Reading Through the Gospel- Final Day

Day 6 and the final day of reading through the Gospel of Mark. If you have not read the last chapter of Mark please do that. Watch the video above of Pastor Ron, even though he doesn’t share too much about the passage because he will be preaching on it this weekend. You will be able to hear that message by going to our website www.gloriadeionline.com and then go to the sermon section where it will be listed.

After reading the last chapter of Mark, what were your reflections?

After reading through the Gospel this week, what has been your overall reaction? What have you learned that you didn’t know? What was your biggest take away from this discipline?

My reflections on Mark 16:

From the darkness of Good Friday to the very beginnings of the light of the Resurrection. The women came sad and left trembling and astonished. Could it possibly be that he is no longer in the tomb? What happened to him? Did someone take his body?Full of questions but different questions and feelings than what they came with.

Take note here that most Bibles have a little note after verse 8. It reads, “Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include 16:9-20.” Do not allow this to cause you alarm or throw you into a tailspin. Some people believe Mark ended his book at verse 8. At a later time some of Mark’s disciples added in verses 9-20 with what they heard him speak. I tend to be on the side that believes Mark meant to leave the last part off. With the fast pace nature of the book and the intent of showing Jesus to be the Son of God, he accomplished what he wanted and would have been happy for the book to end with people knowing the tomb was empty. He knew that someone else would pick up where he left off.

An example: Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ” received many harsh judgements because at the end of the movie there wasn’t a huge resurrection scene. Jesus simply gets up, the linens are folded and he walks out into the light. That is the story he wanted to tell. He showed who Jesus was by what he said and what he did. To show that it was complete, he shows Jesus coming out of the tomb. What else do you need? You have a death and you have a resurrection; which is the story and the reason we have forgiveness and victory!

There is some good stuff that happens in verses 9-16 (and some stuff that has been distorted, like the poison and snake handling) but I like the book ending with trembling and astonishment. What do you think? Did Mark intend for the book to continue? Or do you think from your reading that he would have wanted it to end at the empty tomb? It is okay either way, just wanted to see what you thought.

These are my reactions, what are yours?

Have a blessed Easter celebration wherever you are at!

Reading Through the Gospel- Day 5

Day 5 of our journey through Passion week. We have been reading through the Gospel of Mark three chapters a day this whole week. We have been preparing our hearts and minds once again this year to see the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We know that without Good Friday there is no Easter Sunday. We witness the death so that Jesus’ resurrection is that much sweeter. Read chapters 13-15 of Mark. Watch the video that is posted above of Pastor Ron. After hearing from him add your thoughts. What is it that grabbed your heart as you read the Word today?

Today is Good Friday and so many wonder why we would call the death of a man on a cross, “Good.” Many people equate the word Good with Happy or Joyful. That is where the misunderstanding comes in. Good Friday is usually marked with prayer, fasting, focus on suffering, and a general sense of soberness. Good Friday has always challenged mere human goodness. It’s a sad commemoration which reminds us that in the face of sin, our goodness does nothing. Only One is good enough to save us. Because Jesus did, it is cause for celebration.

Here are a couple of my thoughts on chapters 13-15:

Chapter 13:11- “Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Jesus was speaking to his disciples about a time that will come when it will be difficult to be a follower of Jesus. We do not have to be burdened about what we will say or what people will think, the Holy Spirit will have a message we can declare. Stand firm, be on guard for there will be those who will want to shake us and take our confession.

Chapter 14:31- “But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.” Sometimes we leave Peter out to dry in this whole matter, but it stood out to me today that “all the others said the same.” How quickly, when push came to shove, the disciples could not bear what Jesus was going to endure. Verse 50- “Then everyone deserted him and fled.” Jesus knew what would happen as they all abandoned him. Post-resurrection this will change. Lord, may your followers always be able to stand for you!

Mark 15- The Passion story unfolds. The leaders spur on hatred and it catches on. The people present there shout “Crucify him!” The shame of a trial, the false accusers, the corrupt leaders looking to eliminate a threat to their power…all catch my attention. But I want to focus on verse 39- “And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” This statement brings me back to the beginning of the book Chapter 1:1, “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” The purpose for writing the book was to show that Jesus was who he said he was. We have a Roman Centurion at Jesus’ death who finally gets it. We preach and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that by the power of the Holy Spirit, hearts will be opened and changed even at the sight of his death.

May God’s peace be with you on this solemn day of Good Friday.

Reading Through the Gospel- Day 4

Day 4 of reading through the Gospel of Mark. We are on chapters 10-12. If you have not read them yet, please do that. Then watch the video of Pastor Ron as he shares two particular insights from his reading today. Finally, share your own insights, because out of three chapters there will be more than two thoughts. I will look forward to hearing from you. It is through others reactions and reflections we can learn more about the Word of God.

