Today’s scripture: Mark 14:1-2 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Carla Peck):
Today’s short scripture makes me angry! Why couldn’t Jesus have died from “normal” causes, like old age or disease? What is this “conspiracy” all about?
Jesus had been performing good deeds and miracles of healing, all while trying to keep a low profile. Why would anyone want to “conspire” to arrest and kill Jesus? I am sure a scholar could recite reasons that have to do with power and politics. That makes me even angrier! I am reminded of others whose lives on earth ended too soon because of conspiracy: Martin Luther King and Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy, to name a few.
What causes conspiracy to begin? Perhaps a conspiracy begins with one negative thought that is spoken out loud to another (like gossip or misdirected venting), who then speaks that negative thought to another, and the process repeats itself until the negativity joins the forces of evil and then takes on a life of its own. I get frustrated with myself when I conspire with, or am tempted to conspire with negativity.
Recently I had a conversation with a coworker which took a sudden turn when my coworker started speaking negatively to me about another person we work with. I was tempted to join in my co-worker’s negativity. I was about ready to say “me too” and share a negative experience I had with the third party my coworker was talking about. My thoughts were about to become spoken words, then I suddenly recalled a sermon where our Pastor said something like being a Christian sometimes means taking action that may seem “counterintuitive.” Whew, I stopped myself from speaking, stayed silent and listened. My coworker finished speaking, admitted to speaking negativity, then walked away.
Am I going to be part of a force that makes a positive difference in someone’s life, or am I going to join forces with negativity and create conspiracy? Please consider taking a few minutes to watch this video. I found it when I was searching for inspiration from today’s scripture.
Thought for the day: My actions, or lack of action, can impact someone else’s life. What type of impact do I choose to have on those around me?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.