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“Do not stop him, Jesus said, “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.” Mark 9:39

John is rebuked three times in this passage of scripture and it all comes down to the order of authority, one over another.  “Who is the greatest?” Jesus is rewriting cultural norms into Christ’s Follower’s Norms. To be first, means to be last. There has been no social model of this behavior, especially among self-serving and corrupt synagogue leadership.

John’s early thinking assumed only those closest disciples had power to heal and cast out demons because they were chosen and knew Jesus face to face, breath to breath.

Jesus’ words are in the manner of discipline. The world was small and primitive and Jesus is aware His time on earth is ending soon.  He had to model and teach the gravity of love and compassion and John had to learn that Jesus was much bigger than a few moments in time.

It only takes a blink to become so wrapped up in our current crisis that we become the center of the universe.  All roads lead to and away from us.  John had this instant too, but he discovered, it isn’t who has the right to be the body of Christ, it matters that someone is!  Be that someone.

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen

He took a little child who He placed among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever, welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me.” Mark 9:36-37

Jesus is nearing His crucifixion. He now turns from ministering to the masses to explicitly preparing His disciples for the near future.  They had no clue, and at this time the prophecies were not yet connecting to the present. John becomes very concerned with the order of authority among those who believe. He has a mind for business, leadership and organization. Such things are not evidence of his self absorption, but rather, a need to prepare in the only way he knows how, administer people to people their proper places and commence with a plan. Jesus has a better way.

Jesus is a master craftsman of men. We were created in God’s image and when the incarnate Creator came to dwell among us He set to work returning us to His likeness. The least, the marginalized, those with compromised voices, were a priority to Jesus. Mistreat them, He feels it first person. John and the others in Jesus’ presence had to get this right because it is fundamental to understanding the future of Kingdom Building.

It is the life cycle of love. Love the least of all, love Jesus…… Love Jesus, love God…… Love God love all……….

Love,

Gretchen

The Queen of the South will rise at the judgement with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.Matthew 12:42

These are the words of Jesus. He claims a unique relationship to God, but despite His miracles, goodness and love, He is met with suspicion by the very people who should recognize Him. Old Testament prophesy and law point directly to Jesus’ coming, yet these things of order have been upset to quench man’s appetite for power over one another. The pharisees had just accused Jesus of doing the work of Beelzebub. Now they ask for a sign that will validate His claim as to who He is. The only sign that will be given is His resurrection from the dead after three days in the grave.

Jesus contrasts this hard headed, hard hearted generation with The Queen of Sheba, (I Kings 10:1-10 coming from the South Arabian Kingdom of Saba,) who heard of Solomon’s wisdom and splendor and traveled from modern day Yemen seeking truth, bringing gifts and offerings.

Jesus does not act to prove, validate or vindicate Himself.  He IS compassion, grace and mercy. When we seek Him, we find Him just as He IS, the Way, the Truth and the Life.   

Blessings,

Gretchen

“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24

The disciples encountered an evil spirit they could not drive out. A child was plagued by fits that robbed him of self-control and speech. His father brought him to the disciples but nothing changed amidst their actions. It seemed as if all was lost, until…….Jesus showed up.

The boy’s father used the phrase, “If you can.” Jesus did not respond with, “Of course I can, I am the Son of God.” Instead, He taught. It is not just His power, but man’s state of determined faith. The father pled, “Help me overcome my unbelief!” And Jesus did.

Do you ever think all hope is gone? The mess is too deep, the chaos too overwhelming, the inevitable set in stone? Well, you would be wrong. Pray. When you are tired and think God is deaf, He is not. Fast and pray and don’t forget to include your request for a little more faith than you had before. Then get ready for the miracles.

Love,

Gretchen

They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. Mark 9:10

The disciples were returning from the Transfiguration, the testimony that Jesus is the Messiah, the Devine Son of God, but while there they heard “rising from the dead,” and didn’t comprehend its place in their daily walk with Jesus. Actually, they didn’t want to. 

Knowledge of death and the afterlife was very primitive, so it was frightening. The Jews thought that the Messiah would be a ‘real time, living color, political power that would create a world dynasty for them once and for all. These few men had to completely relearn and establish a faith that will see them through the darkest, incomprehensible days imaginable.

In the days and weeks that followed, Jesus began to lovingly prepare and strengthen His disciples as they would become the foundation upon which the Church, the Body of Christ, would bring the Good News of salvation to the world.

Fear is dangerous. Out of anxiety we avoid the uncomfortable and unknown, cheating ourselves of strengthening knowledge and healthy coping processes.  Jesus leads His followers into awareness, strategies and victory. He’s just that kind of Savior.

