Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ⁴³  “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;

 ⁴⁴  and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.

 ⁴⁵  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:41-45.  (Emphasis added.) 

This teaching is not easy to accept.  Naturally, we would rather be served than to serve others.  We would rather be the leader, so others must serve us, rather than be the servant or the slave.  Yet, Jesus’ teaching is clear:  “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;  and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all”.  If we want to follow Jesus and be like Him, we must seek to serve others.

But, how do we serve others as we should?  Do we just try harder?

First, we trust God to lead us in the paths of righteousness.  “He restores my soul;  He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.”  Psalm 23:3  God leads us to the service that we should do for others. 

Second, we trust God to fill us with His Spirit and produce the fruit of the Spirit within us such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”.  Galatians 5:22-23.  When we walk by the Spirit, we will find that through this love and other fruit of the Spirit, we will serve one another.  Galatians 5:13.

Third, also through the Spirit, we can resist our natural desires to be selfish.  “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh;  for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.”  Galatians 5:16-17.

Fourth, God also gives us specific gifts through which we serve others.  God does not expect us to provide the same service to each other.  See 1 Corinthians Chapter 12.  Those gifts help us to serve others.  Through the gifts, we can do the jobs more easily.  We find ourselves taking delight in our gifts and enjoying our service to others.  “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”  Psalm 40:8  “She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.”  Proverbs 31:13

Fifth, God provides all the resources by which we can serve others.  “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; … Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; … you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:8, 10, and 11.  

In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches us what our attitude should be.  “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” ^“For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:12.  (Emphasis added.)

 ³⁶  And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

 ³⁷  They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.”

 ³⁸  But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”

 ³⁹  They said to Him, “We are able.”  And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized.

 ⁴⁰  “But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give;  but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”  Mark 10:35-40.  (Emphasis added.) 

God has prepared many things for His elect.    God has prepared us and the world in which we live.  God has prepared our works.  God has prepared heaven for us.  God has even prepared deadly weapons, eternal fire, and the vessels of wrath for destruction.  God has prepared praise for Himself.  God has prepared other things. 

All these preparations should comfort us.  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28.

I did a keyword search of the word “prepared” at BibleGateway.com.  Here is the link – Click here: BibleGateway.com – Keyword Search: prepared            Here are some of the precious verses:

Exodus 23:20
[ Conquest of the Land ]  “Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.

2 Chronicles 29:36
Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over what God had prepared for the people, because the thing came about suddenly.

Psalm 7:13
He has also prepared for Himself deadly weapons;  He makes His arrows fiery shafts.

Psalm 74:16
Yours is the day, Yours also is the night;  You have prepared the light and the sun.

Zephaniah 1:7
Be silent before the Lord GOD!  For the day of the LORD is near, For the LORD has prepared a sacrifice, He has consecrated His guests.

Matthew 21:16
and said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?”  And Jesus said to them, “Yes;  have you never read,  ‘OUT OF THE MOUTH OF INFANTS AND NURSING BABIES YOU HAVE PREPARED PRAISE FOR YOURSELF’?”

Matthew 22:4
“Again he sent out other slaves saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner;  my oxen and my fattened livestock are all butchered and everything is ready;  come to the wedding feast.”‘

Matthew 25:34
“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 25:41
“Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;

Mark 10:40
“But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give;  but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

Luke 2:30-32:                                                                                                                                    “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 
    Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 
    A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
         And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Romans 9:22
What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?

Romans 9:23
And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,

1 Corinthians 2:9
but just as it is written,” THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”

2 Corinthians 5:5
Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Hebrews 11:3
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11:16
But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God;  for He has prepared a city for them.

In conclusion, The Heidelberg Catechism, Question and Answer 1, reminds us that “all things must be subservient to my salvation”:   

Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?

Answer. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.

I am amazed again on how rich the Word of God is!  Usually, I know the subject matter of what I want to write about after I read the Scripture.  Today, after reading the Scripture three times, I had no clue about what I was going to write for these few and scary verses.  It was only after I copied and pasted today’s text that the subject matter came to me which I highlighted.   

Yes!  No wonder that the disciples were “amazed”.  Jesus, Who knew that He was going to suffer so severely and die, “was walking ahead”.  Consider that it is natural for a person who faces such a fate to follow behind and to be quiet and fearful.

