Loading more...
Shabbat Shalom!
I have a friend who is a rabbi in the Houston area. When I used to Read More
Lynne M. Baab | Read Mark 6:6-13
In the first five chapters of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry consists of preaching the gospel of repentance for forgiveness of sins, performing miracles of healing, and casting out demons. Here, for the first time, Jesus encourages his twelve disciples to do the same. He sends them two by two to...
Jesus Christ, help us see the variety of ways you ministered, and help us follow you into this hurting world. Amen.
The readings from the Hebrew scriptures this week celebrate the city of Jerusalem. This was the capital of the great King David, who united the ancient Israelites and built up the city. The psalmist praises Jerusalem using the image of Zion. Zion is a name used for earthly Jerusalem, but it is also a gesture toward a future day when God’s people will abide in a heavenly city. In Second Corinthians, Paul explains that even though he is an apostle, he still struggles like everyone else. Wild speculation surrounds the “thorn” that plagued Paul, but his point is that when he is weakest, God is strongest. In Mark we see God’s power working through Jesus, who sent out others to expand God’s healing work.
• Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10. The king of Israel exhibited the qualities of a shepherd. How do those qualities square with your experience with those in power?
• Read Psalm 48. Bring to mind a place where you experience God’s presence. Do you find yourself drawn there? Why?
• Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10. When have you experienced a weakness becoming a source of power?
• Read Mark 6:1-13. When have you limited God’s power through your disbelief?
Respond by posting a prayer.
