SourceURL:file:///J:New_Book3-April.doc

Mark 9 – 10

Once again Peter, James and John get to go on an adventure with Jesus. I often read this and wonder why all of them did not go. Why those three? James and John were the sons of Zebedee a well-respected fisherman. Peter was the one Jesus paid attention to, the only other one to walk on water. They see Jesus transformed and visit with Elijah and Moses so they can witness this when he has left. So I guess he kept it with the trusted ones.

In verse 9:23 we once again we stumble upon some misquoted prosperity gospel verses:

What do you mean, “If there’s anything?” All things are possible, if you only believe.

This also becomes one of the most abused verses when discrediting the Bible. Since many awful illnesses have fallen on Godly people. I know my friend’s son broke his back in a skiing accident. Our church prayed over him for healing, yet he is still bound in a chair. Did we not believe or are we delusional in our beliefs? Neither, it’s just the way it was. God did not use him for his miracle and we are not delusional. Life just happens.

I get slammed on this from time to time, but life on this planet is not controlled daily by God. He set this in motion and gave us free will. Sure earthquakes will kill good people, but we would not have the Rockies if it were not for violent movements in the earth. That’s by design. Sometimes God will interject himself in subtitle ways to ensure the one involved know the truth. And occasionally a miracle will happen, like my friend who had breast cancer. She was in immense pain one evening and prayed without ceasing. The morning the pain subsided and the next visit the doctor declared it was a “miracle” since the cancer was gone. Proof the body heals or in God? I pick God.

Verse 10:15 is one I love:

Truly anyone who doesn’t accept the kingdom of God as a little child does can never enter it.

This has a different meaning to those who have children. They tend to believe anything with blind faith, but at the same time they ask some pointed questions. I don’t think this means just blindly have faith, but rather ask deep and honest questions. Don’t come to God trying to disprove Him, but rather trying to know Him. Keep asking and never stop, just like any NORMAL child!! Questions are not evil when asked by a child, where adults often have hidden agendas. Don’t hide your agenda and be bold like a child.

Verse 10:27 makes me feel better about money:

For human beings it is impossible, but not for God: God makes everything possible.

This is the story of the rich man who was asked to give it all to the poor and walked away sad. Jesus used the camel through the eye of a needle as an analogy. But did he say the man was destined to hell? No, this is often forgotten from the story since it is used for giving to the church. The blood of Jesus saves all, including the poor and rich alike. Where the problem comes is wealth causes a distraction from God, but if the person truly seeks God he can help. Remember it is how you use it, not how you save it that God cares about. And NOTE savings is a component of using.