Instruction
Scripture: Mark9:38-50
This reading continues the theme of the disciples showing
their lack of understanding and Jesus teaching them the priorities of the
kingdom of God, which are at odds with the priorities the disciples are
displaying. The reading begins with John reporting that they had stopped
someone from casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus teaches them that the one
who is not against them was for them, and goes on to teach about the dangers of
temptation. This text shows us that our relationship with God is not about our
specialness, nor should we be tempted to think that our own deeds, no matter
how great give us a special place in God’s kingdom. Essentially, our
relationship with God and our fellow Christians is about a state of being in
faith.
Teaching
How is a demon cast out? It is not a magic incantation,
saying the right words, that drives it out but Jesus Himself who does it by His
divine power. The person driving out demons in Jesus’ name had faith in Him.
Faith is the heart of the matter when it comes to our
relationship with God. Faith receives what God gives, and does not earn
anything. If we could cut off hands or feet, or pluck out eyes and that would save
us it might be reasonable to expect us to do so in order to save ourselves. But
we cannot save ourselves, and we should not allow ourselves to be tempted to
think that we can. Faith holds on to Jesus and His power to save us.
Life
We have faith. That faith is a gift, but that doesn’t change
that we are people of faith because of the Spirit’s work in us. That means that
our hope is in Jesus’ death and resurrection for our salvation. “Salt is good,
but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again?” It
is great that we believe, but if we lose Jesus and His power that works our
salvation, how will we be saved? In the end, it is not merely our belief or our
actions that will save us, but Jesus Himself.
Prayer
This prayer is written
in the themes of Instruction, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Petition.
Lord God, Holy Spirit, open our hearts to believe that our
relationship to the Father is not based on something special in us or in our
efforts, but rests on our faith in the work of our Lord Jesus.
We thank and praise You, O God, for rescuing us when our
salvation was so far beyond our reach that our greatest sacrifices could never
save us. Thank You for giving us faith to receive You salvation.
We confess that we are still tempted to find a way to earn
Your salvation; to use our power to satisfy You. Forgive us for not putting ourselves
wholly in Your hands and trusting solely in Jesus’ power to rescue us from sin
and death.
Work in us so that our hearts would always be set on You and
we would not be jealous of others who share in the salvation Christ has won.
Grant that the salt of Jesus’ power would always be the focus of our faith.
Amen.
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