Today’s chapter is Mark 9

Tom writes:

I know only too well the volcano of awkwardness that would have spewed up inside each of the disciples when Jesus asked them what they were talking about on the road. It’s that moment when you realise what a dufus you are for thinking that this stuff is about you and your reputation. Jesus turns all that posturing on its head and reinstates the Father at the top of the pyramid. I think the problem is that the disciples haven’t yet realised how important Jesus is. Peter thinks Jesus is just about on a par with Moses and Elijah, a present day super holy prophet of God. But Jesus is several levels above that. That bomb of revelation still needs to go off in Peter’s brain. Does it need to go off in yours? If you are still groping around for human reputation then it probably does. Quieten yourself down and listen to Him. The disciples also haven’t grasped the immensity of the resources that Jesus has given them. They know they can cast out a few demons but when a tricky case presents itself they begin to wonder whether they have met their match. They haven’t let it sink into their soul that nothing is impossible with God, that through prayer all the unrivalled power of the Kingdom can be accessed and dispensed by them.

It’s the same problem manifesting itself in a different way. When we make this stuff about us we worry what we can manage, we keep on pitting ourselves against others - whether they be friends or demons. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus and realise the enormity of his power we realise everything is possible. And when we perceive the pre-eminence of his position no-one else’s power (ours included) seems to matter a penny. So let’s embrace our position as servants of the Son. I am just a servant of Jesus. I’m just spare change in his pocket for him to spend however he wants. And every evil Spirit is also like a penny that Jesus can throw out with a simple flick of his fingers. Jesus is the greatest, and everything ultimately must bow to him. So why don’t we choose to live that truth now - praying and working to ensure that whatever we do, however big or however small - is all in honour of Him, to please Him and to be rewarded by Him when he returns with his angels.

Question for reflection

The attention you give the Son determines who you become. How is your vision of Jesus changing you?

More resources are for you at www.anewtestamentjourney.net

Paperback and eBook versions of the devotional available at https://amzn.eu/d/0tDbKny

Mark 9 - Friday 12th April