PERSONAL JOURNAL:
SIN ( Mark 2:20 ): Father, I read this verse and immediately felt convicted over it. This past weekend was Easter weekend. Based on this verse, I should be fasting the day that represents the day Jesus died for my sins. I have never done this, yet here is a verse that says I should be. Jesus died for my sins and the least I can do is fast the day that He died so that I may sacrifice at least for a few hours for the sacrifice He made for my eternal salvation. Please forgive me for this, Father. I may have heard this in the past, but I don’t think it ever truly clicked in my brain until now that I should be fasting on the day that represents Jesus’ crucifixion. Help me to remember this in the future, Father.
PROMISE ( Mark 2:17 ): This is a powerful verse to me personally, but I’m sure it was a powerful statement made to the Pharisees in front of all of those people. This “man” was speaking with authority over the people unlike anyone whom ever walked this earth. He was speaking with the authority of God as He was and is God, which they were having a very difficult time believing as that would dilute their current power and wealth from that perceived power. The promise that Jesus made is that He doesn’t come for the righteous, but for the sinners! He came for people like me, not those who are “perfect” in their spiritual journey, which is nobody although I’m sure there have been many who have come relatively close. We all fall short, but Jesus knew this and sacrificed Himself for the “sick” anyway! Thank You!
ATTITUDE ( Mark 2:7-8 ): I must admit, I have often had thoughts like the Pharisees here. I have often had doubts in life, even in my own faith journey at times. This verse, however, shows me that my mindset should not be one like the Pharisees ever. I should always have an attitude that is accepting of ALL that You are and do, regardless of if I have understanding in the moment or not. I think that’s my biggest issue is I find it hard to truly embrace the things I don’t understand, but You didn’t ask me to walk in understanding; You asked me to walk in faith which doesn’t require understanding. Help me with this, Father.
COMMAND ( Mark 2:14 ): I feel that the two words Jesus spoke here to Matthew are also speaking loudly to anyone who reads this—Follow Me! These two words are so simple, yet such a powerful command. I must follow You in this life better than I have been. This is Your command to me and I must be better at embracing Your commands in my heart so that I do not stray from my faith into fleshly/worldly desires like I have been.
EXAMPLE ( Mark 2:14 ): Your closest followers were spoken two simple words from You when You wanted to speak them—Follow Me! What did they do after hearing these two words spoken from You? As Mark says here about Matthew, they “got up and followed Him.” There wasn’t hesitation in their next action step, although I’m sure there was nervousness and maybe even a bit of fear. This is a great example to live by in my own spiritual journey. When You whisper words to me, I need to be better at taking action on that through faith instead of trying to gain understanding or trying to control things in my own way.
*DAILY NOTE: Mark definitely has a way with words on the stories I’ve heard many times over. I don’t know why I didn’t go through the book of Mark sooner, but I’m sure You do. I like wasn’t ready for this or just needed to spread the Gospels out a bit for deeper/better understanding, since I’ve already gone through Matthew in my quiet times. Thank You for today’s blessing, Father. I know I have some work to do in my faith journey, but You are a gracious and patient Father who will never leave me. Thank You.
EXPAND TO READ: GENERAL NOTE FOR MY QUIET TIMES
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