My computer background screen refreshes daily with scenic pictures from around the world. A couple of days ago the Gateway Arch, also known as the Gateway to the West, was displayed on the screen. It is in St. Louis, Missouri at the Gateway Arch National Park. It was built to commemorate President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation by exploring and settling territory west of the Mississippi River. The 630-foot-tall monument is located near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark expedition, their gateway to the west.
Jesus speaks of another gateway that explores new territory, and when found leads to eternal life. The early pioneers and explorers in American history were brave, energetic, and unwavering in their pursuit of establishing a life in the west. The same cannot be said for those looking for eternal life. Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Mt.7:13 nlt)
The gateway to hell is wide and there are scores of people going through it and are on the road to destruction. They are seeking the pleasures of this world by securing a comfortable lifestyle in this life with no concern for eternity. Jesus said, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Mt.7:14 nlt) Very few find it because of its difficulty; the difficulty of admitting you a sinner and need salvation, the difficulty of accepting Jesus as the only way to salvation, the difficulty of giving up worldly desires, and the difficulty of being shunned by your friends and family.
The gateway to life is very narrow. Jesus said He is the only way to the Father and to eternal life. (Jn.14:6) And yes, the road is difficult for Christians in this world, but they have the Holy Spirit to help them through. Jesus is the gateway to eternal life. Why not start your expedition to saving grace today by going through that narrow gate by accepting Christ as your savior. It leads to the promised land.
“Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us……You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” Ephesians 2:18-19 NLT
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God has implanted in each of us whom he created a desire to belong. Nobody really wants to be alone, although at times it is a pleasant escape. A sense of not belonging is unhealthy both physically and emotionally. God did not create you to be alone and He has created others with that same need, so no one needs to be alone. God also desires a relationship with you ensuring that you never need to be alone.
Our number one and most important relationship is to be with God, the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But on this earth, it is essential we have relationships with other human beings. It’s only natural. Human relationships form from a commonality between people and people groups, and that is only natural but can also be very unhealthy over time. God has provided a safety net for those with a longing to belong but find themselves on the outside looking in, it’s Christ’s International Church.
The apostle Paul explained to the church in Ephesus that the Jews and Gentiles were now one in God by what Christ has done for them. “You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” (Eph.2:19 nlt) The Gentiles make up anyone who is not of Jewish descent. Therefore, all people, and all people groups are welcomed into God’s family. Everyone who has repented of their sins and accepted Christ as the only way of salvation is a member of Christ’s International Church. If you have done so you now belong, now go and find a church and join with others where you belong.
“Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.” Mark 3:27 NLT
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In last Sunday’s Biblical Insights Jesus was becoming a notable popular figure. People were coming from all over Israel and some from outside the nation to hear Jesus teach and witness His healing miracles. Many of them came to be healed themselves from whatever affliction they had. This week the teachers of the Law in Jerusalem, the hierarchy of the religious rulers, have begun to take notice as news about Jesus filtered down to them. They make the trip to Capernaum to defy Jesus. These religious rulers accuse Jesus of being in league with Satan stating it was by Satan’s power He was performing these miracles. Jesus uses a simple illustration to prove them wrong.
But first things first. Our reading this week begins with Jesus choosing the rest of His twelve disciples. “Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him.” (Mk.3:13 nlt) Jesus’ choosing of all twelve was according to His sovereign determined purpose, including Judas Iscariot. These disciples minus Judas would go on to set the foundation of the Christian church.
The crowds were continuing to follow Jesus who is now with His disciples. “One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat.” (Mk.3:20 nlt) Most likely this was Peter’s and Andrew’s home where they often met. The news of Jesus’ activities apparently was heard in Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. Jesus’ family had come to Capernaum to get Jesus away from the crowds for some rest. Evidently, they were concerned for His wellbeing. They had thought He had lost His mind. Unfortunately, this showed an attitude of unbelief from those who knew Him best. New Christians today who come to faith in Christ at times come across as crazy, or not in their right mind by those closest to them.
The religious leaders from Jerusalem having arrived try to reason with the crowd telling them, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.” (Mk.3:22 nlt) Jesus now uses His illustration to disprove the Jewish leader’s theory. Basically, Jesus is saying if He was working for Satan, why would he be casting out Satan’s demons. Besides, He asked them, “How can Satan cast out Satan? A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.” (Mk.3:23-24 nlt) Jesus added Satan would be fighting with himself and could not stand.
Jesus then clears up any misunderstanding there may be in His illustration. He refers to Satan as a strong man in his house (his domain). Jesus asks who is strong enough to enter Satan’s domain to tie him up and plunder his goods. There is only one who is stronger, Jesus, and He has come to do just that. Jesus was declaring the kingdom of God has arrived, and He is plundering Satan and releasing those who are under his control. Jesus is not in league with Satan but in combat with him.
