Word@Work 183 - Mark 14:53-54
Published: Thu, 08/07/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:53-54 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. (NIV)
It seems all wrong. And it is! The King of kings is brought before a kangaroo court. Those who were supposed to teach others about God could not even recognise Him when they saw Him. Peter who promised to be right up in the front row supporting Jesus is firmly in the back row. The one who was hot headed about his ability to endure hostility went cold on his promise, and needed the fire to warm him up.
That is the way that sin affects things. Once the first wrong decision is made, there is a domino cascade of error. Nothing can stand up any more. The trail of warped values and broken trust litters this story. But in the middle of it all is the Lord Jesus who has never changed - since He first created the people who now are seeking to destroy Him. Jesus will eventually be seen as King; His pledge of support is never broken; and He will fulfil every promise. And the fire is reserved for those who refuse to bow to His sovereignty.
In our crazy, topsy-turvy world, where truth is described as bad and evil is celebrated; there is no possibility of righting millions of capsized people without a powerful external Saviour. Western culture, originally based on Biblical values, has now degenerated to just the kind of mess that was around Jesus as He was led to the cross. Religious teachers are making up their own rules of morality, and believers are falling at the first hurdles. So you see, it was for us and for this generation that Jesus had to die; as well as for His own. Please don't think that contemporary godlessness prohibits the gospel - that is just where the gospel is needed! And in your workplace too!!
Prayer: Dear Lord. I am so grateful that You are the only effective Saviour, and that I know you as my friend. Please help me to proclaim You as Lord in the darkest places, because that is where the Light is most needed. In Your Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
It seems all wrong. And it is! The King of kings is brought before a kangaroo court. Those who were supposed to teach others about God could not even recognise Him when they saw Him. Peter who promised to be right up in the front row supporting Jesus is firmly in the back row. The one who was hot headed about his ability to endure hostility went cold on his promise, and needed the fire to warm him up.
That is the way that sin affects things. Once the first wrong decision is made, there is a domino cascade of error. Nothing can stand up any more. The trail of warped values and broken trust litters this story. But in the middle of it all is the Lord Jesus who has never changed - since He first created the people who now are seeking to destroy Him. Jesus will eventually be seen as King; His pledge of support is never broken; and He will fulfil every promise. And the fire is reserved for those who refuse to bow to His sovereignty.
In our crazy, topsy-turvy world, where truth is described as bad and evil is celebrated; there is no possibility of righting millions of capsized people without a powerful external Saviour. Western culture, originally based on Biblical values, has now degenerated to just the kind of mess that was around Jesus as He was led to the cross. Religious teachers are making up their own rules of morality, and believers are falling at the first hurdles. So you see, it was for us and for this generation that Jesus had to die; as well as for His own. Please don't think that contemporary godlessness prohibits the gospel - that is just where the gospel is needed! And in your workplace too!!
Prayer: Dear Lord. I am so grateful that You are the only effective Saviour, and that I know you as my friend. Please help me to proclaim You as Lord in the darkest places, because that is where the Light is most needed. In Your 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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