OzThoughts Friday 30th January 2009

OzThoughts Friday 30th January 2009

We are not even at the end of the fourth Chapter of Mark’s Gospel and one thing is very apparent. Jesus was a great teacher and the crowds gathered to hear him. Today’s reading tells us a little of the reason why he was so successful.

Mark 4:26-34 (The Message)

26-29 Then Jesus said, "God's kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!
30-32 "How can we picture God's kingdom? What kind of story can we use? It's like a pine nut. When it lands on the ground it is quite small as seeds go, yet once it is planted it grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches. Eagles nest in it."
33-34 With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience and maturity. He was never without a story when he spoke. When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots.
What does this say to us and how we should share Jesus with the people we meet? Can I suggest that Jesus was very aware of what was happening right where he was. He described what he and everyone else could see or easily picture because it was their experience. He did not rely on second hand stories or stories used by others with effect. His stories were not to entertain or fill the time.
Notice, too, Jesus made himself available to those whom he most wanted to influence. “When he was alone with his disciples, he went over everything, sorting out the tangles, untying the knots.” Jesus was not only a teacher but he was a personal tutor and a masterful mentor.
PRAYER: (Using the Song Book as a Prayer Book).
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_1248.mp3 ]

I'm a soldier bound for Glory,
I'm a soldier going home;
Come and hear me tell my story,
All who love the Saviour, come.

Chorus
I love Jesus, hallelujah!
I love Jesus, yes, I do;
I love Jesus, he's my Saviour,
Jesus smiles and loves me too.

I will tell you what induced me
In the glorious fight to start;
'Twas the Saviour's loving kindness
Overcame and won my heart.

When I first commenced my warfare
Many said I'd run away;
But they all have been deceived,
In the fight I am today.

I'm a wonder unto many,
God alone the change has wrought;
Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by his help I'm brought.

When to death's dark, swelling river,
Like a warrior I shall come,
Then I mean to shout salvation!
And go singing glory! home.
Author: Richard Jukes (1804-67),alt
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 338

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