Here are a few of my reflections:

Chapter 10:13-ff- Jesus has time for all people. Especially those that are viewed as the lowest of the society. Children were loved, but they were also viewed as servants of the household. Jesus says faith like that of these little infants is the way to receive the kingdom of God. The story that follows is a direct example of this. A rich, young ruler wants to know the secret to eternal life; what must he do? Jesus is saying have faith like these babies. It is not a faith that is void of evidence but a faith that is secure in salvation through Jesus.

The end of chapter 10 Jesus is talking about dying and his disciples are concerned about who is going to be the greatest. How easily we can lose perspective when our focus is on us.

Chapter 11- Jesus seems a little grumpy when he comes to the court of the Gentiles at the temple. He starts overturning tables and seats of those present. Even though these money changers were always there Jesus is angry because it should be a place of prayer for all nations. This opens up access to God unlike anyone had ever done because he included the Gentiles.

Chapter 12- “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone…” The builders of the house forgot to put the cornerstone in. The house will never be complete without the cornerstone. Jesus is essential for our foundation. When we remove him, we remove what is essential and the foundation is in danger of cracking and collapsing. What condition is your foundation in today?

Great chapters from Mark and Great news from God today.

Reading Through the Gospel- Day 3

Day 3 of reading through the Gospel of Mark during Holy Week. We are on chapters 7-9. If you have not read the chapters for today, do that first. Then, listen to the video above and hear from Pastor Ron what caught his attention this morning. Finally, add your own thoughts of the places that made you stop and think. You can do that either on this page or on our Facebook page.

My thoughts for today on chapters 7-9:

The end of chapter 7 Jesus has an interesting way of healing.  The man was deaf and had a speech impediment. Jesus takes his fingers and puts them in his ears and then spits on his fingers and puts them on the man’s tongue. This is an unorthodox way of healing. But if you think about it, the man was deaf so he could not hear Jesus say a word to heal him. The way this man communicated was by lip-reading or by touch. Jesus puts his fingers into the mans ears to communicate with him and then at a word is still healed. It amazes me to see Jesus meet people at every level, whether whole or with imperfection.

Feeding of the four thousand, Jesus is amazed that the disciples didn’t realize he could do this. Jesus points back to the previous time he did it with the 5,000 people. How easily we forget what God can do. It is more like, what have you done for me lately?

Love the reminder of Jesus once again, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This is a daily pursuit to follow after the one who did it all for me. Because “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul.” Amen to that!

Chapter 9- there is the father of the boy who is demon possessed. Jesus says, “All things are possible for one who believes.” And the Father said, “I believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus is the only way to combat doubts. If we try to confront doubt with anything other than Faith, doubt will win every time. Great reminder for me and all people of faith as we travel this Passion road with Jesus this week.

So what caught your attention? Look forward to hearing from you.

Reading Through the Gospel- Day 2

Day 2 of the journey through the Gospel of Mark. Read through chapters 4-6, watch the video and hear from Pastor Ron his thoughts and then add your own thoughts.

I have a few random thoughts that I would like to add on chapters 4-6 that caused me to stop and pause.

Jesus teaches everything in parables, so that “they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.”  I wrote a blog piece about this a number of weeks ago, but it still catches me off guard because I wonder why Jesus doesn’t just tell them plainly.

I like the question the disciples ask at the end of Chapter 4. “Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?” Jesus is way bigger than they can wrap their puny little minds around. I constantly have to remind myself that Jesus is way bigger than my mind can handle also.

The end of chapter 4 and all of chapter 5 Jesus shows that he has power over the elements, demons, sickness and death itself. What a wonderful reminder that Jesus has all control and power and I can trust him with my life with all the little problems and occurrences.

Chapter 6 Jesus is rejected in his hometown. But it was a slow process. Jesus speaks and people are amazed, but then it is almost as if they just realize, wait a second this guy can’t have authority because he is like us. “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? Is not this the carpenter…” A prophet is not without honor in his own hometown. People simply can’t get over who they think Jesus is. Do you get caught up in the familiar things of Jesus, only to miss the boat on who or what he is trying to say? I know it is very easy.

The John the baptist story sticks out. The story is moving along quickly until Mark mentions John the Baptist dying which he feels is an important part of the story. Herod is a little freaked out that Jesus might be John the Baptist back from the dead, who was killed by his order. Has the “Holy Man” come back to seek revenge? Interesting story!