When the religious leaders attributed Jesus’ miracles to Satan and that He was possessed by an evil spirit they were blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Jesus had something to say about that. “I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.” (Mk.3:28-29 nlt) That may sound confusing, after all doesn’t God forgive all sin when confessed? Yes, He does. So, what’s the difference? What Jesus is saying is when one equates spiritual good (the Holy Spirit) with spiritual evil (Satan) it hardens the heart to the point of making repentance and forgiveness impossible. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “The essence of the eternal sin is the attitude of heart that underlies the act. This is a fixed, unrepentant state of mind that persist in defiant rejection of the Holy Spirit.” (1)
Chapter 3 closes with the changes in human relationships in the kingdom of God. Jesus’ mother and brothers who came to see Him sent word to Him inside requesting to come out and talk with them. Jesus responded, ‘“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ Then he looked at those around him and said, ‘Look, these are my mother and brothers.” (Mk.3:33-34 nlt) Jesus was not showing disrespect for His mother or brothers but was teaching us a very important truth about God’s kingdom. Those who know the Lord and are obedient to His will is God’s family. The relationship we have with Christ in the family of God is more important than our human family relationships. Jesus came to set us free from the power of Satan and provide us with eternal life for all who accept Him as their savior, and we are then placed in God’s family. That’s the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(1) Pfeiffer, Charles F., Harrison, Everett F. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1990. Pg 995
A review of the Merriam-Websters ‘word of the year’ will give us an accurate description of the mood of people across the world, and mainly here in America. The 2024 Word of the Year was ‘polarization-division in two sharply distant opposites.’ In 2023 the word was, ‘authentic-not false or imitation.’ 2022 gave us the word ‘gaslighting-the act or practice of grossly misleading someone.’ There is a distinct pattern continuing to develop that reveals the mistrust between individuals, groups of individuals, corporations, and mostly the government.
This mistrust is nothing new. It is as old as the Jews mistrusting the Egyptian Pharaoh in the Old Testament. In the United States over the last twenty years each new administration has promised to be transparent with the people in government affairs. As the saying goes, “how did that work out for you?” The word ‘transparency’ was the Word of the Year in 2003, the beginning of the war with Iraq. That administration was accused of not being transparent with the American people as well as other countries taking it on the chin from their citizens. A lot of scrutiny is being placed on the current administration to see if they hold up to their promise of being transparent with the many policy changes that are occurring at a record pace. Only time will tell as we are being told, “we’ll see.”
The main definition of ‘transparent’ is, ‘having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly.’ Transparency is being sheer as fine textiles capable of seeing through. There were mostly self-interest reasons why previous administrations failed to be transparent. It would have exposed what they wanted to remain hidden, causing great embarrassment, loss of power, and possible charges of corruption.
For a person, a business model, or a government to be transparent the darkness around them must be dispelled to allow the light of truth to prevail. The best way to dispel darkness, in fact the only way, is to let the light of Jesus Christ into one’s life. You may say corporations and governments are not people, no they are not, but they are run by people who need the light of Christ. Jesus said, “All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (Jn.3:20-21 nlt) The only hope for true transparency is for the light of Christ to change darken minds into a sheer conduit exposing everything that is done is right due to many lives dedicated to Christ and His will.
It’s good to assess where we have been as we continue going forward in life. This is particularly true for the Christian who now has a renewed life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2Cor.5:17 esv) We thank the Lord that He has given us a new nature in Christ, a renewed mind, and a place in heaven. But we still carry with us the old nature while we walk on this earth.
The Puritan writers realized this and embraced it as a reminder of where they had been, and what is the true character of their nature. ‘Keep me mindful of my natural state.’ We do not need to worry about our old sin nature showing up reminding us of where we have been, it’s automatic. And I’m sure, the Puritans experienced the same thing, but they strived to keep it from happening by remembering where they had been. They knew it took only a thought in the wrong direction to land them back in that sin pile that caused their saviors death.
Although they wanted to be reminded of their natural state, they did not want to forget who they really were in Christ. They wanted to remember their heavenly title, where they were going, and the grace and forgiveness that is bestowed on them while on earth in the flesh.
The Puritans had a way of keeping it real. They were aware of their sin, and desired to be reminded of it to keep it at bay. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for us to do the same in our day. Being constantly aware of our sin nature will help us in our walk with Christ going forward, and when we do sin may we remember that God forgets and will remember our sins no more.
