Word@Work 016 - Mark 1:43-45
Published: Mon, 12/03/07
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 1:43-45 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. (NIV)
The belief that God's Kingdom will expand through advertising its immediate benefits has more to do with the spirit of this age than the Bible. Promotional policies learned from the world would demand maximum publicity for such an amazing miracle, but it is clear from this passage that Jesus did not need disobedient testimonials to achieve His purpose.
It is all very understandable. The leper received more than he dared to hope, and with his healing came a social rehabilitation. He was full of joy and gratitude and let everybody know. They in turn thought that they could get similar advantages from Jesus, and so they became more than enthusiastic fans. However, as the story tells later on, most of the crowd went away once the novelty faded.
Jesus does not look for crowds who follow because of what they can get for Him; Jesus looks for self-denying faith. The enthusiasm that comes from a miracle may evaporate when the next prayer is not answered as expected. Faith trusts in the Master rather than the miracle, and continues to trust even when human eyes can see no future. Faith sees simply that Jesus is the light at the end of the tunnel.
We rightly encourage believers to tell of their faith in Jesus Christ. Often an amazing answer to prayer is an encouragement to saints and sometimes the curious sinners will search for the Lord. But faith does not come by miracles or hearing about miracles - faith only comes from hearing and believing the Word of God.
Today your witness is to explain who Jesus is, and that you have submitted to the authority of His call. These facts are true irrespective of how God should choose to answer your prayers. Strangely, it is your 'ordinary' submission to Christ that is the stuff of which the Kingdom is made.
Prayer: Almighty God, may I never be so high that my enthusiasm for getting blessed becomes an obstacle to the gospel. Likewise may I never dismiss the blessings and find that that my simple obedience to Jesus is without joy. For His sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The belief that God's Kingdom will expand through advertising its immediate benefits has more to do with the spirit of this age than the Bible. Promotional policies learned from the world would demand maximum publicity for such an amazing miracle, but it is clear from this passage that Jesus did not need disobedient testimonials to achieve His purpose.
It is all very understandable. The leper received more than he dared to hope, and with his healing came a social rehabilitation. He was full of joy and gratitude and let everybody know. They in turn thought that they could get similar advantages from Jesus, and so they became more than enthusiastic fans. However, as the story tells later on, most of the crowd went away once the novelty faded.
Jesus does not look for crowds who follow because of what they can get for Him; Jesus looks for self-denying faith. The enthusiasm that comes from a miracle may evaporate when the next prayer is not answered as expected. Faith trusts in the Master rather than the miracle, and continues to trust even when human eyes can see no future. Faith sees simply that Jesus is the light at the end of the tunnel.
We rightly encourage believers to tell of their faith in Jesus Christ. Often an amazing answer to prayer is an encouragement to saints and sometimes the curious sinners will search for the Lord. But faith does not come by miracles or hearing about miracles - faith only comes from hearing and believing the Word of God.
Today your witness is to explain who Jesus is, and that you have submitted to the authority of His call. These facts are true irrespective of how God should choose to answer your prayers. Strangely, it is your 'ordinary' submission to Christ that is the stuff of which the Kingdom is made.
Prayer: Almighty God, may I never be so high that my enthusiasm for getting blessed becomes an obstacle to the gospel. Likewise may I never dismiss the blessings and find that that my simple obedience to Jesus is without joy. For His sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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