Monthly Archives: February 2017

Mark 10

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In Mark 10, Jesus meets Bartimaeus, a poor blind man in a time when such people were regarded as inferior, almost inhuman. His faith in God was sufficient to loudly and publicly seek Jesus’s help, despite opposition from those around him. He didn’t let the constant challenge of blindness or poverty prevent him from doing what he knew to be right. His attitude is a stark contrast to others who approach Jesus in this chapter: the rich young man, James and John seeking to sit beside Jesus in the kingdom. Bartimaeus seeks mercy from Jesus, a humble acknowledgement of Jesus’ role.

Bartimaeus’ faith was rewarded, “your faith has made you well”. Our faith also has the potential to overcome the challenges of our life, culminating in the opportunity to serve God for ever. The “treasure in heaven” that results from following Jesus is within our grasp, if we follow the example of Bartimaeus, swallow our pride, and publicly display our faith.

Psalm 77

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Psalm 77 commences with an expression of doubt and uncertainty, “I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted…I am so troubled that I cannot speak“. We all feel this way at some point in our lives.

The Psalmist reflects on the way to resolve these doubts, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord… I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples“. The God we worship “works wonders“; the waters are afraid of God, the earth trembles and shakes. Our God has total control of His creation, He will not forget to be gracious to those who call on His name.

Exodus 22, Psalms 75-76, Mark 8

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In Exodus 22, we read of the consequences of actions; details of restitution under the law. Israel were God’s special people, “you shall be consecrated to me”, and God would hear the cries of the poor, “if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate”.

Psalms 75-76 recount God’s judgement, “I will judge with equity. When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars… it is God who executes judgment”. Asaph alludes to the victory over Egypt, when horse and rider perish in the water. “But you, you are to be feared!
Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused? From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still”.

God judges justly, but He is also compassionate. He hears the cries of the needy, and takes care of them. He is interested in our lives, and will take action to help us. We see this compassion mirrored in Jesus’ actions in Mark 8. After speaking to the multitude for 3 days, they had nothing left to eat. So Jesus performs a miracle, feeding them before sending them on their way.

Psalm 74

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Psalm 74 is a song calling God to action, to judge the enemies of Israel, “Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name … They set your sanctuary on fire …  they burned all the meeting places of God in the land” Possibly this refers to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

Asaph expounds God’s control over the world, almost as though he doesn’t understand why such a mighty God hasn’t taken action to defend Israel. “You divided the sea by your might… yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the heavenly lights and the sun. You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter.”

Although not impacted by the events this psalm alludes to, it does serve as a reminder that God works on His own timescale. Events can seem unjust or unnecessary, yet they form part of God’s plan. We can be comforted by the knowledge that God is in control, that He is a powerful God working towards a future where we can rejoice with Him for eternity.

Psalm 73, Mark 6

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In Psalm 73, Asaph writes of his struggle to understand the prosperity of the wicked, “when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.”

Often life can seem unfair, unnecessarily difficult. To assuage these doubts it is important to spend time in God’s sanctuary, where we can be reminded that “there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

In Mark 6, Jesus reinforces this idea, “after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray”. After a busy day healing and teaching the multitude, he spends time with God to be encouraged and grow his relationship with God, a great example for us.

Exodus 17-18, Mark 5

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Today in Exodus we read of Israel’s battle with the Amalekites. “Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed”. Sitting on top of the hill, Moses was clearly visible by those around. This symbol of Israel’s trust in God highlighted that it was God that won the victory over the Amalekites.

Aaron and Hur had to help Moses hold up his hands, demonstrating that trust in God is not something we must always do on our own – others can help out when we are weary. I find this idea really powerful; that we can help others to trust and rely on God for help. It is our responsibility to recognise their need and assist.

The other powerful lesson from this chapter is Moses’ attitude to solving problems contrasted to the people. The people grumble and quarrel with Moses about a lack of water, but Moses cries to God for help. Complaining is a natural human response to difficulty, but Moses’ example teaches us how important it is to rely on God.  As Jesus tells Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe”.

 

Exodus 16, Psalms 70-71

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In Exodus 16 we’re introduced to the manna that fed Israel throughout their time in the wilderness.  An amazing miracle every day, especially on the 6th day when the manna lasted for two days.  Yet the Israelites get sick of it later on, grumbling for meat instead.

It’s easy to have that same attitude as the Israelites in our lives today.  We can dismiss their mistakes as those of a faithless generation, but when we look in that mirror at our true face, we have many of the same problems. Contentment in this age of consumerism is difficult to achieve. It’s natural to covet what we don’t have – there’s a reason covetousness was identified in the Law of Moses as being a problem.

The Psalms are helpful in putting things into perspective.  David writes “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” There is no need to covet this relationship or refuge, it is offered freely, as much as we want.

Whatever our struggles, God is a strong foundation in which we can trust, turn to in times of difficulty, content in the knowledge that He will always listen.

Exodus 15, Psalm 69

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In Exodus 15 we find the song of Moses, after Israel went through the red sea and were delivered from the Egyptians. It’s a song praising God for his demonstration of strength, mighty deeds, steadfast love, and the hope of the promised land.

It is a rare gift to be able to write a song about our feelings, but fortunately Moses, David and others have written songs to suit many occasions. Psalm 69 contrasts the depths of despair David feels, that sinking, drowning feeling, with the steadfast love and abundant mercy of a God who hears the needy.

Today’s readings are a contrast of highs and lows, praising and mourning, but both are focused on God. In all circumstances in life we can turn to God, knowing that He will hear us, and won’t turn His face from us. “Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them.”

Romans 13, Psalms 62-63

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In Romans 13, Paul encourages us to “wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed… cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light”. Now is not the time for relaxing, but instead we have a daily battle to fight against sin and its influence, choosing rather to follow Christ, the light of this world. Paul’s words are even more applicable today – Christ’s return and our salvation is surely imminent.

David continues to write about his trust and reliance upon God in Psalms 62-63. “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water”. Such vivid imagery of David’s heartfelt desperate need for God in his life. “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” God is our fortress against the works of darkness Paul talks about. God’s thinking and influence are the armor of light with which we have to battle. David concludes with the solemn thought, that God “will render to a man according to his work”.

We can clearly see the signs in the world around us that God is preparing for the return of Christ. Let’s take Paul’s words to heart and today battle against sin, using the armor of light to protect us from its influence.

Romans 12, Psalms 60-61

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Paul continues his letter of instruction and encouragement by reminding us that we all have been given different gifts, just as each part of the body has a different function. Having recognised that we have been given gifts, Paul writes “let us use them”, in serving, exhortation, generosity, zeal and cheerfulness.

Regardless of our gift, Paul says “let love be genuine”. A true Christian is visible by their actions, in overcoming evil with good.  This is how we are to be transformed, how we act as a living sacrifice.  As David writes, “with God we shall do valiantly; it is He who will tread down our foes… so will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day”.

Yes there are injustices in the world; God will judge those responsible accordingly. It is up to us to live according to our calling, involving God in all things, serving Him daily.