Ephesians 6:1-4 - The Vocation of Parents and Children

Ephesians 6:1-4

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Message: The Vocation of Parents and Children

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying: Each believer, each follower of Jesus, is commissioned to have a vocation. In one of the first foundational messages for this series of lessons on vocation, I looked at I Peter 2:9 where each of us is set aside--like the priest of Israel was--to serve the Lord. All of us. As today's passage mentions, both children and adults have a vocation in their positions, in their roles. 

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." He quotes the 5th commandment - Exodus 20:12 -- “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you." (Also repeated in Deuteronomy 5:16 - "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the Lord your God gives you.") And yet in this obedience it is "in the Lord." Obedience is according to the Lord's ways so children are not to engage in sinful ways that the parents may lead. 

Why? Or rather, what will be the outcome? Life will be better for the child that obeys. Days will be prolonged. Life will be better for those who are obedient, but they also need to have parents that put forth Godly principles. 

And so also the parents have a role - "do not provoke your children to anger." I know I did not do a good job with this one. One of my bigger regrets in life is the anger I modeled and struggled with in my life while the kids were growing up and the anger that I then passed along and see displayed in them to this day. It is hard. I think I was ready to be a husband but not sure I knew how to be a father. I should have gotten more help in this. I missed out. My kids are only the way they are because hopefully they ignored me and they learned the opposite way. I made issues too big. I would rather have a do over. The words of Tabletalk mark my failure further - Don't set expectations on them they cannot fulfill. I tried. I set up rules, but only wanted 100% obedience. I think I was only doing things right when I was coaching them, but I never coached Tyson except for the 3v3. 

O God, make what I did wrong, right. I do know your mercy is key. 

Summary: Children are to obey parents and in the process their life will be better off. Parents are to not provoke their children to anger, setting reasonable expectations for them. 

Promise: Parents should strive to clearly communicate their expectations and make sure that these expectations are reasonable. 

Prayer: Lord, you know my failures. I see those failures in my memories and it pains me. I know there were good times, but I hate the memories of my toughness, my not smiling, my strange expectations. Heal me and heal those kids of mine. Help them stand up and take hold of the good memories. Lord, help my children be much better parents than I was. At least Lord, they know the wrong way. Thank you for the good parents you gave me and the great mom I had and the great provider my father was to me and the great love they always showed us. 

Genesis 17 - Baptism and Children

Genesis 17 - 10 This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you, every male among you shall be circumcised...11...it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations...14 But an uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant. 

Message: Baptism and Children

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying: Well, this is a lesson I have been wanting to understand for some time. I have always wondered why infants are baptized. For me, a person growing up in a very Catholic heavy state of New Mexico, USA, baptism of infants was common, but later in my life, probably just 10 years ago in discovering the Reformed church and to found out that noted scholars such as RC Sproul also signed on to and agreed with infant baptism has been startling to me. And honestly I had never really taken the time to try to understand their position. 

Today's lesson states that while this issue is controversial today or rather there is clear opposition for it, 500 years ago, at the time of the Reformation while there may have been differences in theology, Anglicans, Lutherans and Reformers all agreed that baptism can be administered to those who profess faith and their children. 

I started to understand this as I did the lesson before the last when Paul showed the similarity between circumcision and baptism. In that lesson and seeing that baptism is really the new testament circumcision it made me think that infant baptism is in line with circumcision of the past. And the first point being that if circumcision occurred both before and after a person made a belief in God then this would mean baptism, if it has a link to circumcision is a sacrament that could be administered either before or after a person is saved or regenerated. 

In today's passage, this act of circumcision was given to Israel to speak of a sign of the covenant between God and man. It was something that happened to all the members of a family chosen by God. It was not for pagans but for his chosen people or nation. I am reminded of that verse from Joshua 24:15 which ends with, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Perhaps that idea of the leader of the family making the statement that his house will serve the Lord means that children are to be included in this sign of regeneration. Acts 16:15 also records the statement, "And when she and her household had been baptized" which gives the idea that the children were included in baptism.  

Many think that if the new testament does not repeat something from the old Testament then it doesn't apply, but what if rather the Old Testament begins the standard and unless the New Testament speaks otherwise then the ways of the Old Testament remain? It is possible it would seem. 

Think about Matthew 5:17-20 -- 

17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

If Christ did not abolish the Law but fulfill it and we are not to annul its commands but rather continue to teach them. 

