PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 3:7-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.” (Mark 3:12)
Jesus silences the impure spirits, even though what they say is true.
He knows that they are not good press, that they cause more harm than good.
They want to whip up the crowds into rebellious frenzy, to frustrate Jesus’s mission.
They claim the name of Jesus, but do not seek his honour.
As Jesus followers, we have been commissioned to be his witnesses (Acts 1:8).
The church through history has carried the Name of Jesus wherever it went.
But has it always been for his honour, has it always been good press?
The sad fact is many christians have caused more harm than good.
In Jesus’ Name we have enslaved, cheated, taken land and wealth, crushed culture.
Jesus silences demons, but I wonder how many christians he has wanted to silence.
Claiming Jesus’ Name is not enough, we must model the message of Jesus too.
As those saved by grace, we ought to overflow with the same grace for others.
I wonder if the world is less opposed to Jesus than to the church which speaks for him.
Jesus is challenging me not to frustrate his mission by how I witness for him.
PRAYER
Lord, I can see how frustrating this must be. Forgive us for allowing impure spirits to mess up our witness for you. And help us to show you with our actions, not just our words.
I think we need to be careful when to speak and when not to. I remember praying as I was driving thinking of how I would express the gospel to the Muslims in the car with me. I got a strong message not to? I asked why but got the same response – NO. It was not the right time or situation – in fact I could have paralyzed any point of witness that we had as a Christian organization working in a Muslim country. We should not just spout words – especially when they draw attention to self – how can we present the gospel honourably – and not, so-to-speak, cast pearls before pigs? Jesus knew the people were looking for a Messiah that would re-establish Israel and overthrow the Roman rule. Looking back I think when Christianity was dominant and assumed – it becomes power hungry or becomes casual, complacent and ritualistic. We need an edginess that come with challenge and even conflict to keep our hearts focused on what’s important! The problem is we get focused on issues – win or lose – especially today on sexuality and abortion. the way we behave and speak discounts us, rather than thinking in terms of winning, we have to think in terms of helping people understand – being gracious and patient and respectful. Help people think especially those dealing with the issues. Lord, help me with discernment by your HS!
His disciples and a large crowd followed Him. The disciples wanted to learn from Him but the crowd wanted to see the action, the miracles. Am I part of the crowd, looking in from a distance or wanting ti learn from Him by following Him. The needs of the people, my need, is that we all need Jesus to repair my/our brokenness. His miracles shows that Jesus is the only One who can meet my needs – take care of my sin.1 Come to the Savior now,
he gently calls to you;
in true repentance bow,
let him your heart renew.
Christ came that you may know
salvation, peace, and love,
true joy on earth below,
a home in heaven above.
2 Come to the Savior now,
all who have wandered far;
renew your solemn vow,
for his by right you are;
come like poor, wandering sheep
returning to his fold;
his arm will safely keep,
his love will ne’er grow cold.
3 Come to the Savior, now,
he offers all to you,
and on his merits you
can plead for life anew.
No vain excuses frame,
respond to Christ today!
None who to Jesus came
were ever sent away.
4 Come to the Savior, all,
whate’er your burdens be;
hear now His loving call,
“Cast all your care on me.”
Come, and for every grief,
in Jesus you will find
a sure and safe relief,
a loving friend and kind.