Tuesday, March 3
Mark 3:19b-35 He casts out demons. (v.22)
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them” (C. S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters).
The very idea of casting out demons seems archaic at best. Surely there were just a few mentally deranged folks that Jesus straightened out. Not! Such an assessment flies in the face of what Jesus actually does and says. In reading Mark this week, please note that Jesus’ attack on evil spirits is no side line, but a primary part of his mission that we just can’t minimize.
In yesterday’s reading when Jesus called his disciples, he charged them “to proclaim the message and to have authority to cast out demons.” This he repeats at the close of Mark as he leaves his ministry with these men.
In today’s lesson, the only things that Jesus and the scribes agree on is that (1) there are evil spirits and (2) Jesus did drive them out of people. What they are disputing is (1) who Jesus is and (2) from whence his authority over evil comes—two questions that the demons themselves have no trouble answering! “Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, ‘You are the Son of God!’” (Mark 3:11). Now that’s authority!
Genesis 42:1-17; Psalms 61, 62; 1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Wednesday, March 4
Mark 4:1-20 “Listen! A sower went out to sow...some seed fell on the path...on rocky ground...among thorns, and...other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain.” (vv.3-8)
A Wheat Field in Palestine Speaks Out
Waylon: It’s springtime and that dern clod-hopper’s gonna be out here.
Richie: Yep, spreadin’ that everlastin’ seed.
Waylon: Well, I got better things to do than root seed. I been a path all my life and I’m stayin’ one.
Stoney: Waylon, you’re haaard ground. You let them ravens flat carry off what seed lands on ya’. Now me, I takes to that seed right off....
Thorny: Then you flat give up if it don’t rain soft and nice for ya. One hot day and that seed’s done for.
Waylon: Face it Stoney, you just ain’t got no depth and you can’t stick with nothin’.
Thorny: Well, I’m figurin’ on doing right well this year, seein’ those brambles been cleared.
Stoney: Them briars’ll come right back on ya. Good intensions you got but you ain’t got the will power to have done with them worrisome thorns.
Thorny: And then there’s ol’ Richie yonder. He’s just simple soil, humble ground, waitin’...
Waylon: Dumb as dirt, I’d call it.
Stoney: Now me, I’m so full up with rocks that I can’t endure a whole season.
Thorny: And, I got the briars to worry ‘bout.
Waylon: And I’m a path and I ain’t about to change!
Stoney: But Richie’s your open field, fertile soil type. He takes pretty well to what’s laid on him ‘cause he knows he’s empty and he’s waitin’ to be filled.
Waylon: Shush, boys! That farmer comin’ down my path.
Genesis 42:18-28; Psalm 72; 1 Corinthians 5:9—6:8
Thursday, March 5
Mark 4:21-34 “For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” (v.25)
Ouch! This painful verse is repeated four places in the gospels and it’s the punch line to both the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27). From these two parables, we can say that God has given every one of us spiritual gifts, talents and resources of many kinds for which we will be held accountable at the Final Judgment. Some folks won’t use their gifts. Like high school French that’s never practiced, spiritual gifts and spiritual tools (praying, confessing, forgiving, worshiping, and even loving) can waste away.
Other folks will gladly use all they have been given in the service of the kingdom; yet in true heavenly economics, their gifts aren’t used up but multiplied. In trying to serve God, these saints willingly cross comfort zones to go beyond what they can do with their own abilities. This forces them to depend on God, who then supplies spiritual treasures in abundance. In hardship and suffering, these saints allow God to turn pain into positive gifts of maturity and empathy. So, both through servanthood and suffering, God will increase our gifts, not because we’re worthy, but simply because we’re in need and we ask.
At the final accounting, He’ll know what we were given to work with, how we used it, and what we have returned... because all of it is His.
Genesis 42:29-38; Psalms 70, 71; 1 Corinthians 6:12-30
Friday, March 6
Psalm 69 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. (v.1)
“Helmet, life preserver, paddle— we’ll pass those out shortly. Whitewater rafting is a thrill, but it can be dangerous, so listen up. Worst case: raft capsizes. Don’t panic. Don’t call out; we know you’re in there and you’ll just swallow the water. Don’t swim—you’re no match for the Ocoee river. Never stand up on the rocks; you’ll only get bashed up in the rapids.
“So what do you do? Lie back, cross your arms over your chest and float feet first down the river. That way your guide can get a line or a paddle to you easily.”
The whitewater rafting instructor’s words are similar to those of a spiritual counselor.
