2 Feb 2012 | 12:14 pm
Week 5
The Trap
Feb 1
Read Mark 10 : 1-16
The religious leaders had reinterpreted the scriptures and created their own set laws. The
Pharisees, who were losing their power over the people, tried to trap Jesus. They were looking for way end to his ministry. Their hope was to expose him as an opponent to the Law of Moses. When the disciples, who wanted to know the truth, were alone with Jesus, they question Him further.
Do you know the scriptures? Do you take time to understand what God requires of His people? Are you committed to live His Word? We are held accountable to have knowledge of God’s Word but also to live the Word. Make a commitment to gain more understanding so that you are able to live in a manner worthy of the Lord.
Feb 2
Read Mark 10:17-31
“Go sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven, then you can come follow me.” Why does Jesus say this? Why is the young ruler even asking Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life?
Like the rich young ruler, we all have something that blinds us to our own condition. The ruler was counting on his good works to get him into heaven. Jesus was saying, “get rid of you and receive me – trust me, count on me not your stuff.” Could you live without money, prestige, authority, control or … ? Are you living as if all you have is Jesus? Is He the center of your identity?
Hold your hands out and picture your stuff in them. Lift your hands up then dump the stuff out symbolizing you have let go. Ask God to fill you with Himself.
Feb. 3
Read Mark 10:35-40
Do you find yourself in the trap of coming to Jesus asking, “do for me whatever I ask.” We, like James and John, often want Jesus to do our bidding. Jesus’ response is startling. He talks about drinking a cup of suffering.
Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, came to serve not to be served. He tells us that if we want to be first we must be a slave of all. Examine your prayers – what are you asking Jesus to do for you? What do servants ask of their masters?
The Ransom
Feb 5
Read Mark 10:32-34
On their way back to Jerusalem, Jesus repeats to his disciples what is going to happen, “The Son of Man will be betrayed condemned and handed over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him.” Jesus reveals in graphic terms that he will be condemned to death. “Condemned” is a legal term meaning tried, convicted and executed.
Why must Jesus die? Let the answer go to the core of your being. He died for you. How has that changed you? He paid the ransom for you; now he calls you to take up your cross and follow Him.
Feb. 6
Read Mark 10 : 32-34, 39-45
Jesus’ substitutionary sacrifice was a love that changed lives. Jesus drank the cup of suffering, a metaphor for the just judgment of God against evil. We have been redeemed from death by his own death on the cross. He paid the ransom price for your life.
Jesus commands that we love others as He has loved us. That kind of love demands we serve others so they too will come to know God’s life-changing love. Take an inventory of your life – are your serving others? Do you love others with the love of Jesus? Listen for what God is asking of you? Now be faithful and do it!
The Entrance
Feb. 7
Read Mark 11 : 1-10
Zechariah prophesied in 9:9 “See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The parade that happened acknowledged Jesus as King, but a different kind of King. He rode on a donkey not a horse. A donkey was an animal fit for a hobbit or child. Jesus brought together humility and majesty.
He is the Lion and the Lamb.
Meditate on the combination of words below. They appear to be antonyms yet Jesus embraces both at once. Do these words work together in your life? How?
The missions team is having an amazing time…
The tinroof blog…is at this link tinrooffoundation.blogspot.com. Pictures are on that link. The team is experiencing the power of your prayers.
School was not in session, yet the room was filled with children who had prepared a program just for us. Their colorful costumes were matched o nly by their beautiful smiles. After the welcoming speeches, the students performed several dances. To our surprise, they invited us to join in the dance. Each student came and grabbed one of our hands and the dance floor became alive with movement and laughter. What began as fun drew us into community with one another. By the time we said our goodbyes, we had bonded with those who would partner with us in the music workshop at La Cruz, the new school just outside the dump.
The connections we experienced today were a direct answer to the prayers we prayed as the day began. We had asked God to help us see, hear and experience what He had in store for us. Stace shared his connection with the music teacher, Oscar. Even though he plays 5 instruments, he did not own a guitar. The Lord had impressed on Stace the need for him to bring a guitar to leave here. Before our first 24 hours had passed, he promised to leave the guitar for him. We will drop it off on Wednesday before we return home.
I was overwhelmed how quickly lesson plans were shared, improved upon and then led by the local teachers. What joy to share in a teaching partnership. I was so thankful for the suggestions given that will make the workshops in Cusmapa run much smoother.
It only took a few brief moments before the children connected to Riley, Ann Barfel’s 9 yr. old grandson. Before we left, three other boys had a special connection and more than one girl was heard to say she liked Riley!
As we have shared meal times aound Cuban sandwiches, black bean soup and then Tip Top chicken, we have begun to learn about Peter’s partership with Al and Charlene and the children of Nicaragua. Their passion to come alongside the people here to enable them to improve their lives is contagious.
This day has been the beginning of building community within our group and the precious people of Esteli. We have seen love and apprecation. Marie said, “I saw how throwing a beanbag and helping a child paint a stick brought joy. On my first day, I have experienced the power of presence in the life of a child.” Kevin summed it up in his few brief words,”It was a good day,”
We cannot fix all the problems we see, but we are here to listen, learn and love. We go to bed eager for the new partnerships we will continue to explore and enjoy. Our prayer as we close our eyes tonight is for God to wrap His loving arms around our new friends and for His love to invade their lives so they will have hope not just for tomorrow but for all eternity.
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