Jesus feeds the 5,000 which is a cool story, but what stuck out to me again was the story that followed it. The disciples are out on the boat, Jesus was up on the mountain praying in solitude and he comes out on the water and just starts walking on it. The story is familiar but what stood out was when it said, “He meant to pass by them…” What was Jesus doing? He was out there walking on water and it is not just to show off in front of his disciples. He was out taking a stroll on the lake. Wow!

These are my thoughts, what are yours?

Look forward to hearing back from you.

Reading through the Gospel- Day 1

Pastor Ron Burcham challenged the people of Gloria Dei to prepare their hearts this passion week by reading through the Gospel of Mark. Three chapters a day will get you to the place where we can be prepared for the Easter resurrection. This challenge is not just for the people of Gloria Dei. Please feel free to join us wherever you are. We will be updating this page daily throughout Holy Week, so check back here to hear thoughts concerning the Gospel.

This is day one of the challenge. Listen to the video above and hear from Pastor Ron about his thoughts concerning the first three chapters. If you haven’t had the chance to read the first three chapters do that. Then add your thoughts either on this page or on our Facebook page.

Feel free to add any other ways in which you prepare for the passion week. We would love to hear from you.

Blessings on the Holy Week ahead!

Okay, now it’s time to say something!

This is week #9 in our journey through the Gospel of Mark. Up until this point in Chapter 11, Jesus has always been telling people, especially his disciples, not to say anything yet about what they have seen and heard. I know why he said it but I can’t imagine being the one that experienced something that changed my life and then being instructed not to tell anyone.

The thing is…my life has been changed eternally as the result of Jesus actions. I do not always act as though he is the king and let everyone know about it. Have you heard, seen and felt the effects of Jesus in your life but has chosen to keep quiet about it? If so, there is great news for you and I today, it is time to stand up and say something.

Jesus comes into the city of Jerusalem for the last time. He doesn’t tell his disciples not to alert anyone or keep it as a hush-hush event. Not this time. This time Jesus comes into the city as a king, but with a stark difference. He does not come in riding a powerful war-horse; instead He enters on a donkey, an animal of peace.

He is the king, but a very different kind of king. This odd juxtaposition demonstrates that Jesus was King, but that he didn’t fit into the world’s categories of kingship. He brought together majesty and meekness. In Jesus we find infinite majesty yet complete humility, perfect justice yet boundless grace, absolute sovereignty yet utter submission, all-sufficiency in himself yet entire trust and dependence on God. But in Jesus the result of these extremes of character is not mental and emotional breakdown. Jesus’ personality is a complete and beautiful whole. So come and watch this mighty King ride a little donkey into Jerusalem for the last time in his earthly ministry. You will find it hard not to tell anyone about it.

We celebrate Jesus as king on Palm Sunday. What does it mean that Jesus is the king in your life? Do you find it difficult to declare him king every other day of the week?

Will you take the challenge this week (starting on Monday) of reading three chapters a day of the Gospel of Mark? Check back here for daily updates as we take up this challenge along side of you. It will be a good preparation for us as we go through the agony of Holy Week with the culmination of Easter.

What happened on the mountain?

Have you ever had a mountain top experience? The kind of experience that you wish could last forever. I have had a few of those moments in my life and they are moments that are etched into my brain that I will never forget. I remember them so clearly that I could take you through every detail without missing a beat. It is for this very reason that I can understand the the transfiguration story with Jesus and three disciples; Peter, James and John.

In our study of the Gospel of Mark we have arrived at the mount of Transfiguration. Last week Jesus announces that he must suffer and die. He then takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain and they see all of his glory. Not a reflection of his Glory like the people saw on the face of Moses in the Old Testament, but the very presence and glory of God. They also were able to see Moses and Elijah back from the dead. They heard the voice of the Father as he was also present there on the mountain. The disciples are caught in fear or amazement, probably a little bit of both. Peter is one of those types of guys that speaks when he doesn’t know what to say. He says to Jesus it is good for us to be here, let me set up camp and build shelter for everyone. Peter doesn’t want this moment to ever end and wants to live up on that mountain.

But Jesus knows they can’t stay on the mountain because there is a job that he needs to accomplish. Jesus knows that his disciples will need this event as they will soon see him beaten, battered and crucified. This event will serve to strengthen them for those upcoming events.