“Christian living is thrilling, but there’s bound to be temptation, sin, and suffering along the way. So start by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17). In the whirlpools of life, don’t fight. Admit that you are powerless in your own strength. Believe in God’s power to save you and to redeem the situation. Then prayerfully turn your will and life over to God’s care. Let go and let God. He’ll be able to reach you best in that position.”
Genesis 43:1-15; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; Mark 4:35-41
Saturday, March 7
Mark 5:1-20 They saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind. (v.15)
“The reason the Son of God came was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). Jesus is at it again, so let’s follow up on Tuesday’s discussion with a quote from Francis MacNutt’s book, Deliverance from Evil Spirits: “The flip side of preaching that the Kingdom of God is at hand is preaching that the kingdom of Satan is being destroyed. For that reason, Jesus’ first act of ministry in Mark was casting out an unclean spirit from a man he met in the synagogue... ‘Deliver us from evil.’ A still more accurate translation...renders it, ‘Deliver us from the evil one’ (that is, Satan). Consequently, delivering people from evil spirits is, along with forgiving sins and healing the sick, an essential part of the Gospel.”
Very dramatically Jesus delivers from evil this possessed man of the tombs. In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief [Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they [this man and every tortured human being] may have life, and have it abundantly.” Be assured, Jesus is the strong deliverer! He delivers us from evil and then he delivers us to abundant life.
Genesis 43:16-34; Psalms 75, 76; 1 Corinthians 7:10-24
Sunday, March 8
Psalm 96 Sing to the Lord a new song…. (v.1 NAS)
Years ago, I had the privilege of chronicling faith stories for a church blog. I interviewed random members who had agreed to have their stories published. The discovery was surprising.
My early upbringing as a Christian included a time in our gatherings for lay members to share testimonies, insights, and life lessons. So, I have always been eager to probe what for many churches is that secret garden: the congregation! What I found behind this compelling gate was what appeared a quiet vineyard bursting at the seams with yield.
A young woman leaving a home, yet unsold, in faith, in a cross country move. A single man leaving a prestigious job only to find an even greater reward through a blind leap of faith. A couple battling postpartum depression and work stress, by a joint-call to midday prayer, finding their lives suddenly altered.
I would venture to say most churches are full of unassuming people quietly living out new songs of faith in their day to day lives. Who are you sitting next to?
Genesis 44:1-17; Psalm 93; Romans 8:1-10; John 5:25-29
Monday, March 9
1 Corinthians 7:25-31 ...those who marry will face difficult circumstances, and I’m trying to spare you such problems. (v.28 NET)
I recall watching a situation-comedy years ago in which a wife appeared very concerned. I believe it was Archie Bunker who asked Edith what’s wrong. “It’s the gays,” she said with worry. “Now they want to get married.” “Ah jeez,” Archie replied. “Haven’t the gays suffered enough already?”
I roared in laughter. Ironically, it’s a similar point the apostle Paul is alluding to in today’s reading which implies, be careful what you ask for.
While Paul’s addressing straight Corinthians wondering whether to marry one could argue that today gay people may weigh the very same question. One can never hear Paul’s kinds of warnings while deliriously in love. The fog has to clear first. Only then can one listen to reason. A dear friend once told me, “When falling in love be more careful than in anything else you do.” That’s the challenge. I don’t know when falling in love is ever very careful! Ergo, Paul’s wish to spare.
Genesis 44:18-34; Psalm 80; Mark 5:21-43
Tuesday, March 10
Mark 6:1-13 “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his relatives….” (v.4)
Scholars tell us Hindu sage Narada Muni was the first to coin the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt.” Chaucer later used it in his Tale of Melibee. For prophets, it’s a special irony just as Jesus alludes to it in today’s reading.
It got me wondering about the origins of my own contempt. I think for me it is when my imaginary suspicions are stirred by ignorance and insecurities, leaving me vulnerable to error and bad assumptions.
When I took to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to deal with anxieties, I learned the resolve was redirecting irrational fears to simple logic and reason. My own suspicious, ignorant feeling of contempt must find similar corrections if I am to escape them as well.
Recently I felt jealous contempt toward a friend. About the same time, I heard a Rabbi say, the essence of love is giving. When I realized my jealousy was based on ignorance and suspicion I thought of the Rabbi and, yes, how much better it would be to replace my contempt, with giving. What can I give my friend instead?
Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 78:1-39; 1 Corinthians 7:32-40