Devotionals

Interruptions are Messy

ReRead:   Mark 2:5

Thursday 3/5/15   Day 14

Ponder:  Several years ago John and I remodeled our old kitchen.  It was incredibly messy.  Dust, dirt, and debris was everywhere for months on end.  For awhile, we even had a dirt floor.  Think about the mess these men made in the house when they dug through the mud and straw thatched roof to get this man to Jesus.  The debris had to fall on the heads of others; perhaps they just moved to the side outside the realm of this falling mess. Bottom line, we understand this was not only an interruption but a messy one.

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Interruptions are Messy

ReRead:  Mark 2:3-4

Wednesday 3/4/15   Day 13  

Ponder:  Four friends are making a plan for this paralyzed man to have an audience with Jesus.  They go to extremes to intercede for him. There are no doorbells or cell phones to gain attention.  Yelling over the crowd would not be an option. The doorway is blocked, so obviously with all the hindrances in place someone suggests they dig a hole through the roof and lower the man down beside Jesus. Seriously? It’s messy! God pays attention to this faith; it’s extraordinary and driven.  Note, it is not the faith of the paralytic that moves God’s compassion, it is the faith of this man’s friends who are determined that hearing the words “no room near Jesus” is not acceptable.  

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Interruptions are Messy 

Read:  Mark 2:1-12 

Tuesday 3/3/15   Day 12   

Ponder:  Jesus has gained popularity and has returned home.  Many people have come to hear his teaching; perhaps out of curiosity. These are the folks who knew Jesus before his public ministry. In the middle of his teaching, Jesus faces a  totally unexpected and messy interruption.  What do you do when everywhere you look there is something or someone wanting your attention? The word “overwhelmed” comes to mind.  This Scripture uses the phrase, “and the ceiling opened up.” (smile)

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Living with Interruptions

ReRead: Mark 10:52

Monday 3/2/15   Day 11 

Ponder: All of Bartimaeus’ life was marked with interruptions of hardship and suffering. This blind beggar now has an encounter with the Living Grace of God, Jesus. Bartimaeus cries  out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” In other words, “Messiah, save me.” Jesus replies, “What do you want me to do for you?” Batimaeus answers, “Rabbi, I want to see.” In other Words, “Teacher, I need revelation or truth.” Jesus tells the beggar, “Your faith has saved you.” Immediately, he received his sight. With abounding gratitude, Bartimaeus follows Jesus down the road.

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Living with Interruptions

ReRead:   Mark 10:49-51

Saturday 2/28/15   Day 10

Ponder:  An encouraging word can mean so much; it is sometimes a refreshing surprise for our weary souls.   We need reassurance that we are loved.

At first, people are under the impression that Jesus does not have time for Bartimaeus, but then Jesus calls to him.  Bartimaeus throws off his coat and he springs forward.  The blind man runs right to the feet of Jesus the minute he calls.  Jesus asks, “How can I help you?”  Perhaps another way to translate the question is, “How may I redirect you toward love?”  

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Living with Interruptions

ReRead:   Mark 10:48-49

Friday 2/27/15   Day 9

Ponder: Are you aware when Jesus is standing still because someone else has called for kindness?

Jesus is leaving Jericho. I am sure his disciples are trying to protect him and his time.  Certainly, he doesn’t need to deal with another problem or needy person, right? If we are listening to the Word, we know this mindset is wrong. We read in our passage when Bartimaeus boldy cries out in faith, Jesus stands still.   Picture that; Jesus hears him and stands still.  What does that mean?

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Living with Interruptions

ReRead:   Mark 10:47-48

Thursday 2/26/15   Day 8

Ponder:  If Jesus was to pass by us would we be driven to call out to him?  Would we abandon what others thought and grab ahold of Christ’s attention by asking for mercy?  Is that what we would ask Jesus to extend or do for us?

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Living with Interruptions

Read:  Mark 10:46-52

Wednesday 2/25/15   Day 7  

Ponder:  Our culture seems to be defined by interrupting communications. We can experience constant phone calls, text messages, and emails.  It is not unusual to be interrupted by all of these things as you are trying to get out the door to an appointment.  Can you relate to having interruptions when you have someplace else to be?  How do you respond to the demands for your time?

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Interruptions as Opportunity 

ReRead:  Mark 5:34 

Tuesday 2/24/15   Day 6   

Ponder:  The very day this desperate woman reaches out to touch Jesus she is healed. Her life is forever changed in that moment. Joy permeates her being; truth flows from her lips.  However, I’m also very sure, even in the midst of this joy, she remembers how she felt for the past twelve years.  She remembers how she was treated by others and how she was shamed. She will not forget where she has been.  This healing did not erase the pain she had felt, nor the rejection she had experienced; it did change the way she looked at God, herself, and others.  She received a new glimpse of love.

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Interruptions as Opportunity

Monday 2/23/15   Day 5 

ReRead: Mark 5:30-33 

Ponder:  Please notice that both the woman and Jesus is aware of the healing.  Jesus is actually on his way to touch Jairus’ daughter when he is interrupted.  This woman falls at the feet of Jesus (just like Jairus) and tells him what she has done; she touched him. Jesus gives this broken and hurting woman and opportunity to be real with him; to tell him the truth.

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