The interesting part of this is that Peter already confessed Jesus to be the Christ. He didn’t need the transfiguration to know in his heart that Jesus was the messiah. Or did he? Here is an explanation from the book “King’s Cross” by Tim Keller. Keller says “The answer for us, as it was for the disciples, is worship. You must have access through worship to the very presence of God. You have to see clearly in your mind what God has done and is doing through Jesus. You have to experience foretastes of that embrace God is going to give you someday. You need to actually sense what you know of God’s love. It’s one thing to be told that somebody is remarkably attractive. You believe it, but when you actually see him or her up close, you say, “Oh, wow.” What happened? Did you get new information? No—you’re experiencing what you already knew to be true.”

Peter didn’t learn anything new that day on the mountain top. He knew Jesus was the messiah. But what it did do for him was, he experienced what he knew to be true. The same is true for us today. We can know God is real but if we never are at worship, hearing the Word proclaimed, taking the sacrament, we get farther and farther away from who we know him to be and who we have experienced him to be.

A point to drive this home… A friend tells you that they went to this awesome restaurant and you really have to go check it out. You can just believe that it is awesome or you are going to go and check it out for yourself. You finally get to go eat there and you taste and see for yourself that the food is awesome. So everyone knows the food is awesome, but you decide not to go back to the restaurant for six months, will you still be telling everyone how awesome the food is? If it was so awesome why haven’t you gone back? The experience and the confession are now far apart.

The mountain top is place of experience, not a new experience but one that reinforces what we already know to be true. We can taste and see that the Lord is good every week in worship which will then sustain us through our own trials that we face.

What has been some mountain top experiences that you have had? Did they prove to reinforce something you already knew to be true? How can we continue to have mountain top experiences while living in the valley?

Let us know what you think below or on our Facebook page. Thanks!

Who do you say I am: results

I spent some time “out on the street” last Friday with my friend Karen as the cameraman. We walked around a local mall and asked people two questions. What comes to mind when you hear the word Jesus? and Who do you say Jesus is? (Please read the blog post with the same title to get the larger picture of what we were trying to accomplish)

Two simple questions but as you can see in the above video that it brings about different responses. We talked to a lot of people but some didn’t want to be on camera. We did not come in contact with anyone who was hostile or angry that we would ask them questions like these. We also did not take this opportunity to correct them or debate with them on their comments. I simply wanted to get some raw feelings and feedback when it came to the subject of Jesus.

I think there is a lot to learn from the responses in the video. I shared with you a few things I learned at the end of the video. But I want to hear from you. After watching the video did you learn anything from the responses? I know the sound could have been better, we are working on that for next time.

If you accepted the challenge of asking three people you didn’t know, what did you find out?

I will look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks!

Who do you say I am?

Mark chapter 8 is a critical chapter in the Gospel and in the life of Jesus.

Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is. They mention John the Baptist back from the dead. Others say Elijah the prophet, the one who would come before the messiah. People get a small glimpse of who Jesus is but by their confession they really are not getting the big picture. This establishes for us an understanding that Jesus was not completely understood by everyone around him.

Jesus then turns to the disciples and he asks the important question “Who do you say I am?” It is not about what everyone else thinks right now. You have seen me, heard me…so tell me if you got it. Peter makes the profession that he is the Christ – the anointed one. Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, and the Christian reader today celebrates that someone has finally got it right. But the celebration doesn’t last long because Jesus then immediately says that He must suffer and that He must die. Whoa!!!! Reverse that train and put it back in the station…you must do what?

The idea of a suffering Messiah, although present in the prophecies, was never even considered by the Jews. He was to come to defeat evil and reign supreme. The people of Israel were supposed to be elevated to a place of prominence and how could they do that with a dead messiah. Thus comes the harsh rebuke from Peter as he pulls Jesus aside to tell him that is not what the messiah is supposed to do. Once again, Jesus will not conform his mission to fit the Pharisees, his family or his disciples ideal vision of who they want him to be. He tells Peter, “Get behind me Satan.” He will not allow Peter to distract him from what he came to do. The Messiah must die and will rise again.

This is a big chapter in the Gospel because we have seen opposition from the Pharisees. Their message is wholly different from what Jesus is proclaiming, so we get why they clash. In this chapter the disciples finally hear plainly the destination that Jesus is headed towards and they seem to be opposed to it. Jesus will offend both the religious and irreligious…which is why we know that Christianity is not just for one people or one culture but the Gospel goes across all cultures and speaks to every sinful heart.

So who do you say Jesus is? Have you still been trying to create him in your own image like the Pharisees and his disciples? How can you discover and hold to the true confession of Jesus?

A challenge this week: Ask three people who you don’t know what comes to mind when you mention the name of Jesus. Who do people say that he is? Report back what you learn and hear. I think it could be really interesting to find out what people think. I will also be taking this challenge and will report back what I learn.

Let us know what you think by posting comments below or on our Facebook page. Thanks!