Mark 1: 28 "And at once His Fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee." The Time had come. The Kingdom is near to you this very day.
The Presence of a King. He has been in obscurity assembling chairs for most of his 33 years. In one december dawn, he addresses demons and assembles cities at his front door. Those who were sick or possessed by demons. What about those self-obsessed?
The Power of a King. The Kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
The Promise of a Kingdom within you and me. The Kingdom of God is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom doesn't come with careful observation---the Kingdom is within you. Luke 17:21.
Come dependent as a little child to Possess the Kingdom of God.
Mark 1:41 "Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."
ReplyDeleteThe leper knew Jesus held his healing. Even the demons knew Who He was but were not permitted to speak (v. 34)
I am sitting on the back porch at the ranch this morning in a misty fog. Two deer are grazing by the creek but run away at Abby's urging. All is quiet besides the few bird songs that soothe. No one is asking anything of me except the still, small Voice that invites me into the Sanctuary. I think what those moments were like between Jesus and the Father as Jesus stole away for a few moments to recharge. Then, his disciples interrupt, "Everyone is looking for you!" And Jesus answers, Come let us go...
annette,
ReplyDeletelove that you know that still small Voice
inviting you into His Sanctuary. you always stir me so...
"but was out in desolate places"
ReplyDeleteDesolate places.
We begin anew in Mark. Matthew walked us through the nativity all the way through to the giving of the Great Commission.
Angels sent announcing His coming...
Believers sent announcing His offer of redemption.
Mark begins with the gathering of followers, disciples, and miracles performed.
If you need a miracle, you are in a desolate place.
Christ is there.
When you need a miracle, you don't ponder if you should seek help, you look for help wherever you can find it for your need.
Desolate places need more than a quick distraction from your need.
The one with the demon didn't need to take a pill.
The one who had his flesh disappearing before his eyes, who hadn't felt human touch in a long time...didn't need another book to read about promises of help.
These desolate hearts needed a Miracle-Man. Christ was there waiting for them in the desolate places.
They didn't hesitate to go to him. He was a Gift sent from God to them. There life was hanging on by a thread. Joy had been consumed by physical and emotional sorrow.
And there He was, waiting for the ones in need of a miracle...right there in the desolate places.
Don't give up. Look up.
Hug Abby for me, Annette. Sounds like you two had a beautiful morning.
ReplyDeleteMe too....I wanted to talk to Abby when I left you a comment but it sounded weird so I ignored her but ... thinking of you and your furry friend.
ReplyDeleteAnd Deborah, your comment shakes me loose...where is My Healer? He's Here.
Consider her hugged. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your thoughts, Deborah on Jesus in the desolate places. Desperate ones He comes to save, as today's reading He came to heal, the Great Physician for the sick not the self righteous. Desolation places make launch pads for miracles.