September 10, 2025 - Mark 3-5

We sometimes talk about “the incomparable Christ.”  In Colossians 1, Paul tells us that for him all things have been created.  In fact, he himself has created all things, holds it all together, and rules over it.  That's the very picture of Jesus in the Gospels.  He rules over sickness and death.  He says, “Be healed!” and the sickness flees.  He says, “Demon, depart from him!” and the demon is gone.  And even the earth and its powers are under his sway.  Mark tells the story of a great storm arising on the sea (ch. 4), and Jesus simply says, “Peace!  Be still!” (4:39)  Filled with wonder, those around him asked, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (4:41)  Well, we know who he is.  He’s the Creator.  He is Lord and God.  He is the Eternal One, who was before Abraham.  He is Sovereign Ruler.  And, in addition to all these kingly attributes, he is also tender Shepherd and Savior, Friend and Brother to us.  A man, naked and possessed by demons, whom even chains could not hold and feared by all who knew him, when touched by this Jesus, was found “sitting there, clothed and in his right mind” (5:15).  And when the man finally left his place, he “began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled” (5:20).  Jesus himself is a marvel!  What a joy and blessing to know him and to be known by him!

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,

when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?

When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,

will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul

steadfast and sure while the billows roll;

fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.   -- Priscilla J. Owens (1882)