reading for: 1 Sept

Mark 7:24-37

Do we have superficial divides in our lives?

• READ

With the exception of the start of the book of Mark (1:1), which introduces his writing to be about Jesus the Messiah and son of God, we note that Mark intentionally refrains from directly sharing his own personal thoughts and take on who Jesus is. Instead, Mark chooses to bring us on a journey of discovery by showing us Jesus and people’s reactions to Him. Given this style of writing and the lack of conclusive and summarizing thoughts from himself, it is likely that he hoped for us to work out for ourselves just ‘who is this man’ (Mark 4:41).  

In today’s reading Mark invites us to consider two stories; a story of a gentile woman’s daughter oppressed by demons and a pagan man who was basically deaf and mute. While both ended up delivered and healed respectively there was more that Mark wanted us to see that was beyond Jesus’ ability to cast out demons and heal.

What did Mark want to show us about Jesus? First, we are led by Mark to note the location where these stories took place. Both Tyre and Decapolis were both predominantly gentile territories where the people were considered by the Jews of the time to be unclean people who had pagan practices that was sinful and rejected by practicing Jews. In fact, the first story’s records Jesus using the word ‘dogs’ to describe the gentile woman and her daughter, which was a common term used at the time by the Jews on gentiles. It was often used by Jews back then in a derogatory way which carried their rejection of their pagan ways and their view of them as unclean and lesser in comparison to themselves.

At this point it is important for us to note that Mark had artfully pretexted these stories with an account of Jesus challenging people’s views on what was considered to be clean (see Mark 7:1-23). While the Jews took pride in their Jewish traditions and what they thought was the keeping of the law, Jesus exposed that they had in fact missed the spirit of the laws and had ‘put aside the commands of God’ for mere human traditions (v8). What was worst, empty and evil was that in enforcing their tradition they actually kept people from actually keeping the law!

In teaching that it is what comes from within a person that makes us unclean (Mark 7:20-23), Jesus was already stripping away the superficial divide between a Jew and Gentile based on outward practices. Just as they judged the gentiles to be unclean, they were actually just as sinful in their own practices.

This was an excellent prelude to these two stories that showed Jesus crossing the sea of Galilee into ‘unclean’ territory and availing the Good News and ministry of the kingdom of God there. He revealed that while He was first sent to the lost sheep of Israel (Matt 15:24; Mark 7:27), He was declaring that God was for the gentiles as well.

What about the responses of the people? What do we see in these stories? In the famous dialogue with the Canaanite woman, Jesus said “First (emphasis added) let the children eat all they want”. He went on to say “it is not right to take children’s bread and toss it to the dogs”. As mentioned above, the metaphor of the children and the dogs while seemingly offensive was very much an accurate and intentional description of his current focus in a way that the Canaanite woman understood. The question was simply a matter of Jesus’ orientation towards her. She had heard about Jesus from others and that brought her to Jesus to save her daughter’s life (v25). Mark informed us by describing the reactions and actions of the people that there was much receptivity and positive talk about Jesus in these gentile territories. In fact, even in his efforts to be quiet and go unnoticed he could not stay hidden! But now was the moment she had to decide for herself who she would believe Jesus to be. Was Jesus just like the other Jews? Or was He is different? Jesus said just enough for the woman to have to make a decision on who she believed Jesus to be. Would she risk rejection and ridicule to press in by faith into who she believed Jesus to be or will she walk away offended and discouraged?

I wonder if it was Mark’s intention to use two easily offensive scenarios. I mean, if we were not taught to always maintain that Jesus is good and perfect would we be okay to be likened to dogs? Or have someone spit on our tongue and stuff their fingers into our ears? Even in a time when COVID-19 was not rampant, one would minimally consider these actions to be pretty unhygienic and repulsive. These were easy situations for sensitivity and offense to creep in and for people to condemn and reject Jesus. Instead, we found that these were met with great faith and receptivity for who Jesus really was.

Who is this man? Mark does not tell us directly. But Mark 7:37 tells us that the ‘unclean’ people were ‘overwhelmed with amazement’ and could not help but respond in praise that ‘He does everything well’.

