Don't Be Afraid, Just Believe

I am continually amazed at the ways in which Mark's picture of Jesus speaks to my heart.  Who would have thought that the most dangerous place to be in 1st Century Palestine was Jesus' hometown of Nazareth?  At least, it was dangerous in terms of faith development. 

Sure the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem made it challenging to put one's faith in Jesus.  But, I get the sense that people kind of enjoyed "stickin' it to the man" and Jesus gave them plenty of ammunition when it came to disregarding the petty rules and senseless legalism of the religious leaders. 

But in Nazareth, it wasn't just a challenge to put one's faith in Jesus, it was downright impossible!  How could one stand up against the people who had known Jesus from infancy?  They'd watched him grow up.  Jesus had played in their streets.  His mother, brothers and sisters were all still living there.  If you think it's hard to go back to your hometown and have people respect you as an adult . . . . perhaps you can understand why it was so difficult for those living in Nazareth to develop faith in Jesus as the Lord of the universe and Savior of the world. 

The most challenging part of this for me is realizing that the most difficult place for one to develop faith today may very well be the place where Jesus is best known -- the church!  After the sermon I was speaking to one of our long term members about how much easier it is for new Christians to "just believe" than it is for us seasoned members.  Do these new Christians grow bolder in their attitudes and actions because of their association with us; or do they tend adopt our ways of doing church and just kind of blend in? 

Perhaps the best thing all of us "veteran" Christians could do is take a giant step backward away from all our "knowledge" and begin the journey again.  Stop listening to all those voices defining and refining the faith; putting limits on the power of God.  Listen to the voice of Jesus and he will tell you, "don't be afraid, just believe" (Mark 5:36). 

Managing the Unmanagable

"I'm just doing the best I can!"  This can be a commendable statement made by one who is truly making the best of a bad situation.  On the other hand, it could indicate the fear that keeps one in a bad situation.  No matter how horrible life becomes it is often not as frightening as the unknown.  One of the problems faced by contemporary Christians is the "tame" Jesus; the smiling, happy, good buddy Jesus. 

Perhaps it's reflected in a t-shirt I saw not long ago that read, "Jesus is my Homeboy".  Now, I don't want to judge anyone wearing the shirt as I appreciate those who are unashamed of their faith.  But the townspeople of the land of the Gerasanes did not beg Jesus to leave their region because Jesus was too cool for them.  They begged him to leave because he had just demonstrated his unbelievable power over an army of demonic forces.   They were scared of him because a man with that much authority and power could not be controlled.  He would do whatever he wanted to do.

By" taming"  Jesus we have unintentionally turned him into our buddy instead of our Lord.  We expect Jesus to do what we want him to instead of giving him the obedient allegiance he deserves.  We wonder why we don't walk more in victory over sin and instead have to just "do the best we can" trying to manage it.  The man formerly known as Legion could tell you.    

"I've got a plan Jesus," he said.  "Let me become one of your followers."  It was a really great plan and I'm sure the man thought it was a great idea for him to leave his old life behind and go with Jesus everywhere.  He could give testimonies and listen to Jesus teach.  He could grow in his faith and be trained to do wonderful service in the future.  Jesus said, "I'm not going to do your plan.  Here is my plan.  Go back to your family and friends and  tell them what the Lord has done for you."  The man didn't argue.  He didn't continue to beg Jesus to follow the plan he had offered.  He just did what Jesus said. 

How different our lives would be if we just did what Jesus said.  We did what he tells us to do with our money, our relationships, our priorities, our principles, our . . . well, our everything.  Stop trying to manage your unmanageable life and give Jesus control.

Master the Tempest is Raging

Someone asked me last week if I got my sermons from the internet.  That question could be interpreted a number of different ways, both positive and negative.  However, I think the question was asked, not about the quality (or lack thereof) of the sermons, but so that the person could do some further research on something of interest.

For those who are now wondering, I do in fact, write all of my sermons.  However, I have found a number of resources helpful. Morna Hooker's small book is very insightful and has illuminated a number of texts. One of the newest additions to my library is Kelber's work, Mark's Story of Jesus.  Both of these books are less than 100 pages and well worth reading. For those who would prefer a verse by verse commentary I have found Mark Black's addition to the College Press Commentary series to be useful.

Of course, nothing should ever be substituted for reading the Gospel yourself, often and in a variety of translations.  As you consider comments by various authors and preachers you will quickly discover that they do not agree with each about many details of Mark's Gospel, or perhaps even the point of the book itself!  That is why all reading and listening should be done critically.  Well-studied students can enlighten you, but in the final analysis you must let Mark tell you who Jesus is.