The Day the Gloves Came Off
- jacarroll71
- Feb 18, 2021
- 2 min read
Week 8 in the Word
Looking back
This past week we concluded our journey through Leviticus and Matthew and began the gospel of Mark. I hope you saw how God showed His mercy and patience to Israel. We too experience great mercy and patience from Him as we learn the good news of forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer.
Did you try using the I-O-U-S outline for prayer before your Bible reading? You can click here and scroll down to the "Tip" for an explanation of what that outline means.
Looking ahead
This week we will begin Numbers and continue in Mark’s gospel. You may find it helpful to listen to an audio version while reading the long lists of names in the tribal census (Numbers 1) and the listing of the identical contributions made by each tribe for the dedication of the tabernacle (Numbers 7). Certainly, the process of encampment and of marching was orderly and efficient.
In Numbers 11 we come to a major event in the history of the Israelite nation. We see the importance of trusting God in overwhelming situations. Notice how the timid opinion of a small group discouraged the entire population causing a bad decision. What did God say to Moses? How did Moses respond? What was the consequence of this bad decision?
We find the pace in Mark’s gospel quicker than in Matthew’s. While Matthew intersperses narrative with five major discourses of Jesus, Mark shows Jesus in action exercising His power over disease, demons and even death. Hostility against Him mounts. His enemies accuse Him of doing His works by the power of Satan. Jesus counters by accusing them of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, an eternal sin. Truly, that day the gloves came off!
Tip:
If possible, have a regular time and place for your daily Bible reading. In your designated location, keep all essential items at hand, such as, your Bible, notebook, pen or pencil and any other materials. Consider your time with God the most important appointment of the day. Keep Jesus’ example in mind. “Rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed” (Mark 1:35 ESV).
Week of February 19-25, 2021
February 19 /Day 50 Is There a Secret to the Number 12? (Numbers 1-2; Mark 3:1-21) Audio here. February 20 /Day 51 Eternal Family Ties (Numbers 3-4; Mark 3:22-35) Audio here. February 21 /Day 52 Bear Fruit and Be Blessed (Numbers 5-6; Mark 4:1-20) Audio here. February 22 /Day 53 The God Who Quiets Terrified Sinners (Numbers 7; Mark 4:21-41) Audio here. February 23 /Day 54 God’s Glory in Christ’s Power (Numbers 8-10; Mark 5:1-20) Audio here. February 24 /Day 55 Belief or Unbelief: That is the Question (Numbers 11-13; Mark 5:21-43) Audio here. February 25 /Day 56 God’s Providence: It’s a Mystery (Numbers 14-15; Mark 6:1-32) Audio here. If you do not have a copy of my book you may want to order one here. However, you may also access the daily audio recordings generously provided by my friend and pastor Charlie Evans above.
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