Interruptions are Messy
ReRead: Mark 2:6-9
Friday 3/6/15 Day 15
Ponder: Have you ever sat back and listened to the way people talk sometimes. Some folks are timid to share things; others way to harsh. Some folks are good listeners; others just want to talk. Well, our lesson picks up with some folks who feel they are always right with how they say things, and what they say is the only Truth because they interpret for God. If you doubt this summation, read the passage again.
Practice: The religious scribes were interpreters and teachers of the law who focused on the details rather than the Spirit of God who is Love. Jesus always seemed to get on the wrong side of these folks with how he said things. In fact, when Jesus told the paralytic his sins were forgiven the scribes interpreted that act as sacrilegist against God. Jesus, who is the love of God in human form, knew their hearts so he presented a new argument for them to interpret by asking, “Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,‘ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk?”’ In this way Jesus was demonstrating the truth that people are way more important to God than rules and details, AND because Jesus is God he has the authority to forgive sins.
Prayer: Dear God, please forgive my sins against your love. Help me to walk in your righteousness and not force my unrighteousness upon someone else. You alone are Truth; you alone see my heart. I need forgiveness everyday. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mission: Think about the tone of your voice when you talk to others. Are you bossy, rude, or condescending? That is not Jesus in you; that’s your flesh trying to gain power over another person. Please stop. Give people Jesus today.