Daily Reading: Mark 3
Scripture Focus: Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” (Mark 3.20-22)
Devotional Thought: In high school, I testified of being called to the ministry. I clearly remember my high school gym teacher’s reaction: “You’re crazy! You’re too talented to be a preacher!” That comment didn’t necessarily cause my delay in becoming a preacher, but it did teach me a lesson I have never forgotten: People will not always understand and encourage the sacrifice and service we make for Jesus. As a matter of fact, they may call us crazy!
In Mark 3, Jesus was so happy doing his Father’s will that he and his disciples were not even taking time to eat. Jesus’ family thought he had lost his mind. And, when Jesus’ detractors heard that, they became emboldened to accuse him - not of just being insane, but being filled with all manner of evil! (We need to be careful how we talk about our brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we disagree. Our negativity may embolden the Enemy to make a more direct attack on them...)
Circumstances and family, friends and enemies may oppose your total commitment to God. Some may even try to force you to “Choose between God and me!” That’s a false choice. We can serve God with all our heart and give our very best to our family at the same time. As a matter of fact, we are at our best for our family when we are at our best for God.
This year, choose God and be the best you can be!
Prayer: Father, I commit to serve you with all my being. Help me to recognize the lies of the Enemy and to remain firm in the face of opposition. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 2.7-12
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