SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:18-27
The Sadducees were trying to show that the idea of a final resurrection is nonsense.
Good question, what happens to someone who has been widowed and remarried – who is their spouse for eternity?
Behind this is our struggle to understand what life if God’s eternal kingdom creation can be like.
We can’t, it is beyond our finite, sin-limited capacity to comprehend the wonder of God’s kingdom creation.
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived — the things God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
The Sadducees were dismissing as folly (to their finite, sin-limited minds) things that are way beyond them, and us.
“Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?”
The Scriptures make it clear that the things of God are beyond us, yet we try to boil them down to human logic.
Things like the triune nature of God, predestination and human responsibility, life in God’s eternal kingdom, and so many other things in Scripture… we cannot fully comprehend them or reduce them to a logical, rational system (or a ‘systematic theology’, God smiles at our ‘systems’).
I am still not sure what Jesus meant with His answer: no marriage, like the angels in heaven?
But when I can’t understand something (like a burning bush not consumed by the flame), the best thing I can do is take off my sandals and bow down before God.
All that seems illogical or confusing in the bible or in life – the problem is not with God, but with us, “because we do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?”
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord forgive me for thinking my finite mind can simplify the vast wonders of Your wisdom? Forgive me for setting up my systematic theologies like idols, instead of removing my sandals before Your mystery and majesty, Your wisdom and power.
Observation/Application
Once again the religious leaders try to trap Jesus with their questions. They didn’t believe in the resurrection and yet their question was about the resurrection. Ugh. Christ’s answer was that they did not know the Scriptures.
That would be also true today. I too am limited by my knowledge and see with limited vision or through a glass darkly. But one day I will know. In the meantime, I go forward in faith knowing that my Redeemer lives and I live in Him and He will supply all that I need for today to live for Jesus. Amazing grace.
Open my eyes Lord that I may see the ‘burning bushes’ each day for I am living in Your presence in Your Kingdom which is in part but will be whole when You return. You are my God and I will continue to live for Jesus this day.
Prayer
Help me each day Lord to be like a small child and go forward in faith. May I continually be amazed by Your awesome presence and power each day. Open my eyes Lord that I may see You and Your glory each day anew.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
I am looking, I am listening
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Help me to know Your will (repeat)
The right word to say,
the best move to make
Who’s in need of a helping hand
For Your perfect ways are worthy of praise
I delight just to do Your plan
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
I am looking, I am listening
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Help me to know Your will (repeat to beginning)
Help me to know Your will
Help me to know Your will