Page 24 - Living Light 89

Monday June 23 - A prophet without honour He was amazed by their lack of faith. Mark 6:6
The Bible says that Jesus lived a perfect life. Peter, who witnessed his every move and word over three years of ministry and saw Jesus facing betrayal and agonising death, wrote (quoting from Isaiah), ‘He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth’ (1 Peter 2:22). The Apostle John agreed: ‘In him there is no sin’ (1 John 3:5).
Jesus lived in Nazareth, a tight-knit Jewish community of about 400 people. Without sin, from childhood he always acted and spoke humbly, faithfully, kindly, truthfully – loving everyone around him. But his neighbours and relatives, who had known this wonderful Jesus so well for so long, now hesitated to believe and celebrate all the amazing reports of his miracles and wise teaching. Rather than offering respect and support they pushed away every sweet memory and chose to be suspicious and hard- hearted. They didn’t want to be challenged and changed. How deeply their lack of faith must have hurt him.
Faith is a decision to trust. Without actually putting our faith in cars, doctors, banks, friends and a million other things, life would grind to a halt! Although 46% of the UK population describe themselves as ‘Christian’, few actually believe and trust in Jesus as Saviour. Christianity is just part of the background of ‘British life’ – and is becoming increasingly disrespected. The saying is true: ‘familiarity breeds contempt’, and not many consider Christ’s claims seriously. But let us be faithful – whatever it costs.
Lord Jesus, may your Spirit strengthen my faith to follow you. Amen.
Tuesday June 24 - Sending out the Twelve
“Take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money
in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.” Mark 6:8-9
Mark wrote earlier (3:14) that Jesus ‘appointed twelve... to be with him and that he might send them out to preach...’ They witness him healing the sick, delivering the demonised, addressing crowds, and they spend precious hours alone with him. These twelve disciples are a motley bunch and they are on a steep learning curve! At sea, a mighty storm threatens to sink their boat. Jesus, although disappointed that panic has drowned what little faith they had, instantly calms the wind and waves. They are ‘filled with great fear’ – a bewilderment that is increased further when Jesus casts out numerous demons from a deranged, but then totally liberated, man and sends them into a herd of pigs that wildly stampede over a cliff into the lake! Next, he raises a child from the dead! These are the men Jesus sends and empowers to do similar acts, with minimal provision for their daily needs. They had to trust God to work miraculously in and through them and rely solely on him to provide – especially through the generosity of those to whom they ministered. They came back amazed and rejoicing at all that happened!
2 Corinthians 5:7 declares, ‘We walk by faith, not by sight.’ How much do we trust God, especially in demanding situations when he asks us to put ourselves out there to bring hope and blessing to others? Let’s pray about that!
Lord of power and love, please lead me and help my faith to grow, trusting in you – whatever you ask of me. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
22
PRAYER FOR TODAY