Mark 4

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, Oct 11: Mark 4

My favorite part of this chapter is at the end when Jesus calms the storm. What’s unique about Mark’s Gospel with regard to this story is the question the disciples ask: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (v38). The question takes us beyond a simple foxhole prayer, a “Lord, please save me!” prayer. The disciples ask a question that implies something about Christ’s character. “Don’t you care that we are dying?”

I suppose I like that because it resonates with my experience. Pain and sorrow and a variety of other circumstances can cause us to question God sometimes, to question His character. We find ourselves in the midst of the storm and fear takes hold. These professional fishermen spent a good part of their lives on the water, yet this storm is strong enough to have them fearing for their lives. And the circumstances of our lives can sometimes lead us to ask the same question of God that these disciples are asking: “Lord, are you there? Have you forgotten me? Do you care what I’m going through?”

But here’s the best part about those questions: they’re still directed to the right place. These questions may not sound very faithful — in fact, some of us might shudder at the thought of being so bold in our speech before God. Yet, in my opinion, these statements are beautiful, authentic expressions of faith precisely because they’re directed at God. The point of the story seems to be that we serve a God who is greater than any storm, greater than all creation even. With this in mind, I can find the strength to move forward in faith, trusting in Him to see me through, even while I ask tough questions.

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Mark 3

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Oct 10: Mark 3

As Jesus continues His ministry, He heals people of a variety of infirmities, including demon possession. This is perhaps one of the clearest demonstrations of His power to wage war “in the heavenly realms” as Paul will phrase it in Ephesians. Verses 11-12 tell us that on such occasions, the unclean spirits would see him and bow down, crying out, “You are the Son of God!” Even these demonic forces confess what all creation is longing and groaning to express: the sovereign lordship of Jesus (Romans 8; Philippians 2).

This is the ultimate point of decision the Gospel moves us all toward. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is named in v29 as the eternal sin, the unforgivable sin. Why? Because it entails a willful, decisive judgment that the work of the Spirit on Christ’s behalf is satanic. This is precisely what is happening in the context of Mark 3. And today, how often is Jesus perceived as a great teacher, as a moral example, as a spiritual guru? But this stops short of the ultimate reality. Paul says that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess the lordship of Christ. The only grievance that remains outstanding is to reject this truth that all creation is working toward.

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Mark 2

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, Oct 9: Mark 2

In Jesus’ day, there were myriad opinions on how the people of God were to live in anticipation of the coming Kingdom. The Zealots sought revolution through anarchy; the Sadduccees were notorious for compromise; the Pharisees preached cultural separation and purity; and the Essenes ran out in the desert as a means of completely withdrawing from society. Jesus basically refuses to walk in any of these paths, choosing instead the path of radical love and solidarity with the suffering.

Jesus demonstrates this radical love and identification with the sinner at every turn in chapter 2. He raises more than a few eyebrows by forgiving the sins of the paralytic before healing him physically. He dares to recline at the table of Matthew, surrounding himself with “pagans” and “public sinners” despite the pious judgment of the Pharisees: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And He willfully flaunts Pharisaical interpretations of Sabbath observance in light of the “new wine” of his Kingdom. In all of this, Jesus opposes the judgmental haughtiness of the “spiritual” leaders of Israel, instead siding with the common man, the sinner, the sick, the impaired, the lame, and all who have been oppressed by extraneous religious scaffolding — which the Pharisees perfected.

Solidarity with the suffering today takes many forms. Try living on less than $2 a day; literally billions of your fellow residents of the planet will do so today. Many of us take for granted that we will be able to eat anything we want whenever we want it. Solidarity insists that the reality is less abundant for our neighbors around the globe. Many of us take for granted our closets full of clothes and shoes as we enjoy the luxury of wardrobe options. Many in the world do not experience this excess. Solidarity seeks to wear the same article for several days in a row as a tangible reminder of the least of these.

In all of this, we find the thread of radical love and solidarity with the suffering alive among the followers of Jesus today.

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Mark 1

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, Oct 8: Mark 1

Christ’s first words in this Gospel: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel,” (v15). God’s eschatological (end time) reign stands at the heart of the ministry of Jesus. Here we see the future intersecting the present as God’s glorious Kingdom bursts forth through the ministry of Jesus.

We are right to speak of the Kingdom as a future reality, for it is yet to be fully consummated; evil has yet to be fully eradicated; and we’ve yet to experience the fullness of eternal life in the age to come. But we’re also right to speak of the Kingdom as a present reality, right here, in our midst. New life dawns amid brokenness and death, resurrection the motif of our fellowship. So the Kingdom comes to us much as Jesus comes to us: already and not yet, present but not complete. And we give thanks for our present condition with hearts fully anticipating the glories that await us in the Kingdom come.

With these words, Jesus foments a movement of God-activity in human history, a movement in which we are willing participants as we pray the words He left us: “Your Kingdom come, will be done, on earth as surely as in heaven.”

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MLB Playoff Predictions 2012

Posted on October 7, 2012 by Jason

Well, I hoped to post this yesterday, but I didn’t have the chance. This will be brief, but here are my playoff predictions:

Yankees over O’s
Baltimore has been a great story and I really hope they can pull the upset here, but my gut tells me the Yanks advance. But believe me, I would love to be wrong about this one. CC is the best pitcher in this series and he might pitch twice. This, Yanks in five.

