It’s all about relationships today, friends. Jesus talks first about divorce, a painful topic in every century. Divorce often happens because of a heart that hardens, doesn’t it? One or both are tired of trying or being hurt and so they are just plain done. Jesus says that is not how it is supposed to be, and I think we all agree that it’s not. It just sometimes is that way. The tearing apart of something that is supposed to be permanent hurts. Let’s give lots of love and comfort to those who have walked that agonizing path. If forgiveness is needed? God forgives. If healing is needed? God heals. In all cases, though, let’s love each other. If you want to ponder this subject more, head on over to our PODCAST tab and click on Episode 18. When Relationships Hurt. I hope it will be helpful for you.
Jesus then develops his own relationship with … children! He picks them up and blesses them and gives them what kids crave – attention. Oh how He loves the ones most people never notice! He then interacts with a very wealthy man who has done all the things he was supposed to do, but whose relationship with his money was stronger than his relationship with God. A sad story. I kinda hope it ends better, though. Perhaps someday this guy does sell it all and follow Christ. Maybe? If he does, he will discover as we all have, that he will gain not only a wonderful Abba-Father, he will gain so much more. Mark 10:29-30: “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.” Most of this passage is so encouraging, isn’t it? Despite the warning there will be persecution, there is the ultimate gain, eternal life! I hope the wealthy guy chose that in the end over his wealth.
My recorded verse: Mark 10:1 “Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them.”
My response: Such a snapshot of Your three years of public ministry, Lord Jesus. You moved about so much, traveling all across Israel. And everywhere you went, You taught crowds of people who flocked to You. Thank You for pouring out for us then and now, over and over. Thank You for the ultimate pouring out of Yourself in sacrifice for our sins most of all.
