Mark 1:21-22
“They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” Mark 1:21-22 NIV
I was pondering after reading these verses again is that there is way too much talk and not enough awe and wonder in our lives with Jesus. It’s not meant to be this way. We have sanitised the beauty, danger, mystery and supernatural presence of God into a safely spoken religion about God that is as boring as religion has always been. There is the world of difference between speaking about a thing and demonstrating it. Religion always talks about what God requires. But what God wants is to demonstrate who He is and to invite us intimately into a demonstration of His presence and love. An experience of God’s beauty or love is worth so much more than a thousand sermons about Him. When you experience it, you are left awestruck and overwhelmed. When you hear about it, you are left somewhere between bored and interested. We see n these verses Jesus went to church. Well, not exactly church as we know it, but He did go to the assembly of God's people at the synagogue. Weren't hypocrites, sinners, and worse there in those meetings? Yes, but we see that in the church today. But Jesus went to the synagogue because these people were searching for God, despite their failures and their problems. He used His visits as opportunities to teach the people. They recognized His authority. Which begs the question, who is the authority in our lives? I'm not asking who can make you afraid. A bully may terrorize and a dictator may intimidate, but they should never have the authority. A person's authority should be that individual that he or she respects and honors. And that respect should be given, not because it is demanded or because of some real or imagined compulsion, but because it has been earned. There is no one who deserves our honor and respect more than Jesus. Those who heard Him here on earth would attest that He taught as one with authority. He taught people to love their enemies and do good to those who persecuted them. He told all who would listen that God wanted people to show their appreciation for His love by how they lived and the sincerity of their hearts, not by the money they put into the temple treasury. But as important as Jesus teachings are, His authority is based on much more. Leaving His throne in heaven, Jesus came to earth and substituted Himself for sinners, that means all of us. There was nothing logical about His sacrifice. Nevertheless, because of His suffering, stripes, and crucifixion, all who trust in Him as Savior know that they are forgiven and life eternal is their future. It is the kind of thing that only a loving Lord would do. It's the kind of action that gives Him the authority worthy of our worship today!!!
Father thank You for this day and for Jesus and His example of going to meet with Your people and blessing them with Your truth. Lord let you floodgates of abundant blessings fall upon my friend and family today. Lord thank You for being the one true authority in our lives. Lord help us to deal appropriately with those who hold positions of authority, but help us also to filter their words and requirements through Yours. Lord thank You that You lead, You teach, You demonstrate, You overwhelm, and You leave us awestruck. Lord use my friend to be a blessing someone needs today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !
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