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The Lord’s provision doesn’t rest on the strength of our gratitude.
Some part of us always wants our ability under the law to be just as important (or more) than grace.
The beauty of our gospel reading today is how it reveals Jesus as the One who comes not only for the strong in faith but also for those who are weak and walking away.
Where our sins are forgiven, there God in Christ is to be found.
Christians are given a new name at baptism. We are given the Triune name of Father, Son, and Spirit.
Jesus does not say to us, “Try really hard, and you will be better.”
At this point in Mark’s gospel, Jesus is “on the way” to Jerusalem with his disciples. He’s been teaching them about what it means to follow him. The recurring theme is discipleship as no small matter. It involves a whole new way of thinking about such concepts as greatness (9:33-36), judgment (9:42-50), and, now, marriage.
Following him will also mean keeping our eyes locked on him so unswervingly that we don’t have the time or energy to be standing on tiptoes, peeping over fences into other people’s troubles and struggles.
The promise is trustworthy because God has proven Himself to be trustworthy.
In a world so wired by law and rules, judgement is everywhere.
Just like that, the crowd dissipated. Jesus’ words pierced like a bright light through their foggy misconceptions. The Hungry mouths that touched, chewed, and swallowed a miracle, were now brimming with grumbling.
One day I walked about that place I had tried to make home. I realized it was a prison cell of my own devising.