Thursday Morning: 25 Apr 2019 – Mark 2:18-28 ~ Lord over faith and practice

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 2:18-28 (NLT)

A Discussion about Fasting

Once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples and the Pharisees do?”

Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

“Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.”

A Discussion about the Sabbath

One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?”

Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.”

Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus is Lord over faith and practice.

In today’s reading, two points of contention arise between Jesus and the religious leaders – the practice of fasting. and legalism surrounding the keeping of Sabbath. And Jesus declares that he is Lord over both of them.

+ Fasting: Jesus uses parables to illustrate that 1. the timing was wrong (bridegroom), and 2. a new age had begun (new patches and new wine.) It wasn’t that Jesus was opposed to fasting per se; rather that traditional practices needed to be reexamined in light of the dawning of a new Messianic age.

+ Sabbath: Jesus reverses the legalistic view of Sabbath keeping, declaring that it’s purpose is to meet our human needs for rest and refreshment, not to meet the myriad of rules and regulations that had arisen around the Sabbath.

“So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” – Mark 2:28

Questions for consideration:

Can you think of instances when fasting would be appropriate? Please explain.
Have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes? How did it work out? Please explain.
What are some of your traditions for Sabbath keeping? Please explain.
Can you think of instances where responding to human needs would prompt you to set aside some of your traditions for Sabbath Keeping? Please explain.
Can you think of other areas of your traditional religious practices that need to be reexamined in light of the Lordship of Christ? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for churches to rise up:

Lord Jesus: Awaken your church to the critical needs of believers around the world who are suffering calamity and great persecution. Grant that we would be faithful in prayer, and generous in our giving for physical support. Rally your church around those who are suffering for your name’s sake. And empower us by your Spirit to engage our political leaders, especially here in America, in order to remind them that Christian persecution is a real issue that must be addressed in our time. I ask this in your name, and for the Father’s glory. Amen.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Remind me once again that you are Lord over all aspects of faith and practice. Keep me faithful to your Word in spirit as well as truth, putting the needs of others before my own. And give me the wisdom to understand that obedience to your commands leads to a full, satisfying life now and forever. I ask this in your name. Amen.
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“Build My Life” – Housefires

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Wednesday Morning: 24 Apr 2019 – Mark 2:1-17 ~ the authority to forgive sins

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 2:1-17 (NLT)

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, “What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”

Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”

Jesus Calls Levi (Matthew)

Then Jesus went out to the lakeshore again and taught the crowds that were coming to him. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him.

Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.) But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
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Morning Reflection:

Friends bring friends to Jesus

Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man,
“My child, your sins are forgiven.” – Mark 2:5

In today’s reading, the point of contention is Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, and his association with sinners in order to accomplish that very purpose. In both stories, friends bring friends to Jesus.

A few things stand out:

+ The Friends: They were genuinely concerned about their paralyzed comrade and took extraordinary steps to take him to Jesus. They acted boldly out of compassion and faith.

+ The Paralytic: He too acted in faith in response to Jesus’ command – “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home.” He did all three and amazed everyone.

+ Jesus: He demonstrated his Kingdom authority as the “Son of Man” to forgive sin through an act of physical healing. Only God can heal and forgive sin. Jesus chose to do what his onlookers considered harder, in order to show that He could also do what they considered easier.

+ Matthew: He too wanted his friends – sinners who were considered social outcasts – to meet Jesus. And Jesus’ acceptance of the dinner invitation was an offer of peace, trust, friendship and forgiveness. Jesus was simply fulfilling his mission.

Jesus told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.
I have come to call not those who think they are righteous,
but those who know they are sinners.” – Mark 2:17

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever had a friend bring you to Jesus for healing or forgiveness? What were the circumstances? Please explain.
Do you have a friend who needs Jesus in his/her life? What would it take to connect him/her with Jesus? Please explain.
What is your relationship with people living in sin? Does your relationship tacitly approve or disapprove of their lifestyle? How can you help them recognize their need for a fresh start with Jesus? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for the families and loved ones of those being persecuted:

Heavenly Father: Comfort the families that are affected by the persecution of their loves ones. Open up safe channels and opportunities for them to support and/or visit those who are imprisoned, or otherwise detained. Empower them by your Spirit to remain faithful to you and to their loved ones, even as they wait patiently for deliverance and release. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My prayer:

Lord Jesus: Thank you for staying with me through faith and unbelief, strength and weakness, sickness and health. In you I trust for healing and forgiveness. Give me the humility to readily admit my need, and the faith to live out your directions for my life. Give me your heart for the sick and broken people around me. And give me the courage to overcome all obstacles in bringing them to you. I ask this in your name, and for the Father’s glory. Amen.
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“Forgiven” – Crowder

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 23 Apr 2019 – Mark 1:21-45 ~ Kingdom authority: show and tell

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 1:21-45 (NLT)

Jesus Casts Out an Evil Spirit

Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law.

Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.

Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee.

Jesus Heals Many People

After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.

That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.

Jesus Preaches in Galilee

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.

Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.
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Morning Reflection:

A typical day in the life of Jesus (Mark 1:21-34). Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, teaches with Kingdom authority, and demonstrates his authority –

over evil spirits – by casting out demons and commanding them to be quiet
over sickness – by healing Peter’s mother-in-law and many others with various diseases

The people in and around Galilee were astounded, they had never seen anything like it.

