September 3, 2024 - Mark 3-5

The 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!   What a blessing just to rest in him.

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;

bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

in every change He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heav’nly Friend

through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.   -- Kathrina von Schlegel (1752)