Word@Word 065 - Mark 6:4-6a
Published: Tue, 02/19/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 6:4-6a Jesus said to them, "Only in his home town, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honour." He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith. (NIV)
Jesus did not cause offence because He was good. People were disturbed because it was clear that He was speaking the words of God. As his life showed the goodness of God (a light that revealed what was in dark places); skeletons jangled in the cupboards. And this was most uncomfortable in His own family home. Millions of Christians in unbelieving households have felt the same tension, yet are painfully aware of their shortcomings. The difference with Jesus was that everything about Him was always right - there was nothing wrong to criticise. But, His holiness was so unnerving that even His relatives wanted to dumb Him down.
God's power is unlimited and His love is unconditional ... but! The big 'but', is that where there is no faith, God's blessings cannot be recognised and received with gratitude. It is not that God is reluctant to pour out his mercy; but unbelieving people refuse to accept it - or thank Him. Such openness to His divine authority would make Him their master: and the benefits of the Kingdom only come to those who submit themselves to the King. And few of the family/friends at Nazareth had any intention of doing that.
Perhaps it has become a sad sickness that also seeps its way into churches. It is almost as though we own Jesus, rather than the other way round. We are glad to have Jesus at our beck and call, but are surprised when He fails to perform to our word of command. That kind of religion is poor advertising to a sick world. However, true faith (an expectancy that Jesus will act in power to glorify His name) is often the prelude to an outpouring of blessing that even the sceptics cannot ignore.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to trust You that You will speak with authority and act with power where I live and work - so that You can pour out Your blessing to those who are hungry for Your love. In Jesus Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus did not cause offence because He was good. People were disturbed because it was clear that He was speaking the words of God. As his life showed the goodness of God (a light that revealed what was in dark places); skeletons jangled in the cupboards. And this was most uncomfortable in His own family home. Millions of Christians in unbelieving households have felt the same tension, yet are painfully aware of their shortcomings. The difference with Jesus was that everything about Him was always right - there was nothing wrong to criticise. But, His holiness was so unnerving that even His relatives wanted to dumb Him down.
God's power is unlimited and His love is unconditional ... but! The big 'but', is that where there is no faith, God's blessings cannot be recognised and received with gratitude. It is not that God is reluctant to pour out his mercy; but unbelieving people refuse to accept it - or thank Him. Such openness to His divine authority would make Him their master: and the benefits of the Kingdom only come to those who submit themselves to the King. And few of the family/friends at Nazareth had any intention of doing that.
Perhaps it has become a sad sickness that also seeps its way into churches. It is almost as though we own Jesus, rather than the other way round. We are glad to have Jesus at our beck and call, but are surprised when He fails to perform to our word of command. That kind of religion is poor advertising to a sick world. However, true faith (an expectancy that Jesus will act in power to glorify His name) is often the prelude to an outpouring of blessing that even the sceptics cannot ignore.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to trust You that You will speak with authority and act with power where I live and work - so that You can pour out Your blessing to those who are hungry for Your love. In Jesus Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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