The man [healed of leprosy] went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him. – Mark 1:45

The word about Jesus’ healing/delivering authority spread rapidly. The need is overwhelming and Jesus needs to take time out for prayer. (Mark 1:35)

Questions for consideration:

What is it that draws you to Jesus? Is it his person, i.e. who he is – “the Holy One of God?” Is it what he can do for you – heal you, deliver you from evil, something else? Please explain.
Have you ever experienced Jesus’ healing/delivering power in your own life? Please explain.
What do you need from Jesus today? What do you expect? Is there a difference? Please explain.
Jesus needed to spend time alone in prayer. Do you feel that need? With all the demands on your time, how do you work it out? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for those who are doing the persecuting:

Merciful God: Open the eyes and soften the hearts of the people who have brought unfathomable suffering and abuse upon Christians, especially those who have perpetrated the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka. Remind us again that you sent your Son to save the whole world, and that you don’t want anyone – even these people – to perish. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

My prayer:

Merciful God: Open my eyes and soften my heart that I might see your Son Jesus as the “Holy One of God” sent to deliver us from evil, in spite of the pervasive, demonic influence of this present age. Give me a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair – that I might become a great oak of righteousness planted for your glory. I ask this through Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Amen.
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“Raise A Hallelujah” – Bethel Music | VICTORY

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday Morning: 22 Apr 2019 – Mark 1:1-20 ~ This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

Monday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 1:1-20 (NLT)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said,

“You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News.

“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

The First Disciples

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them,

“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

And they left their nets at once and followed him.

A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.
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Morning Reflection:

Today we resume our reading through the New Testament with the Gospel of Mark.

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. – Mark 1:1

Here is some background information you might find helpful –

Authorship: Attributed to John Mark, who accompanied Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey but left these apostles when they reached Perga.
Date: Sometime between AD 63 and 70.
Audience: Written for Gentile readers originally, particularly Romans, who were suffering persecution and martyrdom throughout the Roman empire.
Characteristics: Mark wants his readers to believe that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, and to follow Him.
- Reads like a reporter’s eyewitness account including many intimate details.
- Stresses Jesus’ acts and gives a prominent place to His miracles.
- Emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Servant of the Lord.
- Introduces Jesus as the “Son of God.”
- Reveals Jesus’ preference for the title “Son of man.”
Purpose:
- Pastorally: The biographical material he chose to include and omit suggests that he wanted to enable his Christian readers to endure suffering and persecution for their faith effectively. About one third of this Gospel deals with the passion of Jesus.
- Theologically: Mark stresses the true humanity of Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus was the human servant of God who suffered as no other person has suffered, completely obedient to His Father’s will – an example for all disciples to follow.

Questions for consideration:

“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced.
“The Kingdom of God is near!
Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
– Mark 1:15

In light of current events in the news, do you believe that “The Kingdom of God is near?” Please explain.
What sins of unbelief are in need of your repentance? What would it mean for you to turn away from them and believe “the Good News?” Please explain.

“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
Mark 1:17

When did you first decide to follow Jesus? What did it mean to you? Please explain. If you are not sure, please follow this link – PeaceWithGod.net.
At the time, did you consider that it might include telling others about Jesus? How about now? Please explain.
At the time, did you consider that it might include rejection or suffering? How about now? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for Christians in the midst of persecution:

Heavenly Father: I pray especially for Christians suffering from the effects of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. Meet them in their deepest sorrow and comfort them. Strengthen them in faith that they may continue to follow you, and empower them with your Spirit to respond in love to the evil shown by their persecutors – that doors will open for these believers to share the Good News of the Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father: As I begin reading through the Gospel of Mark, help me to keep Easter Sunday in mind – that I might reject all unbelief, and trust the Good News of your Kingdom; that I might seek and find evidence of your Kingdom in my everyday life; that I may happily share the Good News with others; and that I may be willing to bear the consequences, come what may. I ask this in Jesus’ name, my Savior and Lord. Amen
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“Is He Worthy?” – Chris Tomlin

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Easter Sunday, 21 April 2019: Colossians 3:1-4, Luke 24:1-12 ~ He is risen from the dead!

Easter Sunday

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

God of everlasting life, by your mighty hand you raised up your beloved Son Jesus Christ from the grave, and appointed him judge of the living and the dead. Grant that we who joyfully celebrate his resurrection may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit, and experience the pardon and peace that you so freely offer. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, firstborn from the dead, who lives with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Easter Song” – Glad – Acappella

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A Reading from the Letters: Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT)

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
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“Endless Alleluia” – Bethel Music | VICTORY

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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 24:1-12 (NLT)

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.
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Intercessions:

O God our Savior and Redeemer: Your love for us never ends. As we celebrate your power to make all that is dead come to life, hear our prayers….

+ For all who have been newly baptized around the world, that they may always walk in the light of Christ… Lord, guide them.
+ For all believers around the world in every circumstance, that we may live in hope and love…. Lord, empower us.
+ For all believers who are suffering the effects of war and terror, that they may live in security and peace…. Lord, protect them.
+ For all who are in need of support and love, that believers everywhere may care for them…. Lord, comfort them.
+ For all who are deprived of the basic necessities of life – food, clothing, and shelter, that believers everywhere may help them…. Lord, provide for them.
+ For all who are estranged from families, friends and loved ones, that they may be reconciled…. Lord, grant them your peace.

O God our Savior and Redeemer: You lead your people from defeat to triumph, from death to life; hear our prayers and grant us your peace, through Christ our risen Lord. Amen.
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“Resurrecting” – Praise And Harmony Singers

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Benediction:

May Almighty God, who is making all things new through Jesus Christ our Lord – resurrect everything that is dead in our lives through the power of his Spirit that is at work within us; until at last we enter into the peace and joy of everlasting life.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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