But, Jesus, not only boldly walked ahead, He boldly talked in detail about “what was going to happen to Him”.  Jesus prepared His disciples for the future.  Jesus showed His disciples that He was in charge of His own future.  Jesus comforted His disciples.  Jesus gave His disciples the hope of His resurrection.   

In conclusion, we can have every confidence that whatever we face, Jesus will not only be with us, Jesus has faced it ahead of us and is able to come to our aid.  ^“Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:17-18.

 ²⁷  Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”  Mark 10:25-27. 

Calvin, in his Commentary on this last verse (Mark 10:27) states:  “… he (Jesus) teaches them to rely on the grace of God alone …”.  Here is the link to his full Commentary on these verses – Click here: Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke – Volume 2 | Christian Classics Ethereal Library

What a summary for Reformed doctrine!  Reformed doctrine teaches people to rely on the grace of God alone.  It is one of the Five Solas of the Reformation.  Click here: The Five Solas « Reformed Doctrine Blog

Most “Christians” will pay lip service to salvation by grace alone, but if you listen carefully to the conclusion of their sermons or teachings, they almost always emphasize and conclude with what man should do.  Using this Scripture, they would emphasize and conclude with Mark 10:21:  “… One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  

But, consider John 6: 28-29:
“Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’ “ 

God changes the focus from man to God.  God changes the focus from what man should do (“What shall we do?”) to what God has done (“the work of God”).  God changes the focus from works to faith.  God changes the focus from man generating his own faith to God even giving faith.  

Salvation is by grace alone.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.

Today’s devotion covers Mark 10:13-16.

“13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them.

14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

15 “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.” Mark 10:13-16.

This is another one of those passages which inform us who will or will not enter the kingdom of heaven, and we better pay close attention. Yet, we do not need to pay attention with dread, because this is truly an encouraging passage at least for those who are “young at heart”.

So, the central question is obviously: “What does it mean to “receive the kingdom of God like a child”?”

First, a child receives the kingdom of God, like most everything else, as a gift. Children are not hesitant to receive gifts, and they show their joy at receiving gifts. Think Christmas! On the other hand, most adults think that they earn everything that they get, and that they can earn through their works the kingdom of heaven. But Scripture plainly tells us: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

Second, a child receives the kingdom of God, like most everything else, humbly. On the other hand, most adults are proud and like to focus on what they have done. At most funerals, you will hear proud words of how great the decedent was, not how his family and friends knew that he or she humbly depended solely on God’s grace for salvation. . “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” James 4:6.

Third, a child receives the kingdom of God, like most everything else, with eager expectation. Children actually believe that they will receive what has been promised to them. Think also of their high hopes for Christmas! On the other hand, most adults have let the disappointments that they experienced through life to cause them to be skeptical and doubtful. But, Scripture tells us: “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.

In conclusion, let us be more like children. Let us receive the kingdom of heaven and all the mercy and grace and blessings as gifts, humbly, and with eager expectation.

Today’s devotion covers Mark 9:49-50.

“49 “For everyone will be salted with fire.

50 “Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:49-50.

Calvin, in his Commentary on these verses, states (partial quote):

Mark 9:50. Have salt in yourselves. This word may be taken in a different sense from what it had in the former verse, as meaning that seasoning of good odor, which is obtained by faith, or rather the wisdom of the Spirit. When Paul enjoins, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt,” (Colossians 4:6,) he means, that we ought to be holy, and purified from all profane follies and corruptions, and filled with spiritual grace, which edifies all who hear it, and diffuses over them its sweet odor. If this exposition is adopted, it may be necessary to understand the latter clause as referring to the mutual peace, which is promoted by that salt. Yet, as it is more probable, that this last sentence depends on the former discourse, I think that Christ is exhorting his own people to maintain the rigor of faith, which may serve also to purify others. “You must do your endeavor, not only to be salted within, but likewise to salt others.” But as salt bites by its sharpness, he immediately admonishes them to regulate the seasoning in such a manner, that peace may be preserved entire with one another.”

