Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

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;”

 ⁶  For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified.

 ⁷  Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!”  Mark 9:5-7.

I see two lessons here.  First, we tend to talk too much when we do not know how to answer.    Second, we do need to listen to Jesus more particularly through reading the Scriptures.

I need to practice what I preach.  There are parts of Scripture that I do not understand as well as other parts.  I need to either refrain from commenting or at least choose a minor point which I do understand, rather than the major point which I do not understand, upon which to comment.  Generally, it is OK to either be silent or answer:  “I don’t know.” 

Funerals illustrate the wisdom of the first lesson.  Earlier this month, I attended two funerals of two 25 year old young men who were the best friends of my middle son.  What does one say to the parents?  I found myself not saying anything, but just presenting myself for hugs and listening to them.  They seemed glad to hug me and they said whatever they wanted, and I replied with as much sympathy and kindness as I could in as few words as possible. 

On the other hand, my son was able to tell the parents the conversations that he had with their son in which their son discussed his faith.  My son remembered what their son said about Jesus.  My son was able to provide much comfort to the parents based on these conversations and the Scripture that he quoted that their son was saved and in heaven.  These parents told all those attending the funeral that my son’s comments meant the most to them.  In review of one’s life at a funeral, we are forced to consider what is most important and that is one’s faith in Jesus.

 ³⁶  “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?

 ³⁷  “For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

 ³⁸  “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”  Mark 8:34-38.  (Emphasis added.) 

We are focusing on the phrase “but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”  What does it mean?

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.

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.)

Paul rejoices in this use of his life and states:  “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”  Philippians 2:17

 ²⁸  They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah;  but others, one of the prophets.”

 ²⁹  And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

 ³⁰  And He warned them to tell no one about Him.

 ³¹  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.

 ³²  And He was stating the matter plainly.  And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.

 ³³  But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan;  for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

Here is the connection.  Peter and the disciples thought it was wise to widely promote Jesus, perhaps to make him a political leader, but Jesus warned them to tell no one about Him.  See verse 30.  Peter also thought that it made no sense for Jesus to suffer, be rejected, and be killed, but Jesus rebuked Peter.  See verse 33.  

The lesson for us is that for us today, there also may be many things that seem to be wise and there also may be other things that seem to make no sense.  But, we need to be careful to set our mind on God’s interests, not our own interests. 

How do we set our mind on God’s interests?   We need the Spirit.  We need to be led by the Spirit.  No matter how much education man receives and how wise man tries to be, “those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh”, and “those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”  However, those who are according to the Spirit are led by the Spirit.     

^“For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”  Romans 8:5-8.

“However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.  If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh– for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die;  but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”  Romans 8:9-14. 

1 Corinthians Chapter 2 expands on the work of the Spirit.  “… the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.”  Verse 10.  “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,”  Verse 12.  “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.”  Verse 14.  “… But we have the mind of Christ.”  Verse 16.

Here is the full chapter of 1 Corinthians Chapter 2:             

^“1  And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.

 ²  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

 ³  I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,

 ⁴  and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

 ⁵  so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

 ⁶  Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away;

 ⁷  but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;

 ⁸  the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

 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.”

 ¹⁰  For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

 ¹¹  For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?  Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.

 ¹²  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,

 ¹³  which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

 ¹⁴  But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

 ¹⁵  But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.

 ¹⁶  For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM?  But we have the mind of Christ.”  1 Corinthians Chapter 2.

 ²⁴  And he looked up and said, “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.”

 ²⁵  Then again He laid His hands on his eyes;  and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly.

 ²⁶  And He sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”  Mark 8:22-26. 

First, we see that the friends of the blind man both brought him to Jesus and implored Jesus to heal him.  Do we follow this example in bringing others to church and to other Christian resources?  Do we pray earnestly and repeatedly for others?

Second, we see that Jesus took the man by hand.  It reminds me of our annual Marriage Circle Christmas party where we hold hands in a circle before we pray.  Sometimes, I am between two women and have no problem holding their hands.  Other times, I am next to a man, and I am sure neither of us like to hold each other’s hands.  Yet, we see Jesus not only taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village.  In summary, when we interact with others, we often need to do things or receive things that may not be pleasant.  We may talk to someone who “sprays what he says”.  The person may smell bad.  The person may say things that we don’t like to hear.  But, in summary, we are commanded to love our neighbor and that necessitates such contacts.  

Third, it was not all roses for the blind man as well.  How many of us would welcome receiving spit on the eyes?  I am reminded of the story of Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Aram, a great man, but a leper, who sought to be healed by Elisha in 2 Kings 5:1-14.  When Elisha provided the way to be healed through washing in the dirty Jordan river, Naaman was furious about this humiliating method and went away.  However, his servants were wise enough to appeal to his pride and convince him to submit to the prescribed way of healing, and Naaman was cured.  The main lesson is that we must be humble to receive such grace.  James 4:6 states: “But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  The secondary lesson is that, again, we must be good friends like the servants and not give up, but rather turn others back to the path of righteousness.  James 5:20 states:  “let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Fourth, Jesus did not need two tries to heal the blind man.  I think that Jesus wanted the blind man to participate to some extent in the healing.  After the first “try”, we read that the blind man was honest and fully disclosed his condition.  We may receive blessings, but we may need more.  Like the blind man, we should pray with honesty and full disclosure and seek further help.  We are called to be persistent.  After the second “try”, we also read that the blind man looked “intently”.  I am reminded of Philippians 3:13-14:  “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”