Peter Walking  on the Water

Matthew 14:22 “And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.”

We know Peter. He is impetuous. He leaps at the chance to do anything.
He is older than the other disciples. And he always wants to speak out, or do something first.

He was a fisherman, when Jesus called him and his brother, to follow Him. But they immediately did.

Now, they had just seen the feeding of the five thousand, and Jesus had told his disciples to go ahead of Him, in boats, to cross the Sea of Galilee.
Then Jesus went up into the mountain to pray.

Matthew 14:24 “But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.”
In Mark it says they were “toiling in rowing”. They had the sails down because the wind was so hard, and blowing in the wrong direction. They were rowing to get to the other side.
As Christians, we too, are often called to go out , not knowing what is ahead. It was probably smooth sailing for the first part of the trip, then suddenly a sea storm came up.
Yet they did not turn around; Jesus had told them to cross to the other side, and they were working to do that very thing!

Now if I was with the disciples, I would have been thinking: “Boy! I wish Jesus was here to help us.”

And then He was!

Matthew 14:25-26 “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.”

The fourth watch is in the early morning. Jesus had been praying all night, and knew they were out in a storm, so He went out to them.
Sometimes the way the Lord delivers us out of trouble is so unexpected, we too are often frightened.

But Jesus puts their fears to rest:

Matthew 14:27 “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.”
We should not be surprised to see Jesus, the Son of God, using any part of His creation to help in delivering His own.
He commands and it is done. So walking on the waves of the storms of our lives, He comes to us; to deliver us in times of weariness and danger.

Then here comes Peter. Bold, and believing (for a while).

Matthew 14:28-29 “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”

Peter goes out of the ship, steps out on to the water, and walks on it to go to Jesus.
Now he wasn’t out there to walk with Jesus across the Sea of Galilee; no, he was walking to Jesus.
But….

Matthew 14:30-31 “But when he saw the wind boisterous he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried, Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

Often what is happening around us, gets our eyes off the Lord.
Well, it was the same with Peter.

He was doing fine, till he saw how strong the wind was. How high it was pushing the waves.
Then he began to doubt Jesus strength for both of them. Silly Peter. The One who called him to come out, certainly can sustain him; even against the strongest wind that blows against him.

Peter probably prayed the shortest prayer he ever had prayed.
But it received a very quick answer: “immediately”.

Little faith doubts God, when it sees the frightening circumstances.
Large faith keeps looking to God, even in the frightening circumstances.

Matthew 14:32 “And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.”

Jesus lifted Peter from the waves, and into the ship.
And how many times has Jesus saved us in difficult circumstances?
Many, Many times.

Matthew 14:33 “Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.”

Jesus was the Son of God, come to save His people from their sins.
Sometimes it takes a storm in our lives to bring us to see Him correctly.

A more excellent Way.
1 Corinthians 12:31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.”
Love to God is that more excellent way. We should love Him, for He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
Where serving the Lord Jesus Christ is concerned, this is a more excellent way:
1 Corinthians 13:1 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal”

Though I could speak in every language of this earth; proclaiming the gospel far and wide.
And if I could testify of the gospel story in angels language:
If love for Jesus is not the motivation for all that talk…
It would be just so much noise.
Loud noise; “sounding brass” like trumpets. “How great!” man will say; but to God it would be just noise.
Soft noise; “tinkling cymbal” like the end of a orchestra piece. Empty and just noise.

1 Corinthians 13:2 “And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

This is the one that used to shake me up. I am a preacher; and I study a lot. I would say I know a lot…but all of that would be useless if I don’t use this knowledge, so I know Jesus, the lover of my soul, more.

And faith to remove mountains; that’s something that everyone wants….but without love to Jesus as our motive; we will be nothing. (Remember Paul was writing this; and he had great knowledge, and understood many mysteries.)
But Paul also understood, that to do for God, without love to God; is to really doing for a reward from God. Which is another way of saying, you are doing it for you.

1 Corinthians 13:3 “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”

If I give all my possessions to God’s work of feeding the poor; and if I die a martyr’s death.
Though it cost me everything, as well as my life; if love for Jesus is not the reason I do it; then it profits me nothing.
I am none the better, for eternity, for it.

1 Corinthians 12:31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.”
The “more excellent way” is to love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. The first and greatest commandment.

1 Corinthians 13:13 ” And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
To truly love God is the greatest work, greatest gift, greatest sound we can do.

And if we truly get to know the Lord,  it is also the sweetest thing we can do.  To love Him,  who gave so much for me.

Gives so much to me,  everyday, when I need Him.

And will give me a home with Him, forever.