This is an interesting perspective. It is way different from how I have been raised and taught to think. This doesn't nullify baptism by immersion at an older age when someone is converted for the first time, but it does give the idea that baptism by a child is because the Christian household is commissioned toward Christ and it is a sign of regeneration to all. 

Summary: Baptism can include children of a believing parent to provide evidence of the sign of regeneration for the entire family. 

Promise: To baptize only those who have professed faith may run the risk of making baptism more about our response to God than about God's initiative to saving us. 

Prayer: God, thank you for continuing to teach me through Your Word and helping me better understand the meaning of your word and how it is applied, yet in many different ways by people all called by you and part of the visible church. Yet, Lord, there seems to be only one way and yet different takes on what that one way is, which seems to be normal. Help me to be one that hones in You and always affirms You as My Savior and Lord. Give me continued wisdom. Thank you for where you have placed me but also allowing me to see and understand Your Word in its different applications. Continue to confirm yourself to Me and draw Me closer to you. Show me how I am to respond. 

My Utmost for His Highest - April 29th - The Graciousness of Uncertainty

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. - I John 3:2

    Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says--"Well, supposing I were in that condition. . . ." We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in.

    Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest. He packs our life with surprises all the time. [When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our belief about Him.] Jesus said, "Except ye . . . become as little children. (Matthew 18:3)" Spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and serve and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.

 
    "Believe also in Me, (John 14:1)" said Jesus, not--"Believe certain things about Me." Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Remain loyal to Him.

- From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition.

My thoughts

There can be grace in not knowing what happens next. I like certainty. I like a plan. I like a schedule. I like routine. Those are all certainties. But is there room in my life for uncertainty? Also, in my life and the way I define doctrine and truth and thinking I know who God is, I think I almost be careful. I don't want to be a person that says I have it all figured out. I want to remain surprised by Him and what He is teaching me each step of the way. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - The Clarity of Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:6-9
6 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Message: The Clarity of Scripture

Time: Moses wrote the Book of Deuteronomy. It is a collection of sermons given during the 40-day period prior to Israel’s entering the Promised Land. He restates the Law to a new generation and provides a discourse on how to live a blessed life in the Promised Land. The year was 1406 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

As I have looked at and studied the doctrine of revelation, that God has provided to us this special revelation from Him, I have seen that He has spoken and we can take the Words of God as being His authoritative Word to us. It is complete and provides us what we need to live life. As we read these words we meet God. We know Him better and He becomes more real to us. They are spoken to apostles and prophets over many years and yet have a consistent message - redeeming mankind and showing us how much God loves us. God has also revealed himself in a general way through His creation. It testifies of who He is and hopefully causes us to look at ourselves and see that we are not God but that we are sinners in need of a Savior. The Bible is inerrant. It does not return void but has power. It stands above all other words that people claim to be scripture.

So why do we have so many religions? Why so many beliefs? The claim that all of these different ways lead to the same God is wrong and impossible for they all have different messages and requirements. So how do I read these words and make sense of them? Thankfully, as believers we have the Holy Spirit who is there to give us understanding into these truths.

I believe these words are meant to be clear to us. I personally think that what we struggle with is simply reading them and spending time in them. Instead we look for shortcuts or other people to do the work for us and so we then accept their interpretation, if we think it makes sense. But instead there needs to be a clarity of Scripture.

In this passage in Deuteronomy in which Moses is given a sermon to his people, a lesson about the law, he states that These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons. The Word of God is meant to reside on our hearts. It is meant to be memorized and retrieved from our memory. It is to be taught to our children and therefore it can be understood by our children, thus the content is simple and understandable. I hear often of people that have come to trust in Jesus as their Savior at a young age. My wife was 4 when she made this decision. I was 14. It is a message that is simple and can be understood. Ordinary people can have an understanding of these words. God impacts the uneducated, the unlearned. I am reminded that in Moses days people didn't carry around Bibles, but instead Words were memorized and carried through memory.

In addition, these words are not simply read or taught once a week, on a Sunday, in a church, but we are to talk about them throughout the week. It says you shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. Thus, throughout the day they are to be on our lips - wherever we go, with whomever we are with. To further add to this point Moses says You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. These words are not hidden, but in view. Am I proud of the word of God or do I sometimes hide it from view? It needs to be clearly laid out for all to see. It also says You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Again, for all to see.

