Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Mark 3 and Psalm 54

So much happens in Mark 3, but the unifying theme that seems to surface for me in my devotional time today is this: You either receive Jesus as the Son of God (v.11), submit to His Lordship and obey Him OR resist Him, refuse to accept His Lordship and ultimately reject Him. Its always one or the other.

Jesus is not someone you just smile at and tolerate. He is so radical that His presence demands a reponse of one kind or the other.

For the religious leaders, their commitment to their rules, regulations and rituals was so intense that they refused Jesus’ Lordship, rejected His authority, and even plotted to murder Him when it became evident that He would not submit to their terms for His ministry. They wanted nothing to do with His “new wine” (2:22) if it involved healing on the Sabbath when they had decided (in their human wisdom) that this was not allowed (v.1-6).

On the other hand, all who will receive Jesus as Lord, respond to His call, and become part of the community of His faithful followers (as His disciples did) will discover that they have become not only His followers but also His Family (v.34-35). In this Family, Jesus extends life and healing and abundance (v.5, 10-11), but we all have to decide for ourselves if we are willing to let go of our own control and receive Jesus truly as our Lord and Master. It’s a sobering thought that not even His human family were exempt from having to make that choice for themselves (v.21, 31-35).

Life application: What will your choice be throughout this day? Will you follow Jesus as Lord today, surrender to His commands, calls and promptings, and obey Him in every way you know you should? Let’s do it!