Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees Page 140-141        Matthew 16:1-12; Mark 8:11-21

The religious leaders knew Jesus’ message about the Kingdom of God was a danger to their status quo. They were greatly annoyed with Jesus because he had much to say about the abuse of their authority over the people. Asking for signs was their way of dismissing Jesus.

The disciples were still maturing in their faith journey and had much yet to learn. Their eyes were on the meager amount of food they had, and thus, when Jesus warned them about the ‘yeast’ of the religious leaders, they didn’t understand. When Jesus reminded the disciples of feeding the five thousand and the four thousand, he was challenging them to put into practice his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount:

 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:31-33).

When the disciples stopped worrying about food, they recognized that Jesus was showing them that the religious leaders were missing the Kingdom of God because of their self-centered ways.

Charles Sheldon's inspirational book, In His Steps, explains what could happen if we asked ourselves, 'What would Jesus do?' Many years ago a youth group in the Midwest tried to live out that idea. Pretty soon WWJD bracelets and necklaces were available everywhere, and what began as a serious effort to be committed followers of Jesus was trivialized into a cutesy saying.

Jesus calls his followers to join him in a great adventure to bring the Kingdom of God to our world. Yet, far too often, His followers have exchanged their opportunity of an adventurous journey for membership in a religious club that meets on Sundays for coffee and conversation. It is easy to tell when we are slipping into the realm of trivialization. Take a moment to consider where you spend your money and your free time. When you daydream, where do your thoughts take you? In those three realms of your life, where do you see the Kingdom of God?

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

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The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Thursday, December 27, 2012     I Restored a Blind Man's Sight    

Page 141-142         Mark 8:22-26