Tigers over A’s
Another one I hope I get wrong. But I have to think Verlander, Prince, and the AL MVP will be enough to carry Detroit. But Oakland is scrappy and I’d love to see them advance. How great would it be to have a “small market” ALCS with Baltimore and Oakland? Too bad I’m too chicken to pick it! Tigers in five.

Nats over Cards
I know. I’m a Cards fan. But the Nationals were 10 games better than us over 162. Without Strasburg, they’re definitely not as imposing. But Gio, Jordan Zimmerman and a stellar bullpen should give Washington a distinct advantage over my boys. Nats in four.

Reds over Giants
I think the winner of this series goes on to win the whole thing. Cincy has a solid rotation, a veteran offense, and a lights out bullpen. With Washington depleted by the Strasburg shutdown, these are the two best teams in the league. SF won’t go down without a fight; NL MVP Buster Posey will see to that. But this one will go down to the wire. Reds in five.

ALCS: Yankees in six
NLCS: Reds in seven
Series: Reds in six

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Philemon

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, Oct 5: Philemon

“…I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” (v6)

This verse has quickly become one of my favorites. As followers of Jesus, we are sharers — sharers of the tremendous gift we have been given. We have received a blessing from God, but God intends for us to in turn BECOME a blessing to others. In essence, we exist for the benefit of the world, that others might see our faith and come to full knowledge of every good thing that is ours in Christ.

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2 Corinthians 13

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, Oct 4: 2 Cor 13

This final chapter wraps up Paul’s letter. He speaks again of weakness — a surprising theme of the Gospel as Paul proclaims it. But weakness is never the final word for the God of all strength. “For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God,” (v4). This truth animates us forward in the strength of the Lord.

Verse 5 is one that stands out to me: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” The notion of examination, spiritual inventory, testing one’s faith — these are important and, I’m afraid, maybe a bit overlooked in our lives these days. Let’s take some time today to do a little “soul inventory”. How would you test (and grade!) yourself spiritually?

Finally, I love the words Paul shares in v11: “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” That’s one I could hear over and over.

How about you? What are your thoughts on this chapter? This book?

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2 Corinthians 12

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Oct 3: 2 Cor 12

I believe Paul is talking about himself in verses 1-5. That’s just my opinion, but many scholars see his thinly veiled comments as autobiography. If that’s true, we have in this chapter an apostle reflecting on the highs and lows of his life: mountain-top moments of euphoria; a persistent and perpetual “thorn in the flesh”. But this thorn serves a higher purpose: to prompt Paul’s succinct reflection on God’s grace. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

We could write volumes about that verse alone. But this once again demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel. Even life’s thorny and constant struggles become a moment of grace, for awareness of our weakness only prompts acknowledgement of His power. This is why Paul revels in his weaknesses, refusing to boast save for what Christ has done for him.

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2 Corinthians 11

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, Oct 2: 2 Cor 11

Paul asks the Corinthians to bear with his foolishness (v1) as he gets a few things off his chest in this chapter. Read through it and see what sort of things Paul talks about.

I think it says something that Paul is wiling to be so transparent and honest with these believers he is mentoring and discipling. An example emerges for us — an example of the kind of relationships that make up the Kingdom of God: relationships built on trust, honesty, and mutual love to weather any adversity. How can this verse apply to some of your relationships this week?

In addition, Paul states that Satan and his minions often masquerade as angels of light (v14). This should put us on notice, reminding us that the evil one is always at work around us, maybe even in the places where we least expect him. But we trust in God, who is greater than any adversary, whether great or small.

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2012 MLB Year In Review, Part 1

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Jason

Well, another MLB regular season is in the books. I’m stoked about the playoffs this year; there’s the potential for some really great matchups. I do have to admit that I’m NOT digging new two wild card format. While I understand that it gives division-winning clubs more of an advantage, I hate anything that minimizes the importance of the regular season. To that end, the Cardinal fan in me thinks its great that we get to square off with the Braves in a one-game win-or-go-home showdown. But the purist in me rails against the notion that the 6 game difference between the 94-win Braves and the 88-win Cards has basically been obliterated. See my point? 6 games up after 162 and it all comes down to one game? Don’t get me wrong; I won’t shed one tear for Chipper or anybody else if we storm Atlanta and come away with a win. But to those who are sayin’ it ain’t right…I’m with you.

But that’s just the hem of the garment when it comes to postseason intrigue. How about tomorrow night’s matchup: O’s vs. Rangers. The Orioles have absolutely been one of the best stories of the season. Buck Showalter deserves every Manager of the Year vote he’s going to receive after this masterful performance. Quick: can you name the Orioles Opening Day Starter? Jake Arrieta, he of the 6.20 ERA this season. Without a single starter cracking the 200-inning barrier — rookie Wei-Yin Chen was the only Oriole arm to throw more than 133 innings — the O’s bullpen emerged as an unexpected strength. Darren O’Day, Luis Ayala, Pedro Strop, and All-Star stopper Jim Johnson are hardly household names, but they are the primary reasons Baltimore is a mind boggling 29-9 in one run games. For you math whizzes out there, that comes to a .763 winning percentage. If you expect these Birds to be fazed by tomorrow’s win-or-you’re-out scenario, think again. They’ve been playing in high leverage situations virtually all year long.

So tomorrow, just for the record, I’ll be rooting for the Cards — the team with the bird on the bat — and the O’s — the team with the bird on the cap.

I’ll recap my spring division picks and give my MVP / Cy Young / Rookie of the Year predictions tomorrow before the games get rolling. Happy playoff time, baseball fans. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

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