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.
All too often I say more than I should and in the process say things I should not say, things that are hurtful, or that are boastful. I need to learn to speak less and listen more.
We have heard what God has done, but have we really listened? Our ancestors told us what happened, but still we think that it is through our own strength that we will be victorious. However, if we trust in our strength and in our weapons we will fail. It is only by God’s power that we will have victory over our enemies. I will not trust in my sword or by bow, nor in the strength of my arm. I will fully rely on God’s power to bring me the victory (which of course means that I can only be victorious in those battles which God calls me to fight).
This passage has a series of separate stories, each with their own point. In a way, there is a theme through all of these. That theme is, it’s not about me. Initially, I thought that the beginning of this passage was not part of that theme, but as I thought about it I realized that it did indeed fit into the theme. Jesus told the disciples that He was going to be killed and rise from the dead. The disciples did not understand what He meant and, rather than ask Him, they began arguing over which one of them was the most important (ad therefore could boss the rest around). When Jesus realized what they were talking about He told them that the most important person did not get to boss others around. No, the most important person served everybody else.
A little later, John came to Jesus and told Him that he had seen someone casting out demons in Jesus name. John said that he had told that person to stop because he was not one of them. Jesus told them that they were wrong to stop the man. At first reading, this seems like a completely different issue. However, once you realize why John told the man to stop, you see the connection. John told the man to stop because he was not part of the “right” club. He was not one of the disciples, that meant he was not “important” enough to use the power of Jesus’ name. Jesus’ answer to John tells us that we don’t get to act as gatekeepers to God. Our job is to bring the Gospel to people, not to decide who gets to approach God.
Then we have the account of Jesus’ teaching on divorce. Once again this seems to be about something else (and to a degree it is). But let’s look at what Jesus tells us. He tells us that marriage, and whether the marriage continues, is not about our desires and what we want. When we get married, it is no longer about us. It is about the marriage. God has joined us with someone. It is not up to us to decide if we want to be part of that union. As I said, all of these stories have one point. It is not about me. If I want to be important, than I need to put other’s needs before mine. If I want to act in the power of Jesus’ name, I don’t get to tell others that they can’t. If I get married, it’s not about what I want anymore. It’s not about me.
I know what I think about this passage, but I am having a little difficulty getting it to fit together in a coherent manner. So, I will ask you to forgive me if this comes out a little disjointed. Overall this passage emphasizes the importance of putting God first. Give to God from the best we have. When we harvest, give to God before we take for ourselves. Don’t give to God in order to avoid having to dispose of something we don’t want.