Mark 11:12-14 - October 6, 2010

Mark 11:12-14 “The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.”

Mark 11:12 has many different principles contained within it that could be explored but one of the more powerfully apparent insights that is there to see is the power of the spoken word! The motives of Jesus’ heart in this passage could be explored from the perspective of why he cursed this tree but that is not my goal as I consider this passage. In considering the power and nature of the prophetic word and its power to communicate both life and death the story of the fig tree provides a glimpse of one of the unique dimensions of the believer’s authority.

Proverbs 18 contains a verse that seems to be the foundation of what is taking place in this story. Prov 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Jesus’ demonstration of His authority in this passage is a demonstration of the power of life and death. Throughout His ministry Jesus has consistently demonstrated the power of life in the words that He has spoken as He has multiplied the bread, healed the sick, turned water into wine and raised the dead. However, Pr.18:21 contains within it the reality of the power of death as well as the power of life. In the context of His public ministry it seems that there were very few settings where Jesus could demonstrate this context of His authority and the fig tree provided a perfect opportunity for Him to demonstrate His authority to judge as well as His authority to bless. I find it fascinating that this demonstration of Jesus’ power comes forth in the context of a fruit bearing tree that is bearing no fruit. It would seem that even as He speaks to this tree and curses it because it is fruitless that there is a subtle purpose on Christ’s behalf to direct people to this passage in in Pr. 18.

This display of power for cursing as well as blessing is filled with the potential for tremendous misapplication but one thing is clear, there is a place within the context of apostolic leadership for the power to judge as well as the power to bless. Jesus’ demonstration here seems to be the theological underpin that provides context for some of the later corrective judgments of the apostles. The book of Acts demonstrates some of these moments throughout its pages. Both Peter and Paul manifest this authoritative command in their ministries.

In Acts chapter 5 Peter demonstrates this authority in his corrective confrontation with Ananias and Sapphira. He first provides an opportunity for open confession and repentance to each of them separately but the lack of remorse within each of them causes first the husband to drop over dead and then Peter speaks forth the word that assigns to the wife the same judgment that came upon her husband. Later in Acts 13:11-12 Paul demonstrates this same authority with an even more direct proclamation to Elymas the sorcerer by saying “Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun." “Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.”

It is worth noting that in this case there is no discussion, no opportunity for repentance. There seems to be a dramatic difference in context that should be noted as we consider these two events. In the case of Ananias and Sapphira Peter was dealing with two believers who had fallen into a temptation towards the area of contempt for the Holy Spirit and so they were given an opportunity for repentance before the judgment of God was released upon them. In the case of Elymas there is a completely different set of circumstances. Paul is in the midst of a gospel presentation to a leading political figure and Elymas is intentionally hindering this man from receiving the message of the kingdom of God. As a result this sorcerer is dealt with firmly and directly. Paul provides a clear insight into his perception of the situation by declaring over Elymas in “Acts 13:10 "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!” In the case of this judgment it is not a fallen believer but an evil man with evil motives who is being publicly judged for the sake of the kingdom of God. In both cases their chastisements from the Lord released a powerful measure of the fear of God into the settings where they took place.

Within each of these illustrations there is much to consider and the nature of a proper application of these concepts would require much more time than we could provide in this setting. But what is clear is that there is power in the mouth of the believer for both life and death. There is an apostolic authority unlike that which the world has commonly embraced and understood. I believe that it is the intention of God to restore a true apostolic authority to the church and that in the age that is coming upon both the earth and the church we will see a demonstration of the kingdom of God that causes the righteous to rejoice and the wicked to fear!

Mark 11:11 - October 5, 2010

Mark 11:11 “Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.”

