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Thursday, February 28, 2008
Outsiders and Insiders
"I do this so that: 'They will look and look, but never
really see; they will listen and listen, but never
understand. If they saw and understood, they might change and
be forgiven.'" Then Jesus said to the followers, "Do you
understand this story? If you don't, then how will you
understand any story?
-- Mark 4:12-13 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Certain messages are appropriate for those who are inside the faith,
but make no sense to those outside the faith. These messages are not
going to be understandable to those who do not share our faith and our
world view that arises from our faith. For instance: Christians see the
story of the Cross as a story of great power; non-Christians see it as
something gross, gruesome, awful, ghastly, violent, appalling, or
horrific. Jesus is preparing his specially selected followers for their
ministries. He is focusing on giving them messages they can understand,
but those outside their group will not. This is a great reminder that
those who do not know Jesus will not understand many things we believe,
teach, and say. We shouldn't get discouraged; this has always been
true. Rather than becoming frustrated, we need to give thanks that God
has made these things known to us and then find effective ways to
introduce the people in our world to the grace of Jesus so that one day
each of them can share in Jesus' truth.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Father, I know that many people in the world do not understand many of
the things I dearly believe. Please give me patience and courage to
face their questions, attacks, and rejections. Use me to break down the
barriers that are erected between them and me so that they can come to
know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/mark/0228-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Mark+4:12-13&sr=1&t=erv
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