confrontation with the ego problem that He sees at work in the hearts of His disciples. They have just arrived in Capernaum after a long walk where they passed through Galilee together. As they had been traveling Jesus became aware that the disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest amongst them and so He brings them aside to speak into this philosophical flaw in their thinking.

This passage from the training of His twelve key men carries within it an insight that is often overlooked in regard to what Jesus is actually teaching. Many times people relate to this passage as if it teaches that we are not to desire to be first. That is not what this passage actually communicates. The message of this passage in reality redefines what it means to be first and the true path to greatness. The implication found in both Christ’s teaching here and the actions that follow is that service IS greatness – real greatness. He does not imply in His actions that we should put up with people with patient suffering for the sake of some future greatness. The message in its reality is that a leader in the kingdom of God actually values and enjoys people!

The culture of that day was filled with examples of greatness that were based upon an abusive love of power for the rewards and self-indulgence that it made available to the ones who possessed it. In Luke 22:26 Jesus referenced the kings of the Gentiles and their habit of exalting themselves over the ones whom they led. Jesus reverses the entire cultural trend that has been seen by all of them with this one simply teaching; “lead from an opposite spirit.” The privilege of leadership is the opportunity to serve, to help, to be entrusted with making life better for those we lead.

Mark 9:35 is one of those verses that needs very little interpretation. What is really needed in understanding this passage is faith! For so many people the thought of possessing the power that comes with leadership their minds are immediately filled with the benefits that can be gained personally by this position. In verse 35 Jesus turns the attention of those who would lead to thoughts of what they can give! Serve everyone you can! Take the last and lowest place! In Luke 22:27 Jesus identifies the contrast between His leadership style and the common thinking of the day. He asks His disciples which is the common action of the greatest one, be served or to serve, knowing that their response will be that the greatest should be served. It is then that He draws their attention to His life by saying “I am among you as one who serves.” Leadership redefined is service with humility. Leadership redefined is valuing people and seeking to meet their needs. Leadership redefined takes faith!

Mark 9:33-34 - July 6, 2010

Mark 9:33-34 “They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.”

Have you ever been asked a question that you didn’t really want to answer? Jesus had an interesting capacity to ask questions that would provoke issues or bring topics to the surface in very revealing ways. In these times He did not resort to manipulation, nor pressure them for answers. He simply asked questions that if answered truthfully were sufficient to expose the heart of a matter.

On the road to Capernaum the disciples had been arguing amongst themselves regarding who was the greatest and it is clear from the way that this question was staged that Jesus already knew both the answer to His question and was prepared with the teaching points that He would give once He found the right setting to address the issue. The Lord’s patience is clearly seen in this situation as He restrains His response. The nature of the leadership style that He is seeking to instill in His disciples is foundational to the kingdom that He is bringing forth and the subject of their debate must have been of great concern to Him. Because of this the restraint He showed in responding to it was remarkable. Many leaders would have discerned the nature of the discussion taking place around them and quickly brought a strong rebuke to confront such wrong thinking. Jesus however, waits patiently until He finds the right setting for a thought provoking exchange rather than just blasting away at an area of wrong thinking with direct confrontation and rebuke.

The timing and nature of Christ’s confrontation displayed such great patience and care as He turned to them upon arriving quietly at the house where they would be staying. It is only then, in the solitude of this secure setting that He now turns to them, not with an explosive rage, or even a condescending tone. He simply turns and asks “what were you arguing about on the road?” He knew that all of the disciples were involved in this carnal discussion and so He turned the conversation into a confrontation born of the conscience not of personalities! It is certain that the disciples for the most part were not men who would attempt to lie to the Lord and therefore His question left them with only one evasive response available, and that was to give no response! His very question silenced them in conviction!

This is such a powerful lesson in bringing conviction into the lives of those with an area that is out of order in their lives. A well timed and direct question can in many cases apply more pressure to the conscience than a direct rebuke or confrontation. To rebuke there is often excuse making, to confrontation there is often defensiveness but a question leaves us with no one to argue with. It is our own answer, our own conscience that brings the correction. It is only when the disciples give no answer that Jesus concludes that they are now ready to receive instruction without the defensive presence of their egos. No one is singled out because they were all involved. Jesus calmly teaches them a higher way, a better way; the kingdom way! Lord teach us timing, restraint and wisdom in dealing with the needs in the lives of those we are responsible for, whether they are children, students, employees or congregation members! Lord give us your heart!