THOUGHTS ON MARK 11
Looking through this chapter brings to fore the topic for one of our training Sundays: “Achieving results- the power of focus”.
Most of us, whether consciously or unconsciously want to achieve results in whatever we do. At the beginning of the year, we had a Bible study on goal setting. Whatever Results one hopes to get on any venture depends largely on not just setting the goals, but the preparation and planning that goes with this.
This is what the Lord exemplified in this passage with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem
“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it.”
Jesus carefully and deliberately sent His disciples to make arrangements for His arrival into the city. Since the time was short before His crucifixion, He left nothing to chance.
Jesus knew what was ahead of him in Jerusalem and had on different occasions told his disciples what he would suffer. So despite their attempt at discouraging him from this mission, He remained “focused” This is highlighted in John 11 when on hearing Lazarus death, Jesus chose to come to Bethany(very close to Jerusalem)to wake lazarus from the dead. We know that soon after this, the plot by the Jews to kill Jesus grew stronger and going to Jerusalem was as it were to the disciples, a suicide mission.
Verses 5 and 6 show that all negotiations on the colt was concluded before the disciples were sent to bring it. The subsequent narratives of events that followed His arrival leaves no one in doubt that His primary goal for entry was achieved.
For this and more, pls dont miss church on service days, as we learn all that God has in store for us.
THOUGHTS ON MARK 12
Mark 12 raises a lot of issues that the present church is grappling with.
I would like us to consider the parable CHRIST gave here. It is a classic example of how men do not like being held accountable, even in gifts the LORD has lavished so abundantly on us.Vs1-8, 38- 40.
JESUS stresses a lot on the responsibility of pastors over the sheep.
The certain man in the parable here is GOD who gave unto the care of the husbandmen (pastors), a thriving vineyard ( Souls of men & all that is needed to nurture them to grow and bring forth abundant fruits). Instead, the pastors are only concerned to use the vineyard to meet their own selfish reasons and vain glory. Vs38 – 40.
Note that this parable was given in response to the church leaders questioning the authority CHRIST had to challenge their lifestyle in the previous chapter.
And CHRIST was actually telling them that any matter that is being addressed in church that does not point men to salvation and the walk of righteousness is ” buying and selling”. Nowadays, the church has become ” what is in this for me? People go to receive ” miracle jobs, spouses, babies, finances for themselves and their families only. A very strong personal selfish mindset that has gripped the present church. The only business of the church is the salvation of men and bringing them to fruition in order that they too will bring forth fruits. And it is the duty of the pastors to turn the mindset of the people in that direction.
Check out mist programs that churches are reeling out nowadays. They appear ” trendy, exciting, good that make us feel separate in a distinct class from the other churches” but if the value it adds to men is not repentance from sin into salvation, it is buying and selling & turning the eyes of men from GOD, unto the pastor.
Any questioning as to why we hype these programs at the expense of the souls of men always meet with stiff resistance and may even be termed as Anti- church spirit. The church leaders did not see anything wrong in their mode of service. Instead, they felt JESUS was just being a nuisance & looking for faults where there were none.
We are quick to fault the churchleaders in this parable for jumping on the servants and the son of the owner of the vineyard and wounding and even killing them. But is the church of GOD by anyway doing same?
May the HOLY SPIRIT remove every veil over our eyes that our eyes of understanding be enlightened to know our true state as far as that parable is concerned and take corrective steps.
THOUGHTS FROM MARK CHAPTER 13
34. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 37. Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. 38. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
1. This chapter will stop us at our track and make us listen deeply to what JESUS is saying. It is not something we pay a cursory attention to. It is a chapter we must consider seriously whether we are ready to run this race or not.
2. JESUS tried to draw attention of the disciples that our faith is not validated by the physical ambiance of the church but by our resilience in the face of the spiritual warfare that the church would face at his physical departure from the earth. Not just from outside but also from within the church. JESUS did not mince words to tell just how terrible it was going to be. How true! As we now see a little of these prophecies being manifested in our times. Is it earthquakes, wars, famine, false prophets, internal church leadership tussle, people getting carried away by awesome signs and wonders which are demonic, watering down of Christian doctrine, introduction of new doctrines, religious intolerance, political upheavals, etc.?
3. HE made it clear that the testimony of our faith is not by how beautiful our churches or our own vain glory, or signs and wonders, but more on contending earnestly for what we believe in and allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to guide us when these times do finally come.
4. From what JESUS is saying here, we can’t pray away these perilous times. Suffering for our faith is like a must if we really must be Christians indeed. Are we willing to suffer for our faith? Do we even know what our faith is comprised of? Tough times definitely lie ahead. And the only way out is to be vigilant. The devil will use all sorts of tricks to discourage us but we have been forewarned.
5. JESUS is coming back. HE has given authority to his ministers and assignment to every believer. These are the things HE will demand from us at HIS return, these are the things we should endeavor to accomplish, not to focus more on the beauty of the physical church and self accomplishments. Let us not loose focus and loose hope in the midst of fiery trials as HE has forewarned.
6. And finally, we see JESUS repeat over and over again that in view of all these, we should be vigilant and watch and pray. Early this year, Pastor Tunde reiterated that if there is a time that requires all kinds of prayers, it is now. This calls for serious sober reflection. Are we going to take this warning serious?