It is true that some passages are difficult to understand, but overall one should easily be able to understand the basic message of salvation and what it is that pleases the Lord.

Promise: This is not a puzzle or a book of secret codes, but rather a book of clarity that all can understand. The Bible can be understood by anyone who puts in the basic effort to read it in its context. God's message to us is clear.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Word of God that you have give us and its clear message to me. Thank you that I can understand how much you love us, how much you desire to spend eternity with me, that I am a sinner, in need of your grace and redemption. Lord, I pray that my life testifies of this word. Help me to write it on my life, to speak it throughout the day, to put up signs around my house, to let everyone know that I live by the Word of God. It is power for my life and not something to be hidden, but to be broadcast to everyone. Lord, forgive me for hiding it at times. I want to honor and glorify Your name continually.


Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with February being about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve.

Mark 12:18-24 - The Sadducees Ask About Marriage

Mark 12:18-24
18 Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) *came to Jesus, and began questioning Him, saying, 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves behind a wife and leaves no child, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother. 20 There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children. 21 The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children; and the third likewise; 22 and so all seven left no children. Last of all the woman died also.23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.” 24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?

Message: The Sadducees Ask About Marriage

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been speaking to Jewish leaders and other religious leaders in his time in Jerusalem: chief priests, scribes, elders, Pharisees, Herodians. All of them have been critical of Jesus and His teaching. Jesus has been in Jerusalem about 4 days now.

All of these different voices must mean that even within bible based faiths there were (and are) many different voices and beliefs and different ways of practicing those faiths. The Sadducees were a first-century Jewish sect that stressed the power of our free will and believed theology could be based only on the first five books of the Bible. They did not believe in resurrection as they don't find that this subject was addressed in the first five books of the Bible. Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) *came to Jesus, and began questioning Him. They came to Jesus with an imaginary question which, they thought, would reduce to an absurdity the doctrine of the immortality of the soul (never to cease) and the resurrection of the flesh. Jesus' response to them was focused then on a proper understanding of the scripture. Jesus often went back to examine the true meaning of what had been stated in the Scripture. He will prove that the doctrine of the resurrection is clearly taught.

The focus of Jesus seems to be less about the resurrection and more about the immortality of the soul and a future state of rewards and punishments.

From verses 19-23 the case is put forth. I am amazed at the detail that Mark addresses here with this question. The Sadducees address the question of a child that is born to the wife of seven brothers. After each brother died the next brother took on the role of marrying the wife. In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her. And Jesus responds clearly - Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? The Sadducces had a failure to know the scriptures.

Even in this age, I do think we fail to clearly understand the Bible or fail to accept what it states. We would much rather reason with our own intellect and our own interpretation of things. Yet, it is difficult to understand the context of a passage and then whether that principle was for a time period of for all time periods. This seems to be one of the struggles people have in interpreting scripture. Culture evolves and changes and as it does, some expect the theology to change as well.

Summary - The Sadducees, like the Pharisees, Herodians, Chief Priests and scribes before them have come to Jesus with a question. Jesus is in Jerusalem, on the heels of his soon death and resurrection. But how that will occur is an unknown to the disciples. They continue to follow Him and sometimes they themselves are a part of the questions. Here the question is resurrection and how it applies to a married couple and specifically whose child born to a living brother and wife belongs to given the fact that this is not the first husband of that wife. Mosaic law prescribed that a man was to marry his brother's wife if his brother were to die without producing an heir with that wife. And then, though the Sadducees don't believe in the resurrection, the question is what will the relationship of the wife with a child and husband look like upon the resurrection.

Promise: If we are going to know the truth, we must know the Bible. It holds the answers to life.

Prayer: Lord, thank  you for being true to your scripture and giving light to darkness. Lord, help to understand what you are teaching me in this passages about You, about Your message and what it looks like to me today.

Mark 10:31 - The Right-Side-Up Kingdom

Mark 10:31
But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.

Message:  The right-side-up kingdom.

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface -  Jesus has concluded this lesson on salvation by reminding his audience that the heart must leave behind all that it holds dear and go in the opposite way. And we need to realize that persecution may come. And the reward for this type of commitment is eternal life. 

