Word@Work 125 - Mark 11:1-3
Published: Fri, 05/16/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read 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, 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. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.' " (NIV)
Although we know this passage as the prelude to Palm Sunday, these disciples were living one day at a time. Even though Jesus had told them about His forthcoming death, they had little understanding of what was going to happen. So, one day, one instruction at a time, was enough. The orders were clear and precise. All they had to do was to follow them to the letter; the fact that they did not understand Jesus' plan or the purpose behind the request was irrelevant.
Theft of an animal was a serious offence for the Jews, so Jesus anticipated a challenge to the disciples who were to walk off with somebody else's donkey. The simple response was, "The Lord needs it ...". It was by these direct words that all was explained.
This message is hardly rocket science for Christians. If Jesus says it, then do it! Yet the usual human arrogance to demand explanations at every point before we will move, is a huge hindrance to faith. Such pride presumes that we have the knowledge to understand all the intricacies of the unknown future, and the wisdom to decide if God's instructions are right! What folly! Faith is not built on understanding the reason, but on trusting the person. Today's lessons in faith are learned well only if we take the Word of God as divine commands, and do them!
Prayer: Holy Father. Please give me a fresh insight into Your wisdom, that You only command what is right, and my foolishness if I refuse to obey. Then, please help me to do what you say by the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Although we know this passage as the prelude to Palm Sunday, these disciples were living one day at a time. Even though Jesus had told them about His forthcoming death, they had little understanding of what was going to happen. So, one day, one instruction at a time, was enough. The orders were clear and precise. All they had to do was to follow them to the letter; the fact that they did not understand Jesus' plan or the purpose behind the request was irrelevant.
Theft of an animal was a serious offence for the Jews, so Jesus anticipated a challenge to the disciples who were to walk off with somebody else's donkey. The simple response was, "The Lord needs it ...". It was by these direct words that all was explained.
This message is hardly rocket science for Christians. If Jesus says it, then do it! Yet the usual human arrogance to demand explanations at every point before we will move, is a huge hindrance to faith. Such pride presumes that we have the knowledge to understand all the intricacies of the unknown future, and the wisdom to decide if God's instructions are right! What folly! Faith is not built on understanding the reason, but on trusting the person. Today's lessons in faith are learned well only if we take the Word of God as divine commands, and do them!
Prayer: Holy Father. Please give me a fresh insight into Your wisdom, that You only command what is right, and my foolishness if I refuse to obey. Then, please help me to do what you say by the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name, 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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