• REFLECT

What about us? How will we respond to God in our own lives in the midst of our own challenges?

Like the Canaanite woman, we have likely read or heard about Jesus. Like the woman we all have circumstances in our lives where we must choose whether we will turn to Jesus. Likewise we may even face responses that do not seem like a favourable response from Him. We may hear Him calling us “Dog!” or “insert relevant triggering word here”. Perhaps it may come in the form of God pointing out the reality of sin in our lives? Or perhaps show us all the times we have failed and let others or ourselves down? Maybe we may get a response like the deaf and mute man. A seemingly unpleasant spit-and-stuffed-ears experience. Perhaps simply circumstances that we don’t like, we feel is beneath us, or something that is just outside of our comfort zone.

Will we hold on to His Word and promises? Will we lay hold of who He is and who He says we are in spite of our circumstances? Will we continue to eat, pray and grow together despite our different life challenges and inconveniences?

reading for: 2 Sept

Isaiah 35:4-7

How much does the love of Christ captivate us?

• READ

  The ancient Greek word for ‘mute’, ‘dumb’, or simply an ‘impediment of speech’ is the word mogilalon. This is the word used in the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament that has been translated into ‘mute tongue’ in the NIV translation. The Septuagint translation is important because this was the widely circulated and read version of the Old Testament during Mark’s time. Interestingly, mogilalon turns out to be a rather rare word used only once in the Old Testament, here in Isaiah 35:6, and only once in the entire New Testament as well in yesterday’s reading (see Mark 7:32, translated to ‘could hardly talk’ in the NIV translation).

  Mark’s use of this rare word was highly likely an allusion to today’s reading that celebrates God as the One who comes to open the ears of the deaf and give song to the mute. Isaiah 35 sits at the end of the prophet Isaiah’s prophecy of the impending destruction and captivity of Israel pointing to God Himself as the One who will come to save them (v4) and bring restoration, relieve, and life (v5-7). God offers comfort and hope through his prophet Isaiah to an otherwise despairing prophecy. This is why Isaiah 35:3-4 addresses those who feel overwhelmed, weakened and fearful to take heart and hold to their God. 

  As we now know, and as Mark suggests, Jesus the Messiah and Son of God (Mark 1:1) is the fulfilment of these things and God’s choice vessel of salvation, good news, and revelation of Himself. 

• REFLECT

  As I write this I am reminded of the song ‘This Kingdom’ by Hillsong. Listen to the song, meditate on its truths, and allow the Spirit of God to lead you into worship of God. What a precious gift and revelation in Jesus Christ that we often take for granted? How often do we live lives in self inflicted darkness instead of walking in His marvellous light, hope and joy. Let’s come to him afresh this week in our time alone with God and also in the fellowship of the Saints as we eat, pray, and grow! Find brothers and sisters in Christ to journey with and to encourage us and remind us of this precious reality in Jesus Christ. He is truly worthy of it all and longs to give us life to the full (John 10:10) if we but open the doors of our heart to Him and welcome him in (Rev 3:20). 

reading for: 3 Sept

James 2:1-17

Does our faith translate into loving thoughts and actions in our lives?

• READ

  Being heavily influenced by Jesus’ teachings and wisdom literature like Proverbs from the Old Testament, Jesus’ half-brother James wrote this letter to provide wisdom (of heart and hands) to some of the earliest Messianic (Christian) Jewish communities that lived outside of Israel. Unlike Paul’s letters that often times addressed specific problems or issues in the churches he wrote to, James hoped to get into our business of everyday life by challenging us to be truly wise by living according to Jesus’ summary of the Torah – to love God and to love our neighbours as ourselves. 

  Today’s portion of scripture is apt for pointing us to the way we ought to live especially in the light of our readings from Mark 7 and Isaiah 35 this week. James 2:1-13 points out our tendency to treat certain people that could benefit us with favouritism while neglecting others with little or no benefit. He used the comparison of the rich and the poor here and gave examples of how our actions betray our evil thoughts. Such favouritism, discrimination, and judgement is not in keeping with Jesus’ life and teachings.  

