WEDNESDAY
CONFESSION: Psalm 38:16-20
READING: MARK 12:18-27
REFLECTION: (Life Words from Gospel Addresses) Dwight L. Moody
Christ’s loved ones are despised and hated, “of whom the world was not worthy, wandering about on deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground” (Heb 11:38). They have to put up with all kinds of contempt; that’s what Christ’s people have to endure here. And we’ll have to bless God for it all. It keeps us from linking ourselves with this world, from settling all our hopes and desires upon it.
If we are to serve Christ and to reach heaven, we must sail right against the world and its way. It’s an old saying that a dead fish always swims with the current, and we can always tell the living fish when we see it swimming against the current. In like manner, if you are dead, you will very likely be sailing smoothly enough with this world and very well satisfied with yourself. If you are alive in Jesus Christ, you will be struggling against the world, its sins, and it’s temptations. And you will be seeking to win souls for Christ, regardless of the world’s scoffs, sneers, and frowns.
RESPONSE/CHALLENGE
It is tempting and often convenient to create a framework within the gospel that is not supported by Scripture, as the Sadducees did in Mark 12:18–27. Have you taken the focus off what is truly important in any areas of doctrine? How can you centre your focus back on Christ?