January 22nd, Thursday: Mark chaps. 9-10

Consider some paradoxes of the Christian life.

We'll read about glory coming out of suffering.

What happened on the Mount of Transfiguration was a confirmation of the testimony Peter gave.

But it was also revelation of the glory of the cross.

First the suffering, then the glory.

That's the order.

When you read 1 Peter, you'll discover that Peter learned his lesson well.

You see, Satan offers you glory without suffering.

But it ends up suffering without glory.

We'll read about victory coming out of defeat.

Their failure to deliver the boy grieved the Lord, gave support to the enemy, and robbed God of glory.

The nine disciples who were left behind had neglected their spiritual disciplines and lost their power.

When you find you're defeated, turn to Him for victory, and discover where you went wrong.

Today, we'll read about greatness in service.

This is a key passage in Mark's gospel, because it emphasizes the importance of service.

Do not aim for human greatness.

Aim to be more like Jesus Christ.

Do not measure yourself by other servants.

Measure yourself by Him.

We'll also be reading about receiving gain out of loss.

If you pamper sin in your life, you'll lose your 'salty' character, and not being able to affect others for Christ.

Deal drastically with sin as a surgeon does with a cancerous tumour.

You gain by losing.

It was Billy Sunday, the great evangelist of years gone by, said, 'One reason sin flourishes is that it is treated like a creampuff, instead of a rattlesnake.'

How far can I go?

The rabbis could not agree on their interpretation of the divorce law.

One school being lenient, and the other strict.

When you live by permission, you'll tend to follow those who tell you what you want to hear.

Our Lord led the Pharisees back to God's original plan and interpreted it for them.

How much can I keep?

The rich young man was looking for a bargain – the best of both worlds.

But he was doomed to failure.

At Calvary, there was no bargaining.

Just Jesus giving His all.

How much will we get?

Jesus promises to reward all who faithfully follow Him.

But He warns against having rewards as your only motive for service.

If you are His disciple - expect a cross, a cup and a baptism.

The servant is not greater than his Lord.

The only important question is how much can we give?

Calvary: the place was JC was crucified