Here is the link to the full Calvin Commentary which also draws within the parallel passages of Matthew 5:13-16 and Luke 14:34-35 – http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom31.ix.xlii.html

In summary, using quotes from Calvin, first, “believers may not refuse to be purified by fire and salt”. Second, believers must preserve within themselves “that savor (BH – unique flavor of salt) which they obtained by the grace of God” and “which may serve also to purify (BH – and preserve and attract) others”. Third, “But as salt bites by its sharpness”, believers should “regulate the seasoning in such a manner, that peace may be preserved entire with one another.”

Regarding this first point of purification, Zechariah 13:9 states:

“… Refine them as silver is refined,
And test them as gold is tested
They will call on My name,
And I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are My people,’
And they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.'”

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:6-7.

Regarding the second point of preservation of their own unique flavor, Matthew 5:13 states: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.” Yes, we, believers, are certainly different and should not try to lose our distinctive taste and smell to the world. The non-elect will be offended, but the elect will be attracted. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16.

Regarding the third point of avoiding needless irritation, believers should not be salty in the sense of needlessly offending others. A little salt is good; a lot of salt is bad. Colossians 4:5-6 states: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Romans 12:17-18 states: “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”

Today’s devotion covers Mark 9:42-50. We will focus on verses 47 and 48.

“If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell, where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.” Mark 9:47-48.

This Scripture contains some of the scariest images and warnings concerning hell in Scripture: the millstone around the neck, being cast in the sea, the cutting off a hand, foot and eye, and the worm which does not die and the fire which is not quenched. Who is eager to preach, teach, or write about it?

We tend to prefer the carrot of heaven rather than the stick of hell to motivate people to proper living. And yet, as Scripture presents and teaches, we need to fully present and teach both heaven and hell.

It is remarkable that in Mark 9:42-50 Jesus mentions hell three times and the following phrase three times: “where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED”. Jesus did not hide hell from us. Rather, Jesus pounded the table about the very real existence of hell and how radical and severe our actions should be to avoid hell.

However, Jesus is not literally advising us to cut off our hand, foot, or eye. And, that is not because it is too severe or too radical an action. If we could actually do so to avoid hell, it indeed would be well worth it. Rather, we could do so, and not only cut off one hand, one foot, and one eye, but we could cut off both hands, both feet, and both eyes, and we would still sin and stumble and deserve and receive hell.

In summary, Jesus is not providing the method by which we can avoid sin and stumbling. Jesus is providing the value of avoiding hell. Jesus states that “it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell”. See Mark 9:47.

Everything that we do in life should be done with consideration to the value of avoiding hell and the value of obtaining heaven. We previously read the phrase in Mark 8:35: “but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” Concerning this phrase, in a recent devotion, I wrote: “It certainly does not mean to foolishly waste your life so that you literally lose it. Jesus is not talking about suicide nor intentional recklessness. (Just like Jesus is not here talking about literally cutting off a hand, foot, or eye.) Rather, it means to wisely spend your life in services to our LORD and others to fulfill your ministry, rather than selfishly spending your life to satisfy your own personal lusts and desires. Paul states: “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5-8. (Emphasis added.)”.

Hearing or reading about hell is certainly uncomfortable and piercing just like it was for those in Acts 2 who heard that Jesus whom they crucified was raised from the dead and was exalted as Lord and Christ, but it can lead to salvation. “Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” Acts 2:37-39.

Likewise, the jailer trembled with fear and fell down before Paul and Silas, “and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:30-31.

 ³⁵  Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

 ³⁶  Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them,

 ³⁷  “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”  Mark 9:33-37. 

I think it is easier to accept and apply Jesus’ statement “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” than it is to accept and apply Jesus’ statement  “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me”.  It is easier for us to think that we are humble and the servant of all on our own terms.  It is just a matter of our attitude and our choice as to how we serve others.  But, “to receive a child” creates more uneasiness. 

Although the thought did not occur to me until right now, let me make it clear that Jesus is not talking about one’s own children.  That is not difficult.

I don’t think Jesus is even talking about children for whom we can have a brief social encounter such as patting them on the head and sending them on their way.  I don’t think Jesus is even talking about children for whom we can have limited responsibilities as part of a job for which we are getting paid such as a teacher.    

