I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.
Those who look the other way, or excuse bad behavior have caused trouble just as if they had actively done so. Someone who reproves bad behavior may cause peace.
Let us remember to watch our behavior and our words in the presence of the ungodly. I will strive not to allow my behavior or words give unbelievers an excuse to not turn to God. However, I will not keep silent when I can praise the Lord. I will tell everyone of God’s goodness and remind them that life is short.
It is interesting to note that when Jesus began teaching in His home town of Nazareth the people were initially amazed by His teaching. However, they soon found reason to dismiss Him and His teachings because they knew His parents and His siblings. The passage tells us that as a result of their lack of faith Jesus was only able to perform a few minor miracles of healing in Nazareth. Mark does not say this, but I believe that the reason Jesus was able to perform so few miracles there was because few came to Him for them while He was there.
When Jesus left Nazareth and began going from village to village preaching He sent the Twelve out two by two to preach and cast out demons. What strikes me today is what He told them to do in those towns which did not welcome them or listen to them. He told them to “shake the dust off of their feet” as they left the town to show that they were leaving them to their fate. There comes a time when we need to “give up on” those who will not listen to the Gospel message. This reminds me of some of my friends who are struggling with problems in their lives. I try to explain to them how Christ is the answer to their struggles. Some of them are unwilling to listen. At some point, I need to tell them that if they will not turn to Christ I have no other answers for them.
The passage gives a description of dealing with communicable diseases in a society that had no real way of treating those diseases…quarantine. It then goes on to describe how to deal with fabric, leather, or animal hides which have become contaminated.