(1) Bennett, Arthur The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press Inc. 2023. Pg. 74
I’ve heard it said, and it is true, that those desiring to read through the Bible never make it past the book of Leviticus. It is understandable seeing that the specific sacrifices made do not apply today. The religious ceremonies and offerings required by God do not apply either. The slaughtering of animals for the sacrifices is also a turnoff for some people. But there is much we can learn about the holiness of God in Leviticus, and maybe a thing or two about ourselves.
A sacrifice had to be made in the event of a sin even if one sinned unintentionally. The Lord required an animal sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. “When they become aware of their sin, they must bring as an offering for their sin a female goat with no defects. They must lay a hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place where burnt offerings are slaughtered.” (Lev.4:28-29 nlt) You may have heard the saying ‘our sin affects more people than just ourselves.’ The sinful actions we engage in have a ripple effect hurting people around us. Sin has its consequences.
The effects of sin by the people in Old Testament Israel caused the death of a blemish free animal. What was striking to me as I read our passage was that the one bringing the animal for sacrifice had to put their hand on the head of the one about to die and have their blood poured out on the altar. Because of their sin, that blameless animal was about to die. This should resonate with each one of us when we think of our own sin. Our Lord Jesus shed His blood on the cross at Calvary to satisfy the Father’s required payment for sin. Our hands were on Him as He was in our place about to sacrifice His life for our sin.
“Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him.” Mark 3:7- 8 NLT
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Famous people usually draw a crowd when out in public just by showing up at an event or enjoying dinner out. People crowd around them to say a word, or hope for a longer conversation, or are just looking for an autograph. Imagine if that person, in addition to filling your excitable emotions, could heal you physically of any disease or sickness you had. You would actively seek that person and not wait for a chance meeting. Jesus was such a famous person as he started His earthly ministry as we have been studying in the book of Mark.
Large crowds were beginning to follow Jesus as the news about His miracles of healing began spreading all throughout the region and beyond. People were traveling considerable distances from outside Palestine to find Jesus. He was becoming quite popular and there was much excitement building around Him.
We read today in the first six verses of Mark chapter 3 of another healing performed this time in the synagogue in Capernaum that helped boost Jesus’ fame. This miracle took place on the Sabbath day which boosted the Pharisees disproval of Jesus to the point they were now plotting His death. As Jesus entered the synagogue there was a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees were watching with intent for what Jesus would do. The verb that is used indicates they were observing maliciously waiting to trap Him. The Pharisees were looking for an opportunity to accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath by healing the man. Rabbinic teaching did not allow the practice of medicine on the Sabbath unless the individual was close to death. This man with the deformed hand clearly was not, so the Pharisees watched closely.
Jesus asked the Pharisees, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” (Mk.3:4 nlt) The Pharisees had failed to see the true nature of the Sabbath was to do good. Not healing this man would be breaking the spirit of the Sabbath and would be a sin. The Pharisees did not answer Jesus. By remaining silent they were implying their views on the Sabbath were wrong. They were convinced Jesus could heal the man, yet when He does, they are ready to accuse Him and seek His death. It’s ironic Jesus asked them, ‘Is it a day to save life or to destroy it?’ No wonder they didn’t answer, Jesus was going to save life, and the Pharisees were plotting to destroy His.
Jesus displayed His righteous anger as the Holy One of God and was grieved at their hardness of heart. The Pharisees hearts were growing hard by their pride, and by the prospect of losing their power and positions. Their lifestyle was more important to them than accepting Jesus the Messiah had come. How many people have we in the world today who also love their lifestyle to the point that any mention of Christ hardens their hearts. The Pharisees in Jesus’ day were throwing away the truth of Christ for their own lies.
“Then he said to the man, ‘Hold out your hand.’ So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!” (Mk.3:5 nlt) Jesus performed another miracle of healing increasing His popularity with the people and infuriating the so-called religious Pharisees who wasted no time in gathering support to destroy Jesus. The Pharisees met with the Herodians, a secular political party who supported the Roman government, but opposed the Pharisees. The Herodians also wanted to see the end of Jesus. They feared their political power would be in jeopardy if the region became unstable due to Jesus’ presence. The Herodians and Pharisees had a common enemy for different reasons, but their concern for themselves united them. Our world is no different today. We have so-called religious people where Jesus gets in the way of their programs, and secular political parties where the name of Jesus becomes a distraction. Both avoid any contact with the Christ of Scripture.
No matter the efforts to suppress Jesus in our modern society, His popularity and the excitement He builds cannot be restrained. Large crowds still follow Him today, and they are growing. Just as in Jesus’ day, “They came from all over Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him.” (Mk.3:7-8 nlt) Jesus is not on earth physically with crowds of people ascending on Him just to touch Him that He needed to seek refuge in a boat. But Jesus’ popularity and the excitement He brings is only natural as He is the only hope in this world, and the only hope for our afterlife. He still heals and saves those who come to Him for salvation. Jesus offers us the ultimate healing from the sin of death to eternal life. That’s worth seeking Him.
