Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I am unsure why the Book of Mark is like the little brother of the Gospels. He's like Mike from the Monkees. Everyone knows Mickey, Peter, and Davey, but no one can ever remember the other guy.  Although everyone can name the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - does anyone ever quote something from Mark?  Any coffee cups with a verse from Mark giving us the inspiration we need to get through the day? Not even a good t-shirt with a Mark quote. Yet, when I open my Bible to Mark, it is filled with highlighted verses that have caught my attention over the years. I think Mark needed a publicist.

So, Amy, the Daily Devo Coordinator, asked the impossible. She gave me two chapters of Mark and expected me to narrow it down to one thing. Not fair.  I am considering speaking to someone about this. Might start with that Chairman of the Elders dude. 

Let’s look at Mark 5 and 6 and see if we can narrow this down a bit.  

What about the demon-possessed guy who broke chains and scared the heebie-jeebies out of everyone? Jesus simply turned him into a commercial - broadcasting the compassion Jesus showed to the outcast. What about the woman who reached out and touched His robe? What an incredible example. Faith that Jesus had the answer to her life's issues and the courage to reach out.  There is a lesson here, not just a Bible story.  Of course, this story interrupts Jesus bringing a 12-year-old little girl back to life.  Did I say “interrupts”? No such thing with Jesus.  Trust me; He can multitask.  We then read about John the Baptist's death.  It is a tragic story, but once again, Jesus knows just what His disciples need.  In Mark 6:31, He tells them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while."  Not sure I have ever noticed that verse. He knows that sometimes we need a little rest to regroup, to recharge.  He really does know us and cares about our well-being. Then we see Jesus feed the 5000. This is probably one of the most repeated stories in Sunday School history.  Disciples were concerned about finding food to feed the masses.  You know the story - five loaves and two fish equal an all-you-can-eat buffet with carryout for all. The disciples saw bread needed, realized bread was enough, and experienced bread abundance.  That's Jesus: "Abundantly more than we can ask or think.” 

And now the winner: Walking on the Water! I have to admit, as a kid, I tried this many times.  Just once, I would have liked to experience walking on water.  Not going to happen for me, but for Jesus, it’s not a problem. The problem, as I see it, was that the disciples could not imagine that Jesus was able to do such.  How could He do that?  I mean, He has only rescued a demon-possessed man, healed multiple-upon-multiple people, raised a little girl from the dead, and fed 5000 with a Lunchable.  How could He possibly walk on the water?  This is where it starts to get personal for me. How could He possibly heal my friend?  How could He possibly make my finances work out when the math doesn't?  How can He possibly calm my spirit when the storm rages around me? Jeremiah 32:27 answers: "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh, is anything too difficult for Me?"  I can attest from real-life personal experiences that the answer is a resounding "NO".  

In my old age, I have determined that it is really not a fair relationship I have with Jesus.  Nothing I say surprises Him, and everything He does surprises me.  Pretty sure I am getting the better end of this deal.

Have you had a little doubt creep in lately? If so, take a good dose of Mark.  Read through a few chapters and be reminded that He can do anything.  You'll see.

What about taking the first step?  Are you afraid to reach out and try to touch His cloak? Did He rebuke the woman for doing that?  No.  He healed her, called her “Daughter,” and through His divine inspiration, He included her in the Bible.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
  
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
  
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
  
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
  
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.
  
  

  The Way of Jesus: 7 Marks of Discipleship

As we begin a new series, we encourage you to lean into the 7 Marks of Discipleship each week. The 7 Marks of Discipleship provide a simple tool to help us identify areas where we are thriving in our calling and where we can grow. Check here each week for a new 7 Marks Challenge that will encourage you to follow Jesus closer every day.