The Good News
Are you the person who breaks into song…whatever the situation…you recall a song first? I am that person. Usually the song is ironic and humorous for the circumstance. It’s just how I was built. Apparently, I have passed that ability on to my daughters. (And maybe my son, although he doesn’t sing it out loud.) I am also that person, much to the dismay of my kids, who is never without a story. I choose to think Jesus passed that down to me! Jesus was NEVER without a story to fit the teaching of right ways to live, how to love, serve, and give honorable sacrifice for others, so others may know God, too.
It begins with a lesson on giving not getting…and finishes today on a “picture” of God’s kingdom…WITH explanation! For a story without a lesson is just, well, a story with no meat. Jesus uses stories to engage his listeners, make a point, showing and telling how the lessons apply to our behavior. So, a story without a point is well, pointless. And he obviously entertains the crowd while engaging their thought process. Jesus, The Master Teacher!
Mark 4, The Message
Giving, Not Getting
21-22 Jesus went on: “Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don’t you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We’re not keeping secrets, we’re telling them; we’re not hiding things, we’re bringing them out into the open.
23 “Are you listening to this? Really listening?
24-25 “Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”
Never Without a Story
26-29 Then Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!
30-32 “How can we picture God’s kingdom? What kind of story can we use? It’s like a pine nut. When it lands on the ground it is quite small as seeds go, yet once it is planted it grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches. Eagles nest in it.”
33-34 With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience and maturity. He was never without a story when he spoke. When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for “untying the knots” of our misunderstandings and teaching us to fill our hearts, minds and souls with your righteousness. We cry out, like the Psalmist, for wisdom, insight and understanding each day as we navigate our brief journey here on earth. Continue to be with us, guiding us, and filling us. Thank you, Lord, for Your stories that engage, entertain, enlighten and challenge us to be more and more like You as Your power works through us. And by the way, I LOVE your stories. They are Truth and Life! In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 