PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 12:18-27
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“In error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” (Mark 12:24)
Jesus is talking about what life after death in the new creation will be like.
What does he mean when he says there will be no marriage or giving in marriage?
Does he mean marriage as we know it – the cultural ways we understand and practice it?
Will there be more creational kind of covenant unions?
And what about being like the angels – only in regards to marriage, or in other ways?
There is no mention of angels marrying or not marrying – are they single?
Too often we come to conclusions as if we know exactly what Jesus means.
I’m more certain that I am (we are) in error when it comes to understanding such things.
We think we know the scriptures, but like Sadducees we use human logic to explain it.
We think we understand the way God’s power works… we haven’t got a clue.
There is a greater likelihood that we are in error on many things.
I do not know what Jesus means, and I will not base a theology on my interpretations.
This applies not only here, but all our interpretations – we do not know it all!
Humility and honesty should prepare us to hear: “You are badly mistaken!” (Mark 12:27)
PRAYER
Lord, I gladly admit that I do not know the scriptures or the power of God. I am hopeful in your grace, not in my theology.
This got me thinking, about my own understanding and limitations. If one is in the presence and reflecting the love of God, marriage is immaterial. A law or vestige that will not exist when we are lawless in the presence of God. Perhaps it is because our own love would be overflowing and we would love everyone as children of God? As much as we love the one we do most, ostensibly our spouse, we will love everyone in this way. God after all does not show favouritism, nor should we. Marriage is something that promotes favouritism in a way, although beneficial to a healthy family. Perhaps a marriage contract should only exist within the heart, yet I don’t think that could have been within the paradigm of society at the time of Jesus. Alas, only begs more questions about what I am wrong about.
I’m so glad Jesus said that: “You are badly mistaken!” I mean not only about refuting the position of the Sadducees saying that there is no resurrection but also humbling all of us: I am sure we are badly mistaken about many things as we try to rationalize or get caught up in various themes of theology – that are human constructs – but I think we are likely badly mistaken. I’ve been humbled and need to be continually humbled by God’s grace – by the HS’s leading. Let me not be limited by my own understanding – let me instead understand that God’s understand and grace is way beyond the limits I put on it. Let me revel in God’s providence and grace!
I see through a glass darkly. I know that those who love God will be raised to be with Him. I am living for Jesus today and all my tomorrows. However Living for eternity with Him, I have no way of knowing how that will be. I can only imagine. God only knows. And I know I am His and He is mine through the power of His Son. Life with Him forevermore that’s all I know.
Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.