Know the timing of when to start new things and when to change old ones. In this passage Jesus demonstrates the principle that confrontation should not be started within a context that cannot be brought to a healthy point of closure or that by addressing it at an inappropriate time the impact of that confrontation is lost. It is fairly certain that Jesus knew what He was intending to do when He stopped by the temple towards the end of that day after his entry into Jerusalem.  He had the attention of the multitudes and He knew that His time upon the earth was drawing near to a close. It was in this context that Jesus felt compelled by the Spirit to communicate the Father’s heart towards His temple and to fulfill the messianic prophesies regarding zeal for His Father’s house.

What is truly noteworthy in this situation is that in the midst of His zeal and sense of fulfillment He was still restrained enough to not act out of the passion of the moment. Jesus saw the setting, saw the need and yet was able to still recognize the need for proper time and setting. In Mt. 7:6 Jesus references the principle of stewarding our energies and efforts within a uniquely different context, but the message is clear to us; “do not waste the things that you do by a wrong choice of time, place or audience.”

Jesus recognizes the unhealthy condition of the temple courts but does not allow His offense to move Him to actions that will be wasted. Even in His great zeal for change the Lord is able to recognize that the audience available to Him and the remaining time in that day for the impact of His intended actions to have their full effect is not sufficient to accomplish His purpose. As a result we see the Lord come and take a visual review of the circumstances that He is intending to speak to. A portion of His intent is certainly so that as He prays into this situation overnight and considers that actions that He will take in the morning, He is praying and meditating based upon an accurate and current assessment of the situation. 

This principle needs to speak to every servant of God. Paul said something vital in Rom 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Passion is important but so is wisdom.  Paul’s words identify the reality that there are times when we can be compelled by a zeal that does not result in accomplishing the Lord’s purpose. It only vents the passion inside of us but it is not fruitful in its outcome! We want passion but we want fruit! Learn the wisdom of the Lord and let His restraint be a model to us for passion under control.

Mark 11:7-10 - October 4, 2010

Mark 11:7-10 “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"   10 "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!"

This passage has within it one of the more symbolic events in the gospels. As I consider this passage and the glory of Christ’s coming as He enters Jerusalem the multitudes have gathered. The Lord is here! The Lord is here! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” It is such a compelling sight and a powerful picture of the impact that the presence of God has on any given setting. Whenever Jesus comes to the church today there is a similar reaction. People are moved, hearts are touched and people are compelled to offer magnificent sacrifices of praise.

As I read this passage however my thoughts are drawn to one of the less noticed characters in the story; the donkey! Can you imagine this beast of burden? He is only a lowly donkey. He has nothing to offer but a willingness to bear the presence of the Lord. What moves my heart is his similarity to every person who has been given the privilege of being a carrier of God’s presence. When God moves people’s hearts move with Him. When God comes, the attention of man is turned in praise and adoration. But can you imagine the mind of that donkey? Do you think he ever realized it was not him that the people were cheering for? They were laying their garments at his feet and lifting up loud cries and cheers of joy as he walked by. Surely he was the one they were praising!

This condition is so like unto the hearts of many who carry the presence of the Lord. Has the realization of our own insignificance ever penetrated through the haze created by the praise of men? When we prosper is it us or is it Him? When we are used by God’s power who is it that deserves the glory! Each person who bears the stigma of the anointing is in reality only a beast of burden in the context of who deserves the praise. Paul said it this way in 1 Cor 4:7 “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” When the Son of God chooses you from the side of the road and climbs upon your back to make His grand entrance into a situation, remember who it is that the people are really praising!

Mark 11:4-6 - October 2, 2010

Mark 11:4-6 “They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.”

Mark 11:4-6 is a small segment of this overall story but there is a little glimpse of the prophetic in action that takes place in this passage. Sent on a mission to retrieve the colt that will be used for Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem, the disciples have been told where to go to find this colt. The only thing that is really required of them is boldness and faith. They are told by the Lord to take this colt without asking permission. They are only given the words to say when they are asked about their actions.

