Thursday, September 17, 2009

Daily Reading: Mark 12-13

Reading Through the Bible in a Year!
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3 comments:

  1. johnaraulersonSeptember 17, 2009 at 6:14 AM

    Mark 12:43-44 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

    How many of us can truly say that we have given the Lord “all that we had?” Most of us, if we are honest with ourselves, are much more like the rich givers who gave out of their abundance rather than the poor widow who gave all. Jesus makes it clear that it is not the amount given but the sacrifice by which we give; and it is not about our bank account but our heart. The widow gave all her livelihood, therefore she could give no more. She emptied herself not knowing where her next meal would come. She placed her total dependence upon God believing that if she was faithful to Him, then He would be faithful to her. A key to this passage is that Jesus already knew the accounts by which each giver had to draw upon. It is He in His sovereign will who has given to us whether it be great or small. He is not impressed with large gifts given from our abundance. Instead, He rejoices in the smallest of gifts which are given in sacrifice. Which are these givers were rich in Jesus’ eyes? Certainly, it was the poor widow. She is rich in the kingdom of heaven.

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  2. UnknownSeptember 17, 2009 at 10:40 AM

    Two phrases, "Beware of the scribes" and "Stay awake"

    Both phrases are focusing on the things in which people are watching. First, the scribes are looking for applause from men. They are fixed on the reception they receive from others. Remember, man looks at the outward appearance and Lord looks at the heart. The Lord himself condemns them and promises they will incur a greater judgment.

    The second phrase has us looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord. Our vision is on the signs of the times, but not so that we will dwell in the goings on of this earth, but only to use them as a gauge to tighten our focus on and anticipate the hope of our Lord. Be on guard and keep awake for the coming of the Lord is drawing closer.

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Mark 13:32 "But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows..."

    Too much to write on, but I'll stick with one thing that excites me. Take this or leave it.

    There are biblical studies on Jesus' fulfillment of the seven biblical feasts. His first coming, for instance, parallels beautifully with the first four spring feasts. By this I mean, Our Lord died on Passover, His sinless body was buried (Feast of Unleavened Bread), He arose in glory (Feast of First Fruits), and His Holy Spirit was ushered in at Pentecost.

    One might note that this leaves three fall feasts unaccounted for. I have read that His second coming is seen to be a direct fulfillment of these three.

    The first of the fall feasts, and the next feast on the calendar, is the Feast of Trumpets. (and the trump of God shall sound...) There is one thing that sets this feast apart from all the others; it begins on the first of the month.
    The Jews know the beginning of months by looking for the new moon, and watching for the sliver of a crescent. Therefore, it could never be known for certain the exact date of the Feast of Trumpets. NO ONE KNEW THE DAY OR THE HOUR.

    Lord, please make me humble. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may work while it is yet day, and look joyfully toward the skies.

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