As the Gospels give us a glimpse into the historical life of a man named Jesus from Nazareth about two thousand years ago, we come across an event that seems most peculiar to us living in the 21st century. We’ll look at the event according to the records of a young man named Mark, who experienced it through the eyes of one of Jesus’ most intimate friends – Peter.
In his letter so far, Mark has been describing the counter-cultural, scandalous and controversial messages and works of
Jesus. Jesus has been restoring sight to those that have been blind for years, even from birth. He’s exercised his divine power to stop the 12 year hemorrhaging of a woman with a mere command, whereas other doctors would only worsen her situation. He has even brought a young girl back to life from having been dead a couple of hours. But not only this, Jesus has also been making statements that have caused much controversy and attention. Statement like these: “The Son of Man [referring to Himself] has authority on earth to forgive sins”; “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (meaning He is over all) and “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (a call to suffering).
Mark, along with the other Gospel writers (Matthew, Luke and John) are making a valiant effort to make their readers aware of three major elements to our faith: Who is Jesus? What is He saying? And are we truly listening to Him?
This brings us to Mark 9:7 where Jesus brings his 3 closest boys, Peter, James and John, to receive a glimpse to a promise. As if it weren’t enough to be at the top of a mountain, watching something heavenly happen to the physical Jesus, all while conversing with two guys that died thousands of year before this moment, Peter, James and John hear a thunderous voice from the heavens say, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” When it comes to life and all it encompasses, this statement is monumental.
Who is Jesus? What is He saying? Are we truly listening to Him?
You know, many now in this post post christian era write us off as mythical, spiritual fanatics who leverage their lives on a whimsical faith; but the reality is that we hinge our faith utterly on the life, actions, sacrifice, power and words of a historical figure. The truth is Jesus of Nazareth really lived, really healed people of diseases, really said He was the Son of God, really predicted His own death, (among fulfilling every prophecy of Him, including his birth); was really crucified, really died and according to the testimony of many, really resurrected. We cannot deny His existence, history does not allow for that. We are only left with the responsibility to seek out the truth and even then we fall short. But in his goodness, God pursues us through His Son Jesus, in the power of His Spirit, to see us in a fruitful relationship with Him.
Only “in Christ” can we have full and eternal security and encouragement. Center your lives, ministry, work, relationship, and everything around Him. ”Listen to Him”, not for the sake of listening to Him, but for the sake of receiving the full recompense of obedience – full complete joy! (John 15:11).
Hey Pastor!
Me again, I love this blog I’ve read it twice. I get very encourged, my faith increases, and my hope for hearing from God more increases too. To add, I get excited regarding ALL His promises for His people. “A faith we can put our hands on”, this is GOOD, its real! I’ve had numerous encounters w/ the HoLy Spirit where sometimes His presence is so tangible. I believe I can definitely put my hands on my Faith. So YES! He is, was, and Yet to come. Good Message.
Blessings,
Dinelia