Living Daily in the Word
40x
2012
7 DAY SUPPLY
Week #4
Connecting on Purpose: Living or Stumbling?
Day 1—Monday, September 24
Connecting on Purpose: Living or Stumbling?
“Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your Name.”
Mark 9:38
The Name of Jesus is where we start. In the first century the issue of
demonic possession was far more significant than the plot line of a scary movie.
Many of the things which afflicted and troubled people were attributed to a “spirit”
or “demon” whose purpose was contrary to God’s. Demons had real power over
people’s life and health. Naming the demon was an important first step (much
like knowing and naming that which oppresses, afflicts and troubles us). Even
more important for health, for life and for wholeness was naming a name which
had more power or authority than that which was producing the dysfunction or
un-health. They believed there was real power in the name. (“Everyone who calls
on the Name of the Lord will be saved.” Joel 2:32)
“Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your Name…” = Jesus
The Name of Jesus is where we start. Jesus’ Name carried power. Jesus’
Name carried authority. Because Jesus is God’s Messiah, God’s Chosen One.
He is the Word of God made flesh and among us bringing the healing and
transforming power of sacrificial love. In the Name of Jesus there is health,
comfort, relief, access to God the Father and more. Jesus had sent the disciples
out to preach, teach and heal in His Name. They had discovered that Jesus’
Name had power to open doors, release chains and grant health.
“Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your Name…” = Jesus
As a Christian, does it inspire you to see and hear someone using the
Name of Jesus to bring health? Does it inspire and encourage you to know that
people are sneaking Bibles into countries which have “outlawed” the Name of
Jesus? Does it move you to know that people are working in St. Louis to end
homelessness in the Name of Jesus? That, in spite of opposition to His Name,
love is shared, comfort is given, life is defended, compassion is encouraged? His
is a powerful Name! “Teacher….”
Day 2—Tuesday, September 25 Connecting on Purpose: Living or Stumbling?
“Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your Name,
and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”
Mark 9:38
“Not following us.” Otherwise translated, “not one of us.” Are we in
competition with other Christians? Or, do we share a common purpose? Which is
more important, building OUR reputation and following, or proclaiming the Name
of Jesus?
So many things come to mind when I hear the report of the disciples and
what I would call their “knee-jerk”, instinctive response, “We tried to stop him
because he was not following us.” Most of the things which come to mind lead
me to confession and prayer:
+ I’m sorry, Lord, for my need to be in control which has led to quenching Your
Spirit at work in others.
+ I’m sorry, Lord, that I have put barriers between me and those who are
potential partners in Your Name.
+ I’m sorry, Lord, when I have made “me,” “mine,” “ours” and “us” more important
than recognizing all the brothers and sisters I have in Your Name.
+ I’m sorry, Lord, for acting as if my church’s franchise has the only “true”
answers to life’s questions.
+ I’m sorry, Lord, for the ways I’ve made Your Kingdom smaller by acting as if my
criteria and judgments are the most important thing for Your Mission.
+ Help me, Lord, to see that “our things” often disconnect us from one another
(and ultimately from You) while “Your thing,” Your Spirit, Your Name, unifies and
builds us up.
+ Help me, Lord, to recognize that “we,” “mine” and “us” language (which are
used to exclude) is more likely to make us stumble while “Your Way” is inclusive
and expansive and contributes to our healthy walk.
+ Help me, Lord, to encourage and applaud those who speak Your Name to this
broken world no matter who they are. Amen.
Day 3—Wednesday, September 26
Connecting on Purpose: Living or Stumbling?
“A Cup of Water” and “The Reward”
“For truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink
because you bear the Name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.” Mark 9:41
First thing to think about. What’s the “reward”? I suppose some might say
it’s Heaven. Maybe it’s eternal life. Maybe you and I receive a blessing from God
when we bless others. Perhaps God will “prosper” us if we behave according to
His example in Jesus. What if the reward is a “pre-paid promise”? What if the
reward is the blessing and abundant life which God has already promised and
given, which Jesus’ guarantees? What if the reward is both a present and a
future thing which I, you, we already have by virtue of Who Jesus is and what
His Name means? (i.e. God Saves)
Second thing to think about. What’s the “cup of water”? On one of our 100
plus degree days this summer a “cup of water” was almost the most refreshing,
life giving thing for which you could have asked. One afternoon, Terry asked me
to pour a bucket of water over her. When I did, she said, “Thank you so much!”
“A cup of water” is both a simple gift and a profound symbol. Water is essential
for life. Water is a refreshing sign. Free water in a thirsty land is the essence of
hospitality and openness to the stranger.
Third thing to think about. What’s the “cup of water” got to do with “We
saw someone casting out demons in Your Name, Jesus”? Were the disciples
trying to stop someone from living out the blessing and the power of Jesus in
their life? Was that one who was “casting out demons” offering a “cup of water” in
the best way he could? He wasn’t going to lose the reward. He was giving it
away and growing in it at the same time!
It seems to me that when we’re talking about the blessing of God’s love
and mercy and power, we can’t lose what we give away. The Blessing multiplies!
The one who pours water over us on a blistering hot day, because they
recognize Christ in us, can’t lose the blessing and grace they already have. Don’t
stop them.
Day 4—Thursday, September 27 Connecting on Purpose: Living or Stumbling?
Take a deep breath. Let it out. Get ready for a challenging one—Mark
9:43-47.
“If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off;
it is better to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.
And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off;
It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell.