  The evil spirit of ‘favouritism’ comes in many forms, a lot of which are very subtle and well disguised and justified. James’ elaborate illustration of the manner it shows up between how we treat a poor and rich person tells us that this spirit could well be the kind that we accept even in ‘Christian’ circles because it simply looks and sounds nice on the outside. He urged us instead to discern via the accompanying fruits and actions. He basically highlighted that there is a vast difference in politeness and a worked-out-love that sees its love to fruition in actions in keeping of Christ’s love (v17). In his example, in the actual providing and care for his neighbour rather than a nice sounding but empty well wishes (v16).

  Beyond this, let us take humble note that favouritism is more rampant than that! And we are all more guilty of it that we allow ourselves to acknowledge. For example, it appears closer to home in our everyday relationships as well. Do we not treat people we are ministering to outside differently from our spouses or family? What does faith and action in keeping with Jesus’ example look like there? What are some reasons for this fragmentation and evil that we see? Consider discussing these questions in your life groups and discipleship groups and allow James’ words to challenge us and to work it out in all aspects of our lives. 

  As was highlighted in Mark 7’s lectionary reading on Wednesday, Jesus basically taught that since God judged based on our hearts rather than our outward appearances and practices, we ought to be wise by not judging based on superficial externals which is evil (v4). Instead we ought to live and act according to the law of freedom (v12-13) just as we have been shown mercy and grace. Since we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (v10), we ought to consider one another equally in deserving of God’s wrath and judgement but having graciously shown His loving kindness and mercy instead.

  Finally, James exhorts us to live out this reality not out of mere knowledge or sentiment but through our lives and actions (v14-17). He highlights that our faith ought to be evidenced in our works just as Jesus’ love for God and His neighbours was lived out through His life so evidently for all (Mark 7:24).

• REFLECT

  Listen to the song Majesty by Delirious, meditate on the truths in the song, and allow the Spirit of God to convict and reorientate your life afresh in humility and worship. Let us grasp together with all the saints just how wide, how deep, how long, and how high the love of Christ is for us and allow rivers of living waters to flow out of our lives to the people around us. Journey with brothers and sisters in Christ who will not shy away from rebuking you in love and check in with them often. Allow iron to sharpen iron as we challenge one another to outdo one another in love as demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ. 

reading for: 4 Sept

Psalm 146

How is posture of our love life with God?

• READ

  Psalm 146 is definitely an appropriate Psalm to round up this week’s readings. As we consider Jesus and consider our lives in light of Him, let us take heed from the Psalmist’s posture to examine our own. Let us orientate our lives afresh in Him. Indeed, He is alone worthy of our praise (v1-2), our trust (v3-4), and our hope (v5b). Let us marvel at creation and worship our Creator (v6). Let us contemplate and meditate on His faithfulness (v6b).  And let us declare with one another that our God is indeed good, just, righteous, compassionate and very able to provide, deliver, set free and heal (v7-10). Indeed, may He reign forever (v11)! There is truly no King like Him and no kingdom like His! 

  As I read Psalm 146, I cannot help but be reminded of Jeremiah 9:23-24 which reads,

  “This is what the Lord says:

  “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
      or the strong boast of their strength
      or the rich boast of their riches,
  but let the one who boasts boast about this:
      that they have the understanding to know me,
  that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
      justice and righteousness on earth,
      for in these I delight,”
  declares the Lord.”

  May we all rejoice that the Lord has come near in Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit living in us. Let us be a people whose boast is in the privilege and joy of knowing and growing in intimacy with Him.

• REFLECT

  Whether you are a young or ‘old’ Chrisitan, let us make spend time this day to be still and know that Him. If you sense a staleness in your relationship with Him, do not harden your heart or keep Him at bay any longer. Invite the Holy Spirit to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Begin with a simple prayer expressing your desire to know Him more. And as and when you sense the Lord drawing you deeper, reach out to your community, leaders or pastor for a chat expressing your desire to grow deeper in Him. There is truly no more blessed pursuit than this! And we are excited to do this with you.