Don’t let questions halt your triumph.  When you seek wisdom, God is gracious and generous.  You will find what you are looking for.

Love,

Gretchen

Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!” Mark 9:7

Mark’s primary emphasis is the superhuman attributes of Jesus that demonstrate His deity. This is a book of action, rather than narration, written by Mark, as told by Peter, for the church in Rome. Mark was not an apostle, but was converted following the resurrection.

Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain, thought to be Mt. Hermon, and there He was transfigured into His Heavenly radiance. This confirmed the faith of these disciples in the divine nature of Jesus, the Son of God incarnate. They saw a grand testimony from Heaven that Jesus is the Messiah. It was only a short time before Jesus would leave Galilee for the last time. The disciples would need this great assurance to persevere through the troubles ahead.

Moses, the great law giver, and Elijah, the great prophet, joined Jesus and the three disciples. These great men of faith discussed Jesus’ impending martyrdom, but Peter, James, and John struggled to accept what they were coming to learn. The one thing that was established was hope in the faith of things unseen.

Faith and hope go the distance……every time!

Love,

Gretchen

LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2

The nation of Israel has been ravaged and pillaged by Assyria and now the capitol city is under siege. These are terrifying days for the residents of this fortress, the beloved City of David. In the midst of these days of darkness Isaiah remains calm, reassuring the children of Israel that God will take His revenge on the enemy.

God does not desert, He defends. God does not bring plague, He heals. God does not judge with ill intent, He is just, and pardons and forgives.

Those whose faith is in God remain unshaken in times of distress. Where God reigns, all is well.

It is Well With My Soul,

Gretchen

Yet the LORD says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other fermented drink. I did this so that you might know that I am the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 29:5-6

On the eve of entry into the Promised Land the Laws that God has given His covenant nation are being repeated by Moses. These sojourners are also being reminded of God’s love, leadership and provision on their journey from slavery to freedom. When these people cross the river they are home, in a country with geographical boundaries. They will have to live in community with each other and those around them, but most of all, they must choose to worship and commune with God. This repetition of things they’ve seen and heard for forty years is for victory, not failure.

Moses pleads, warns, and encourages the people that have followed him for the last forty years.  A generation has come and gone and this group has lived solely under the guidance of God. Their life of freedom is just getting started, but disobedience will end it quickly.  Peace and well-being rest on the right relationship with God. It is the only prescription of success.

Life under the leadership of the One True God is extraordinary. As Moses’ words tell, you can’t find logic in God’s loving care, but you can depend on it. Follow Him and you find life. Follow other gods and the result is death.

Love,

Gretchen

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. I Corinthians 13:12

This verse is taken from a passage generally considered to be the Love Chapter of the Bible.  Christian love is the model given by Jesus. These words of Paul paint a word picture of the One that loved us so deeply and completely that He died for us. There is only speculation and educated guesses as to what Jesus looked like in physical form, but there is no doubt about His heart.

A mirror is a very important household tool. I know of no one who does not check their outward appearance before they greet the world on the other side of the front door. Then, throughout the day a store window reflects your image as you walk by, the smooth, still waters of a pond have been know to stare back with truthfulness. But a reflection only shows what it can see or comprehend. If you look to the front, you see the front. Man’s perception and comprehension are just as limited as the mirror’s.  But there will come a day when we shall see Jesus completely as He is, face to face, heart to heart. Until then, we have this portrait of perfect love.

God is love. Until we rest fully in the presence of this God of infinite patience, kindness, protection, and hope, we have a faith that’s foundation is built on this reflected image of our Savior. Be His mirror image.

Love,

Gretchen

“If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me-to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

Wrongdoing matters!

The disciples had just experienced the transfiguration. They heard from Heaven, in the presence of Moses and Elijah, that Jesus was the Son of God. In addition, Jesus’ conversation begins to turn toward His impending crucifixion and the aftermath for those who have followed Him. He begins teaching them to live in community and defend Righteousness. His friends do not understand and often misinterpret His words because they define the Creator according to the created rather than the other way around.

The spiritually mature have a tremendous responsibility to those who are growing and learning. It is easy to say, “I don’t take responsibility for your sin.” And rightly so. We all have our own free will and an accounting of our choices. But God will not tolerate careless/selfish behavior from those that know better. Our example should strengthen and enlighten, not cast questions and darkness. Defend what is right in word and deed.

Hurt a child, it won’t go well.  Hurt a fellow believer, it won’t go well.  Hurt an unbeliever, I don’t want to go there. Love one another because we are all called to have the heart of a child; trusting, joyous, and faithful.

Love,

Gretchen