Tuesday, April 8 — Psalm 45:1-9, Leviticus 2,3; Mark 1:9-20
CLICK HERE FOR THE READINGS
S (Scripture): Mark 1:9-10
9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.
O (observation): God breaks through to God's people in the Baptism of God's son.
A (Application): In the Gospel of Mark, the word used for splitting apart has a more drastic feel to it. The word means torn apart or permanent tearing. The same word is used at Jesus crucifixion and dying when the Temple curtain tears in two. When something is torn apart it can never go back to the way it was. That very paradox is something we struggle with to practice in following Jesus. 'Lord, I want to follow you but please keep everything in tack just as it is." I want a renewed life but I don't want to give up the one I have.
I went to see the dentist this morning. I never like going to the dentist but after working on my teeth, cleaning away the tartar, polishing and flossing, the dentist and the hygienist told me that I needed to change my brushing habits and my approach to taking care of my teeth. Certainly not what I wanted to hear. But as my hygienist said "somethings gotta change." Probably a good description of God breaking through to God's people by sending God's only son, in Baptism and Crucifixion.
P (prayer): Lord, help me follow you. Help me recognize the tearing apart of the way things were so that things may be the way you intend.
CLICK HERE FOR THE READINGS
S (Scripture): Mark 1:9-10
9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.
O (observation): God breaks through to God's people in the Baptism of God's son.
A (Application): In the Gospel of Mark, the word used for splitting apart has a more drastic feel to it. The word means torn apart or permanent tearing. The same word is used at Jesus crucifixion and dying when the Temple curtain tears in two. When something is torn apart it can never go back to the way it was. That very paradox is something we struggle with to practice in following Jesus. 'Lord, I want to follow you but please keep everything in tack just as it is." I want a renewed life but I don't want to give up the one I have.
I went to see the dentist this morning. I never like going to the dentist but after working on my teeth, cleaning away the tartar, polishing and flossing, the dentist and the hygienist told me that I needed to change my brushing habits and my approach to taking care of my teeth. Certainly not what I wanted to hear. But as my hygienist said "somethings gotta change." Probably a good description of God breaking through to God's people by sending God's only son, in Baptism and Crucifixion.
P (prayer): Lord, help me follow you. Help me recognize the tearing apart of the way things were so that things may be the way you intend.
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