Today’s scripture: Mark 3:22-30 (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):
One of the reasons I write for Be Still and Know is the opportunity it creates for Bible study, research, and learning. It’s like an “at your own pace” Bible study, except for that pesky due date deadline that seems to approach quickly, especially for challenging scriptures like today’s.
I’m not a Biblical scholar and have no experience with exorcism or driving out demons except for what I’ve seen on television, and, well, that’s just show business and acting. I can certainly relate to what David Zier wrote about recently, about another instance where Jesus drives out an evil spirit. I was so challenged by this scripture that I had to reach beyond the usual reading and research to talking this one out with a friend to get another point of view. When I saw the phrase “driving out demons” I put my “blinders” on, started thinking one-dimensionally, and developed writer’s block — how am I ever going to write on this? Thank you, dear friend (you know who you are), for helping me to see a bigger picture.
Throughout the first few chapters of Mark, Jesus’ authority is revealed through Jesus’ healing, exorcising, forgiving sin, setting aside religious tradition, mastering the natural elements, and feeding thousands. In spite of trying to keep a low profile, Jesus gained popularity as crowds of people began to seek him out for healing. The teachers of the law, the religious scholars of the day, became jealous and envious of Jesus’ popularity. You see, these scholars had their blinders on, too. Their thinking became one-dimensional. They were focused on trying to retain their own power, popularity, and control. Fearing that they were losing that, they tried to convince others that Jesus was evil and under the control of Satan. But there is so much pain and so many burdens in the world, why couldn’t they just be glad that Jesus was helping to ease pain and burdens?
Jesus defends himself by the speaking to them in parables; in this case, illustrating comparisons and spiritual truths. Some of which, as modified with my editorial, may sound familiar:
- You don’t fight fire with fire. (How can Satan’s demons drive out Satan’s demons?)
- A kingdom (nation or house) divided against itself will fall. (Why or how would Satan work against itself?)
From Mark’s viewpoint, I glean that Jesus affirms that all sins can be forgiven; however, attributing the Holy Spirit’s work to an authority other than God’s spirit is a sin that cannot be forgiven.
I don’t believe these words are meant to torment souls honestly wanting to know Christ, or those who honestly bring questions to God. But they stand as a warning of the danger of constantly rejecting the the work of the Holy Spirit. We could just reach the point where the conscience can no longer respond to the gospel message.
Thought for the day: God, my mind is a gift from you for which I am grateful. I pray that you will help me to use my gift to seek the bigger picture when envy, jealousy, or fear cause me to put on blinders and think one-dimensionally. Please forgive those times that I have chalked your movement in my life up to a mere coincidence.
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.