Mark 9:31 ‘………..”The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.”
Dear God,
How lovely it is to hear the bird song in numbers, as they sing a chorus in the soft light of a pale blue sky, enhanced by fluttering green leaves; all testifying of Your powers of creation, love and mercy. I thank You for supplying me with the strength and wisdom for my daily tasks; even if a little more slowly than usual. Lord open my mind and all there is of me, so I can truly be Your loving child and witness. I am sorry for the times I miss the lessons You would teach me, because I am so engrossed in life circumstances or my own preconceived ideas. Sadly not only do I miss the lesson You have for me, but the opportunity to show Your love and teaching to others.
Just so, the disciples did not know that Jesus taught of Himself in Mark 9:31 and they did not take the opportunity to ask for clarification. They had previously been occupied in disputing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of Jesus, when He set it up.
The good news to me is that I can grow in knowledge of, allegiance to, and implementing the purpose of Jesus, as I put myself aside, and follow Him with my whole heart. This is what the disciples did, after Jesus had died and risen from the grave alive. They and many other disciples of Jesus, in repentance put all else aside and then they chose to come closer to their Lord, in fasting and prayer.
Then as Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit came down and filled them, and the ‘lights’ and ‘action’ came on in the lives of the seeking disciples, as reported in the book of Acts.
In Mark 9:43 on, Mark relays more of the teaching of Jesus, telling us all, it would be better to lose an eye or body part, if any of them, were to be a hindrance or cause us to sin which can only lead to eternal death. To God it is especially grievous for me or anyone else to deliberately lead another into sin, and even more grievous if we badly treat a child/ or lead any child into sin.
Again today, I joyfully choose You Jesus, and by the Holy Spirit I will put my selfish desires aside, and seek You in prayer, and then follow, as You lead with love and wisdom; that is divine, and so very precious.
Amen