Jan. 30th-That God’s presence would INVADE my community
(Mark 12:28-34)
When Jesus spoke, it was often shrouded in mystery, with layers of meaning and sprinkled with a dash of confusion. I think there were multiple purposes behind the way He taught. One of the reasons was that He chose His words for a purpose and they were truth on many levels. I believe another reason was so that people would be forced to consider His words and to have to process and chew on them for a while. Only those serious about learning and knowing Him would find answers.
This style of shrouded teaching was the status quo for Jesus with very few exceptions. Today’s passage was one of those exceptions. That alone should get our attention. What was so important to Jesus that He would abandon His normal approach to teaching? Why did He want to make sure everybody knew exactly what He meant when it comes to what is most important? Does the fact that He does this indicate a level of importance to Jesus?
We get a good, hard look at what is most dear to the heart of God. I take these verses to be teachings that are the closest reflection of what Jesus really desired for His hearers to understand. He removes any doubt, any interpretation and any excuse. My favorite thing about them is how He sums it up for them so that even a child could understand. If He came to us today and said these words, I’m sure He would change them to more closely resonate with our culture. Jesus would respond to the question of what is the greatest commandment by saying, “Love God like crazy and love people like crazy.”The thought is so simple and yet so profound. It’s a reminder to the church to keep the plain things the main things. Mount Hood Christian Center
"Lord I pray today that You would enlarge my influence and favor in my community. I believe that You have deposited Your Word in my heart for such a time as this in order that I be a beacon of light. I ask for boldness and humility as You touch my community through me."
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