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.’” Matthew 28:18-19 NLT
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Do you own a ‘red-letter edition’ of the Bible? I have had several over the years. The red letters, of course, are the words spoken by Jesus. It is an excellent edition especially for a new Christian and those seeking to know more about the sayings of Christ, for Jesus’ words are easy to find. A bit of caution though to be aware of when reading a red-letter edition. There is a tendency to put more emphasis on Jesus’ words as being more important than the rest of Scripture. They are not. All Scripture is God’s Holy Word and equally important. What Jesus had to say is very important and should be lived out by every Christian. There is no greater example of living a godly lifestyle than the Lord Jesus. We should heed the words He spoke, all His words, and live accordingly.
Throughout the four gospels Jesus tells us in His teaching why He came to earth. He came to redeem us and restore our broken relationship with God the Father due to our sin. Jesus proved He was God the Son by the miracles He perform, and His love and compassion He had for all. He lived a perfect sinless life and was the only one worthy to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus taught His followers, including us, how we should live and care for others. Christians today are to be the hands and feet of Jesus in all He taught us by His words, His example, and His parting words which are His instructions for us to follow while He is away.
Sadly, I’m afraid there are many Christians and churches who are weighing the importance of Jesus’ words against the rest of Scripture even within the red letters themselves. For example, Jesus taught us how to treat others, how to care for poor and the sick, how to look out for widows and orphans, and visit those in prison, along with loving the Lord our God with all our heart and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus taught us many other things in Scripture, but those mentioned above seem to have priority over everything else Jesus said including, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nblt) and His final instructions, His parting words as he ascended to heaven.
All of Jesus’ words have equal importance and it is not up to us to pick and choose, especially when we ignore the gospel message of salvation. Jesus told us to, ‘go and make disciples of all the nations.’ We are to preach the good news of saving grace and explain why Jesus came. He came to provide our greatest need, forgiveness of our sins and to save us from eternal separation from the Father.
And yes, taking care of social needs in Jesus’ name is also the work of Christians and the church. We should be quick to do this work and never neglect it. It only stands to reason if Jesus instructed us to care for the temporal needs of people on earth, He cares just as much for the more pressing need of saving their eternal souls. That is why Jesus gave us those parting words. Let’s do both!
“Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the LORD’s presence all night.” Exodus 27:20-21 NLT
When the children of Israel set out for the Promised Land under Moses’ leadership, the Lord God gave instructions in the building and maintaining the Tabernacle of God. (Ex.25-27) One of the articles inside the Holy place of the Tabernacle was the golden lampstand. It was crafted resembling an almond tree in bloom. The lampstand gave light for the priests serving in the Tabernacle, and it was to be lit at twilight and never to go out until morning.
The Lord commanded that there be a sufficient supply of olive oil on hand to keep it burning continuously. Care was taken to ensure that the olives used in providing the oil were beaten rather than crushed, for it would produce a finer quality of clearer fuel burning brighter and with less smoke. This command to provide olive oil was given to the people to ensure that the priests would be able to keep the lamps burning.
Dark storm clouds and shadows of discouragement that fill our life dim the light around us. Soon we find ourselves fumbling in the dark and losing our way. But there is no need for Christians to succumb to the darkness when we have the light. Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (Jn.8:12 nlt) The light in the Tabernacle symbolized the life-giving and light-giving power of God. It also typified our Lord Jesus who is the true light who came into the world to save us. Those of us who know Him as savior have the light, the lamp of God that burns continually. So, no need to walk around in the dark.
The results of NFL’s ‘Super Bowl 59’ are in as the game was played last evening in New Orleans, Louisiana. As I write this, the game is a day away. I anticipate there will be many joyous celebrations from fans of the winning team, and not so joyous on the other side. Locally I reside 60 miles from Philadelphia and this morning there is either joy or sadness in the Philly area. In fact, there will be joy or sadness across the sporting world due to the outcome. Did Kansas City set a record with their 3rd in a row? Either way, whatever the result, don’t let it take away your joy.
David writes in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (nlt) David says there is fullness of joy, or complete joy, in God’s presence. He is not referring to happy moments as when your favorite team wins the Super Bowl. David is referring to a lasting joy that overcomes any disappointment, sadness, or sorrow that comes our way in life. Our joy in God is not based on external circumstances, but on His internal presence in our lives with His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
To secure that internal joy that will never fade away receive Christ as your personal savior if you have never done so. If you’re a child of God but your joy is missing a beat, perhaps there is something in your life that needs to be corrected. Make it right with God and restore your joy, win or lose.
Word for the Soul 