How awkward this may have seemed to the disciples to begin untying the colt without permission. Fear of accusation as thieves may have tugged at their hearts as they went forward, but faith and obedience carried them forward. Their confidence in the prophetic ministry of Christ was sufficient to move them on. They knew from experience that the things Christ foretold would come to pass and so they stepped forward in faith. They find the colt just where it has been prophesied to be and speak the words that the Lord in his foreknowledge gives them to speak. And with these words the disciples find favor and are able to complete their task.

This demonstration of the practical application of the prophetic increases our grasp of the many ways that God uses this wonderful gift. This word does not involve a word to a person. It does not involve the release of some great miracle. This prophetic word simply prepares the disciples to accomplish their task and to find favor with the other people who will be involved in this exchange. This passage gives us permission to expect God’s participation in the practical moments of our lives. He can give us direction that leads to both provision and favor. Our part is bold faith and humble obedience. Take the word of Christ with you and go out expecting God to meet you on the road side!

Mark 11:1-3 - October 1, 2010

Mark 11:1-3 “As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'" 

Though this passage is the introduction to one of the more celebrated stories in the gospels there is so much to enjoy in it beyond the well-known triumphal entry of Christ into the city of Jerusalem. As the disciples are approaching the area surrounding the Mount of Olives Jesus sends two of His disciples on a mission to retrieve a colt that He will use to ride upon as He enters the city. What is interesting in this passage is the reality of God’s preparation for the fulfillment of His purpose.

Jesus is about to fulfill the messianic prophesy found in Psalm 118:26 and referenced by Him in Luke 13:35 where he reminded some of the Pharisees of the triumphal greeting “blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” The events that are about to take place have been in the heart and purpose of God from ages past. They were declared through the Psalmists of old and here at this moment the purpose of God is about to be realized. In the midst of this setting what is truly amazing is that there, at the crossroads of history, God has already provided a colt upon which the king will enter Jerusalem. He has already revealed to His Son where this colt is waiting and how to go about accessing this resource, down to even the right words to say! This truth needs to speak to every person who will attempt to do the works of God.

What is so evident within these first verses of Mark 11 is the reality that God has already provided for His purposes. Where God ordains, God provides. This story in Mark 11 was the fulfillment of something in God’s heart from the very beginning of His plan and yet there at the appointed time the need was met. This must be the confidence of every person who will do the work and will of God. When we have the need we will find the colt tied at the side of the road and we will be given the right means to access that provision.

The roll of the disciples was simple in its expression. In this situation the disciples were not asked to do anything of great merit. They were simply given the direction of God and asked to walk out the process of acquiring God’s provision. How uncomplicated God made it for them to participate in this miraculous provision to fulfill God’s plan and purpose. Many times we overcomplicate the mission that God has assigned to us. We strive to acquire and to make things happen that would happen with a natural sense of flow and ease if only we would wait on the divine direction that will lead us to what God has already provided. This is not to say that there is no work involved in fulfilling the purpose of God but there is a way of obedience that greatly lessens man’s need to strive and walk in anxiety of heart as we do God’s purpose. May each one of us find that place of restful, attentive obedience that we might find God’s leading as He directs us to the colt at the side of the road!

Mark 10:51-52 - September 30, 2010

Mark 10:51-52 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”

These next two verses in Mark 10 are a fascinating glimpse into the way of Christ. Here He is faced with a desperate blind man who has been crying out above the din of the crowd. There is a multitude of observers who know this man and who have been following after him and as the blind man is brought to Him Jesus does not greet him with any form of assumption. Instead Jesus asks the blind man “what do you want me to do for you?” To us this may seem like a strange question in light of the obvious answer but in the midst of that setting perhaps there was much more going on than the asking of a simple question.

We as modern readers of this story, knowing already its outcome, would seemingly project the obvious onto this situation but our Lord is the master orchestrator of every circumstance. In almost every circumstance the questions of Jesus are provocative. They are searching. They are tests of the heart and revealers of the thoughts of men! As Jesus asks this simple and obvious question the heart and attitude of this blind man is revealed.  There is no attitude of resentment revealed, no criticism of the treatment he has received only a humble cry for help.