And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out;
It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be
thrown into hell.”
Hyperbole is an overstatement to make a point. I spend the day with my
wife, daughter and grandson and when it’s over I say to them, “This has been
absolutely the greatest day of my life!” Hyperbole—to tell them I appreciate their
time, presence and love.
We saw a child being mistreated at the store a few weeks ago. My wife
said, “That just kills me.” Hyperbole—to express just how much little children
mean to her.
Jesus says, if something in your life (for example: hand, foot, eye) “causes
you to stumble = sin (that is; pull you away from God and from God’s vitality in
your life) you’d be better off severing that part of your body (that part of your life).
Hyperbole—to say nothing inside you or outside of you is more important than
your relationship, connection and walk with God.
Jesus used a Jewish hyperbole to make the point. Nothing is more
important than our life in God. Nothing is more important than our “walk” with
God. Jesus doesn’t want us to “stumble”.
I can imagine Jesus saying, “When I see God’s children stumble, it just
kills Me.” Is that hyperbole?
Day 5—Friday, September 28
Connecting on Purpose: Living or Stumbling?
A Pinch of Salt (part 1)
Jesus didn’t only teach in parables, those wonderful little stories which
offered images of God’s Kingdom (mustard seed, seeds growing in the good soil,
the prodigal sons and father). Jesus also spoke short sayings which stuck in the
minds and hearts of His followers. They lived in His Word. They let His sayings
marinate in their hearts and minds. Mark 9:49-50 has three sayings about salt.
They don’t necessarily make the same point. I imagine Jesus using these
sayings at many times, that’s why they were remembered. These were lumped
together by Mark because they were all about salt.
“Everyone will be salted with fire.” Mark 9:49
Salt was added to every sacrifice offered to God. Such salt was called the
“Salt of the Covenant.” (Numbers 18:9) At first, it sounds like the priests were
instructed to “add flavor” to the “burnt offerings.” But salt was a significant and
valuable material in those days. It was used as flavoring, preservative, insulation
and much more. Salt was so valuable that many people paid their debts in salt!
“Salting” something meant the salt-er was adding value.
We often think of fire as a “destructive force”. Think of the fires out west or
the fires which start many news broadcasts. In the Scriptures, fire was used for
purification. The impurities inside of metals such as silver or gold were melted
away with fire making the metals more valuable and precious.
Jesus said, “Everyone will be salted with fire”
Might Jesus mean to tell us; experiences which serve to burn or melt away
the impurities of our lives can actually add value to our lives and make us more
precious? How have you been salted with fire?
Day 6—Saturday, September 29 Connecting on Purpose: Living or Stumbling?
A Pinch of Salt (part 2)
“Salt is good.; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it?”
Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.
Mark 9:50
It doesn’t take much salt to flavor my scrambled eggs. It doesn’t take
much salt to give a little kick to a lot of foods. But what if salt loses its saltiness?
Well, then it’s not good for very much, is it? Jesus asks the question that
generates the response, “Huh?” I can’t imagine salt that isn’t salty. Salt-less, salt
isn’t.
I can’t re-salt salt-less salt. I can’t re-energize dead batteries (unless
they’re rechargeable then I plug them back in.) I can’t refill empty toothpaste
tubes. Can I, can you, restore the Spirit in our lives? Can we remake ourselves
when we’ve tarnished the image of God in us? Can we recharge ourselves?
Huh?
But I believe that Jesus can. How would I season salt-less salt? I’d give it
back to God and say, “Lord, can You do something with this?” And when I’m
feeling low on the Spirit, I turn to the Lord and say, “Come, Holy Spirit. Come.
Renew. Restore. Re-Boot.” Plug back in and wait for the power of Jesus’ love,
forgiveness and mercy to renew. When I see someone “disconnected” from the
source of life, it’s an opportunity for me to be salt, to be the renewing flow of God
to them, for them. I believe that Jesus is the “re-salter” of salt-less salt.
Thank God!
Day 7—Sunday, September 30
Connecting on Purpose: Living or Stumbling?
“Are there any among you suffering? They should pray.
Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.
Are any sick among you? They should call for the elders of the church
and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the Name of the Lord.
The prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise them up;
and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.”
James 5:13-15
We are not created to be “Lone Rangers”. (Even he had his partner Tonto)
We were created for connection, partnership and common purpose. The Church
exists for us to live our lives together. The Church exists to live and walk together
IN CHRIST. The Church is the Body of Christ living, caring, sharing, celebrating,
suffering, praying and praising TOGETHER! We are connecting our lives
together on purpose because that fulfills God’s Word and will.
Notice that with James’ words, highs and lows are shared together within
the Body of Christ. Just as Jesus bore our sin on the cross. Just as Jesus shared
our life, our joys and our sorrows in His life. We care and share together with one
another.
Jesus said, “...for no one who does a deed of power in My Name will be able soon afterward to
speak evil of Me.”
Mark 9:39
One of the most powerful moments I have experienced was the day when
three men gathered around me, laid their hands and prayed for me when I was
going through a very difficult time in my life. Another powerful moment was when
a brother in Christ laid both hands on my shoulders and spoke directly to me just
before I had to lead a very difficult funeral. They shared Christ with me. They
shared the POWER of Jesus’ love and promise and they knew it. I was able
because they brought Christ to me in those moments. These were deeds of
power. The power of love. We walked together in Christ on purpose. That’s what
I call living! None of us can speak evil of Jesus after those moments.