Response to Mark

We finished our study in the book of Mark. I will carry away a greater appreciation for Christ's love to the world he came to save. He chose 12 to be eyewitnesses and continue his mission after he would leave. How he loved them and mentored them and kept trying to change their understanding of his purpose.  It would not be an overthrow of Roman oppression with promise of government position, but a cruel death that would only make sense after it had happened and they realized the prophecies of old were fulfilled, and that the new mission was far beyond earthly kingdoms.

They were slow of heart to believe it all, but along the way they heard and saw Jesus' compassion for the least of society and learned more about His Father's heart as they heard Jesus' words of truth and training.  They were even entrusted with trial runs at preaching the good news and healing the sick. I am encouraged to see how patient and persistent Jesus was in working with them.  In spite of self- promoting motives, mistaken priorities, irritations of this people-focused calling and ultimate cowardice when the Lord needed them most, He loved them to the end.  He could see the future, the joy set before Him and them.  He hid nothing from them.

I want my eyes opened to his purposes for me.  I want to hear his plans to heal and deliver the hurting around me.  I want to listen for his insights into the future and how I can be ready for whatever is next for me.  I am chosen, too, to go and tell.  He will patiently keep working in me and his love will never end.

Mark Reveals Jesus and My Heart Responds

You came knowing you would leave as suffering Victor.

You gave, knowing not all would receive.

You spoke truth, not afraid of the response
  -judgment to the blinded with warning that could be opportunities for change
  -freedom to anyone who embraced it

You did life so we could see how to live
  -compassion and care for the least of these
  -forgiveness and grace for sin and failure
  -submission to the Father (always and totally) even to death
  -received humanity with its suffering, death, prayers for strength and help, temptations,
    emotions of grief and joy, rejection from friend and foe

You tried to prepare those you had chosen for the future they did not expect.

You loved them to the end, even when all deserted you.

You tasted death so we can live through dying.
You died and we watch amazed
  -tremendous suffering
  -compassion continuing to rule as you cared for your mother, brought the criminal into your
   Kingdom
  -forgave those who killed you
  -refused any help from man to fulfill your final mission
You died and the lights went out.
  -the ground shook
  -the temple curtain split from top to bottom
  -a Roman centurion spoke his worship
You died and His-story was forever changed
You died and love prevailed
-in the hands that tenderly cared for your broken body
-in the tomb provided by an honorable man
-in the hearts of those who grieved

You arose and all is made new for all who believe
You arose and we see your glory
You arose and the future awaits
-with more glory and goodness that we can imagine

My heart is worshipping You!