Greetings siblings
I am back. It is good to be able to connect and reflect with you about God’s word. Apologies for my radio silence, it has been hectic. Balancing schedules was an issue, especially when operating in literal and virtual time zones. I hope you were able to revisit previous Nougats or make time to meditate on God’s word by yourselves.
I was planning to continue the Exodus Wilderness Wanderings, but a verse struck me this morning while doing my own devotions. I felt inclined to share it with you and invite us to think about how we relate to Jesus. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Mark 6:1-2 AFV
[1] And He left there and came into His own country, and His disciples followed Him.
[2] Now when the Sabbath day came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and many of those who heard Him were astonished, saying, “From where did this Man get these things? And what is this wisdom that has been given to Him, that by His hands many miracles are done also?
Disrespected In His Hometown
Siblings,
I don’t know how the phrase ‘this Man’ sits with you, but for me, it rankled a bit. As I read, it was as if their choice of words (or what we’re told they chose) was intended to demean Y’shua, while questioning His authority.
In one sense, their attitude is understandable. The Jesus they knew hasn’t been shared with us. They were familiar with the working-class family of modest means whose children might aspire to become woodworkers, not preachers (see Luke 2:22-24 and Mark 6:3, which offer some insights into Y’shua’s family’s social status). And, within the Jewish religious structure, priests were selected from the tribe of Levi. They most definitely were not Nazarites who possessed, in their view, distant claims to Davidic lineage. Yet, there was little Jesus, trying to live outside his station! Not only was He preaching in the temple with no inherited status or appropriate training, but signs and wonders accompanied His work. To them, it was astounding.
Self check
How astounding is the life of Jesus to us today? And what reaction does it trigger in us – are we scathing, or desiring to know Him better?
Application
Siblings, the reaction of the people to Jesus as ‘this Man’ still exists in many circles today. Some see Him as merely a prophet, some fail to recognize Y’shua’s divinity, others use His name as a swear word, and many don’t even believe that God exists.
It is increasingly important for us to know what we believe about Him. Equally important is our knowing why we believe in Him. For, without knowing Y’shua for ourselves, it is very hard to proclaim His existence to others. This isn’t about rote: saying the right words, and making the right signs. This is about our personal relationships with Him, forged from experiences of His salvific grace and time in His presence. It’s about recognizing His qualifications as the only expert in His field and realizing that, as the only begotten Son of God, Y’shua is qualified to be Lord of our lives.
Then, we will find ourselves wanting to share with others about this Man, not in a pejorative manner, but with joy and conviction. We will ensure that He isn’t disrespected in the hometown of our hearts.
Point to Ponder
How well do we know Jesus, and is our knowledge of Him reflected in our routine and other activities
Selah
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May all we seek be found in Christ