Jesus continues to speak in a way that is different. He started chapter 10 talking about marriage and basically that a man and woman, when brought together by the Lord, will make the extra effort to stay together. He then remarks the favor he places on little children. They are indeed precious and important to him when often they are glossed over in the world. And then he speaks to the idea that all must be surrendered to him, even in our money, if we are truly going to be his followers. 

This passage now centers on a very small verse - But many first will be last, and the last, first. 
Again, at first glance, this passage does not make any sense. In a race, the last finishers are not first, they are last. In a race, the first finishers are not last, but they are first. So, how are we supposed to understand this from Jesus?

Jesus provides these words on the heels of his message to the disciples and followers and even the rich young ruler about the how salvation happens, how entrance to the kingdom of God occurs. It is a conclusion of that message by saying the first will be last and the last first. DeGarmo and Key wrote a song called All the Losers Win. It is this idea that those who are often considered last in this world will be first in the Kingdom of God (the poor, the children). When we forsake all and follow Him sometimes we give up our riches to do this.

Summary - Jesus wants to express something to his disciples and followers and that is His way is different, unique from the worlds way and when we love others the way he has loved us, hopefully they people will see that we are different. In this lesson, the last are first. It is not the wealthy that automatically enter the kingdom of God as wealth can make you feel like you are in need of nothing.

Promise: Our churches should look different to the world. We should have a way of conducting ourselves that stands out, rather than mirrors what we are seeing in the World.

Prayer: Lord, your messages are indeed different. They are unique. Help me God to be this type of person. Help me to be sensitive to my wife's needs and not to be so focused on fulfilling my needs. Lord, I am weak. I need your strength to help me through this type of living. I am a selfish creature that often thinks that getting my way is what will make me happy. But, serving others holds a greater role in our lives.

Mark 10:13-16 - Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child

Mark 10:13-16
13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Message: Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface -  Jesus continues teaching and instructing the disciples and his followers as he goes through Galilee. We not only have a personal faith, but our faith also has an affect on how we treat others and encourage them to grow in Christ and therefore Jesus admonishes us to consider those around us and be sensitive to their needs. This also applies in our marriages. And here Jesus addresses children.


Since Jesus has returned from the mountain where he was transfigured before 3 disciples with Moses and Elijah he has been teaching many different significant things. He is preparing people for his departure from earth, teaching them much.

• Mark 9:14-19 - Jesus Confronts a Faithless Generation - He remarks on the lack of faith among the disciples and followers because they can't deal with a boy who has been demon possessed. 
• Mark 9:20-24 - Help for Unbelief - He gives confirmation that the calling card of the Christian in getting Jesus to act is belief. 
• Mark 9:25-29 - Dependence on Christ - He reminds us that we must depend on Christ calling on Him through power for him to work. 
• Mark 9:30-32 - Teaching in Galilee - Jesus continues teaching through Galilee, namely that he will be killed and then rise from the grave 3 days later. 
• Mark 9:33-35 - Who is the Greatest? - We are reminded that greatness is found in being a servant, not necessarily being first. 
• Mark 9:36-37 - Receiving a Child in Jesus' Name - We need to receive those that are lesser than us, children, or not the rich and popular, to have God in our lives. 
• Mark 9:38-41 - On the Side of Jesus - The importance of living life and acting out things in the name of Jesus; being dependent on Him. 
• Mark 9:42 - Causing Others to Sin - The follower of Jesus is not simply focused on personal growth, but wants to make sure nothing in his life is causing another person to sin. 
• Mark 9:43-50 - The Unquenchable Fire of Hell - There is a seriousness of offending others and other causing others to sin or ourselves, and this consequence is hell. 
• Mark 10:1-9 - The One Flesh Union - God joins a husband and wife together and we do not simply abandon it when it no longer feels right. It is necessary to keep working at it. 
• Mark 10:10-12 - When God Allows Divorce - Adultery results when a man or woman marries another. Yet, immorality and an unbelieving spouse that leaves is warranted.

Like women, children did not hold a strong position in the community. In this lesson Jesus talks about the goal to receive the kingdom of God, not acquiring it, achieving it, making it happen on earth, or exercising a strenuous effort to get it, but receiving it. The situation that brought this upon Jesus was that they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them. Obviously, children were coming to Jesus for favor or help or healing, but the disciples, taking on the position perhaps that children should be dismissed rebuked them. The children were innocent and had needs like everyone else.