It is not only the heart of Bartemaeus that is spoken to by this question. As Jesus inquires of Bartemaeus every person who has judged him as a sinner, every person who has pushed him aside as an outcast receives a new revelation of the love of God. There is no rejection in the words of Jesus. There is only openness. There is only welcome! The question of Jesus reveals the heart of God to a critical society.

The question of Jesus comes seemingly with no limitation. In much the same way that He has taught His disciples that their prayers have no boundary but the will of God, Jesus extends to Bartemaues an open invitation to ask and ask BIG! “Rabbi, I want to see!” Let that prayer be the cry of all God’s people. Open our eyes to see!

There is no hesitation in the response of Christ to the request of Bartemaeus. Jesus’ response is swift and confident as He declares over the blind man “Go. Your faith has healed you!” Jesus answer is an affirmation of Bartemaeus’ faith. There is no profound statement. There is no outward demonstration, only an affirmation of his faith. And that faith was enough. Faith drove Bartemaeus to cry out. Faith drove him to persevere in the face of opposition. Face compelled him to shout even louder in the face of opposition and it was this faith, an overcoming faith that brought forth the healing that he sought! Jesus simply affirmed the work of faith that had already taken place in his heart. The question of Jesus simply put words to Bartemaeus’ faith. It made that faith specific! Perhaps that was the real motive for Christ’s question towards Bartemaeus. Could it be that Jesus was helping him to get specific before God and teaching us that same principle? It is time to get specific as we stand before God. Ask boldly and ask clearly as you stand in God’s presence with a heart of specific faith!

Mark 10:48-50 - September 27, 2010

Mark 10:48-50 “Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.”

Imagine being Bartemeaus on this particular day in his life. The possibility of healing, of freedom is passing by. It is close enough to reach out and touch if only he could be heard above the crowds. He lifts his voice only to be rebuked by the merciless crowds of people who have gathered around Jesus, each with their own agendas for reaching Christ! Here he is, powerless in the natural realm and yet the marriage of faith and desperation that is coming together in his life causes him to cry out! When rebuked he cries out all the more, and his cry is one thing; a cry for mercy!

This prayer is a prayer that moves the heart of God; “have mercy on me!” This prayer is a prayer that penetrates the presence of God. This one cry that could have been so easily overlooked in the midst of such a crowd and such chaos somehow rises up above the confusion of the circumstances and pierces the ear of Christ and His attention is drawn. What a picture of the power of faith! It rises up above all that we are going through to penetrate into the throne room of God where every answer is born!

I love the response of Christ as His attention is drawn towards the roadside and the cries of this blind man. Not only does Jesus make room for this desperately broken soul. He has the very ones who had been seeking to silence him become the ones who are sent to get Bartemaeus. There seems to be a subtle correction present in this action as Jesus demonstrates to the very ones who sought to push the blind man away that this man is welcome and loved by the Father and the Son!

It is apparent from the words of those who come to him that the emotions of the blind man must have been reaching their breaking point. He has cried out. He has been resisted. He has persevered even in the midst of this and raised his voice even louder but these final cries must have been the cries of a heart desperate and in pain. His demeanor was such that when the crowds turned to offer to him the invitation of Christ their words begin with cheer up. How strange that those who sought to silence him are now his comforters. Perhaps there is a lesson for us concerning the attitude of God’s people towards those we perceive as social outcasts and the broken of society. Perhaps those that we have rejected in the attitude of our hearts are the very ones that God is seeking to turn our hearts towards.

As Bartemaeus is called to come to Christ it is with great energy and zeal that he rises to stand before Jesus. There is no casual reluctance in his response to this invitation to come. Bartemaeus leaps to his feet, throwing aside the cloak that he has used to shelter himself from the cold of both the environment and seemingly the hearts of the people. In many ways Bartemaeus seems to be a picture of the harvest. Perhaps the most broken turn out to be the most passionate when they have been welcomed by the grace of God!