As one example, but it is not limited to this one example, I think Jesus is talking about taking an orphan child into one’s home to love and care for him or her until he or she is ready to leave.  Now, that is one scary thought!  I don’t have it in me now to do it.  I question even my compassion now for the children of Haiti after the recent earthquake there.

But, God can pour His love into our hearts to do what He would have us do.  “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7.  I like to say that God sneaks up behind me and leads me to do what I ordinarily would not do of my own will. 

Along these thoughts, I think God snuck up behind my friend Harry to love and care for Anna, a girl with no normal arms or legs.  Anna was first in Harry’s Sunday School class;  I am not sure how long.  But, Harry talked to the wonderful parents of Anna (who are an inspiring story in themselves for their adoption of special needs children) and got their permission to take Anna on hikes.  Harry would pack Anna into his backpack and carry her around the dunes of Lake Michigan.  I am not sure Harry intended to continue to do it for long, but God again kept working on Harry, and Harry now invites his friend Dale to go along so he can bring Anna’s siblings with them for the hikes.  I am not sure Dale intended to do it for long, but he likes Harry and hikes, and God also snuck up behind Dale and inspired Dale likewise.  

So, there is hope for you and me.

 ²⁸  When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?”

 ²⁹  And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.”  Mark 9:23, 24, 28, and 29. 

I want to write about three things in these verses.  First, Jesus encourages us to seek help from God for even such difficult problems that they require miracles to resolve.  “All things are possible to him who believes.”  Second, Jesus encourages us to not give up just because we do not have enough faith, but rather to seek help even for our unbelief.   “I do believe; help my unbelief.”  Third, Jesus encourages us to pray particularly for such difficult problems.   “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” 

Regarding the first point, Galatians 3:5 states:  “So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?”  Although this verse is in the form of a question and focuses on our need to hear with faith, it still reminds us that the Spirit works miracles among us.  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?  “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?  “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”  Matthew 7:7-11. 

Regarding the second point, Hebrews 12:2 teaches us that Jesus is “the author and perfecter of faith“.  Jesus does not just “author” or give us the initial faith;  Jesus also “perfects” or gives us that additional faith that we need.  ^“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6. 

Regarding the third point, James 5:14-16 states:  “Is anyone among you sick?  Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;  and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.  Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.  The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

¹¹  They asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

¹²  And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things.  And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

¹³  “But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wished, just as it is written of him.”

We have seen in prior Scriptures that Jesus had been preparing His disciples for His suffering, rejection, and death.  “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”  Mark 8:31. 

Despite Jesus’ plain and repeated statements of what would occur, the disciples were not happy to hear this prophesy.  “And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.”  Mark 8:32. 

Here, in this Scripture for today, it seems to me that the disciples are trying to find an extension of time before Jesus would die.  “They asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”  Mark 9:11.  It seems as if the disciples were saying that before Jesus could die, Elijah must come first.

Jesus did confirm that the prophesy about Elijah was true, but it was not going to help the disciples extend the time of His death.  We see here and elsewhere in Scripture that John the Baptist is a type of Elijah and a fulfillment of the prophesy.  (See, for example, Matthew 11:14)   In this Scripture for today, Jesus said:  “And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things.  And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt?”  Mark 8:12.  Jesus confirms once again that He will suffer many things through this different way of using this paradox. 

This is another way in which Jesus prepared the disciples for the hardest events that they would face which would be Jesus’ suffering, rejection, and death.  And yet, the disciples did flee when these events started with the arrest of Jesus.  But, they remembered Jesus’ words and came back.  In another incident, Jesus described his upcoming death and resurrection with these words:  “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”  John 2:19.  “So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.”  John 2:22. 

In conclusion, I see a primary lesson and great encouragement for us in this Scripture.  Jesus prepares us for the future and has great patience with us in teaching us again and again and in different ways.  We may not hear clear and direct words like the disciples did, but Jesus will send to us Scriptures and experiences through which He patiently prepares us and teaches us.  Even when we fall or flee or stray, God will lead us back to the paths of righteousness.  We see this throughout Scripture from Adam through Jonah to these disciples.  I like the calming confidence of what is written in Philippians 3:15:  “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude;  and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;”