Jesus responds and shows that they are no different from anyone else and even that they have a special position. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them." Permit them and do not hinder them. Children possess something that adults do not. They have an innocence and a dependence on others. Adults tend to think they are self-sufficient, with no needs and they have it all figured out. Even the disciples and followers of Jesus I think have this tendency. To realize that we have needs I think paints a picture that we are weak.

Yet, Jesus states something radical - the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus gives this idea that the kingdom of God which is what people want belongs not to the self-sufficient, but instead to the children. It belongs to those that still act like a child in believing that they do not have it all figured out. Jesus spoke often of the kingdom of God and it is a central message of his as something that we are to be about. Many times he speaks of the goal for us to be children of God. It seems we are to be children of God in the kingdom of God where we are recognizing God as our king. If we want the kingdom of God we must be like a child.

Thus, Jesus emphasizes the significance of this with the words Truly I say to you. I think Jesus is saying something even more significant when he uses the words, "Truly." It is almost maybe a point of divinity like he has first hand knowledge of what he is saying.

Mark 3:28 - Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men. 
Mark 8:12 - Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation. 
Mark 9:1 - Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.
Mark 9:41 -  For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.

I think Truly is a strong word that Jesus uses to make a point of emphasis. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all. Again, the point here is 'we receive' the kingdom of God. For instance, it says in John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. This is not about achieving or working towards, but receiving. This is open hands out and receiving.  

And the manner in which receive is like a child. Thus, there is innocence in the way we receive it. There is the recognition that we are still in need. That we don't have it all figured out. That we are dependent on God. This is the type of person that receives the kingdom of God. And if it is not like a child then Jesus says the person will not enter it at all. That is really significant. If not like a child then not at all.  

Mark concludes this lesson with Jesus And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. This is the impact that Jesus has on the little children. 

Summary -  Jesus has been teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. Here he remarks that to enter the kingdom of God we must be like a child - innocent, dependent, in need of someone greater than us.

Promise: We come into the kingdom only by admitting that we have nothing to give, that all we can do is rely on Christ for grace and forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord, I am thankful these messages and truths that we have recorded in the Bible about you. Thank you for leading me to this study so that I can better understand your message to me. Lord, I pray that you would give me that simple recognition always that I am ever dependent on you, that I come to you with nothing to give but am utterly dependent on You. Lord, help me to counsel others on these truths.

Mark 9:42 - Causing Others to Sin

Mark 9:42
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.

Message: Causing Others to Sin

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface - As they continue in Capernaum, John the Apostle mentions to Jesus that someone is casting out a demon in Jesus' name and yet that person is not part of their group. Jesus calls out and says that being part of their group is not what sets people apart as followers of Him or being for him or not followers or not for Him - but instead the issue is are they doing things in Jesus' name. Are they acting in God's name? Thus, we need to look at the fruit, the people group they are in.

This verse continues to emphasize the way we relate to one another. I'm reminded of Jesus and the two commands he gave to us - Love God and Love One Another. Both of these are related on engaging on others, outside of ourselves. Previously, it has been stated by Jesus that we need to be considerate of those of a lower social class and not show favoritism just to the popular or the highly respected. And we also need to be focused not on which group a person is a part of, but instead how they follow Jesus. For Jesus will reward those that treat others well.

And now here are words more specifically about how we might lead others to sin. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea. Immediately, I'm reminded of these verses from Paul. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (Philippians 2:3) and Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger (Ephesians 6:4). It amazes me how the words we see from Paul often are not anything different, but often just more clearly define the words from Jesus. 

But, back to this verse from Mark. Jesus basically says that if we cause someone to stumble, then impending death would be a better outcome for us. These are strong words by Jesus. Am I encouraging growth in others or rather impeding their growth? Deception is a powerful force in our world today. People are being swayed away from real truth by elders and teachers that influence people in the wrong direction. That is a scary thing that is happening today. 

Summary - As they continue in Capernaum, Jesus emphasizes to his disciples another key word about the importance of how we treat others - having already mentioned people's social status, looking at their fruit not their grouping, and the rewards that will come from this - and now he emphasizes that in no way are we to cause another person to stumble. For doing this would result in a horrific path of death.   

Promise: From Tabletalk - The children of God are immeasurably loved by Him, and He will not take kindly to any who lead them astray or cause them to sin.

Prayer: Lord, help me to others be sensitive to others and never to take any one for granted.