The Good Samaritan

We all know the story Jesus told here. It was told to a man who wanted to “justify himself” or excuse himself from the responsibility of loving his neighbor. He wanted to talk of high things, religious things to other people, but to do what God wants for others, he was quick to find an excuse: Who is my neighbor?

Luke 10:30 “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which striped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.”

Now this poor man who was robbed, was only half dead, so there was hope for his recovery: If he could get some help.

Luke 10:31 “And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.”

This priest was no help. Although they were to offer sacrifices in the Temple; they were to also help the people draw near to God in understanding and praise.
Yet he did not take the opportunity to at least see if there was anything he could do spiritually for the man.
After all the man was wounded, and maybe dying.

Instead, he walked to the other side of the road, and passed by.

Luke 10:32 “And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.”

This is worse: the Levite came to the man, looked on his misery, and said nothing. No comfort, or questions. He did not ask if he wanted him to contact his family, nothing.
He just left.
Levites were to help the people who came to the Temple in any way they could. They were the ones who could explain what God’s Word said for them to do, and would be the ones to help them. But there was no spirit or action of help here.
He came, looked at the man, and left. On the other side.

Luke 10:33 “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,”

Finally, some compassion! But wait! This was a Samaritan.
The Samaritans were half Jews, and as such, unclean to have fellowship with.
Some Samaritans resented this, but this man did not worry who the wounded man was. He just helped him.

And what help!

Luke 10:34-35 “And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him: and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”

He bound up his wounds, taking his supplies to do so. Taking time, in an unfriendly place (who knows whether the thieves would come back).
Then he placed him on his beast, and took him to a inn and took care of him through the night.
He then gave the inn-keeper money: two days wages, to care for him.
And promised to pay any other fee for caring for this man.
The Samaritan did not know this man, and if they had met on the streets of Jerusalem before this incident, the man would probably have not even looked his way.

Yet he cared for him as if he were a brother.

Jesus turns to the lawyer, who wanted to justify himself:
Luke 10:36 “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?”

The question was meant to awaken his heart to his own responsibility to others.
What would he answer.

Luke 10:37 “And he (the lawyer) said, He that showed mercy on him….”

(Mercy here is kindness. So he gave the right answer. But if that is the answer, what should he be doing!)

“…Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”

You see, it is not just what we say, as Christians, that makes a difference.
It is what we do.

 

Perfection for a Christian

Hebrews 13: 20-21. “Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Only God is Divine, and Sinless.

But He calls us to be perfect, which in the Bible means that we are to attain to that which you were brought into being for.
We are to fulfill the Purpose of God for our lives.

How can this be done?
“..through the blood of the everlasting covenant.”
Or “…through Jesus Christ;..”
You see, God made a covenant with His Son Jesus Christ, before He created the earth.
It basically was a promise on both sides, which said:
God, the Son would become the Man Christ Jesus and come to earth, live a perfect and sinless life, and then die on the cross; taking all our sins on Him.
So that whosoever would come to Him and be saved from their sin, could be saved.
God, the Father would raise up Jesus from the dead, in the tomb. He would reward His Son with a people that would love Him. God the Father would draw them to Christ, and take them home to heaven when they died.

When we are saved, Jesus becomes our Shepherd. And by His guidance and strength; we are lead through this life. He makes us perfect by leading us in and out of many situations where we are to help, pray, speak about Him, or lend a hand.

When we follow Him, and are obedient to what He wants us to do, then we have attained to the Purpose for which He created us.

This is Bible perfection for a Christian. To see all the “good works” done.

I have “good works” in quotes, because there are so many ideas about the words.
When the Bible speaks of good works, it means anything the Lord wants you to do. Whether that is a lot or a little, what ever His will is, is good.

And Jesus never leaves us. He has sent His Holy Spirit within each Christian to encourage them, strengthen them, and guide them into the life He has for each of them.

Let us follow on to perfection: to do God’s Purpose for our lives, everyday with Him.

Paul’s last Message

2 Timothy 4:6 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

Paul is in a Roman prison: he has been sentenced to death. He has a few things to say to Timothy, who was like a son to him. Instruction, and testimony.

But notice, when Paul talks about his soon execution, he talks as if he were waiting on a train to take him away.

And it is true. The same second Paul’s body died, he was in heaven, meeting Jesus face to face. Experiencing the beauty, rest, and love of God.

Paul speaks of being offered; and he was offered on the altar of hate. They wanted to be rid of this one who preached Christ, even though he had done no wrong to the Roman state.
He had no one of importance to stand for him before Caesar. And as he testified, all men forsook him; no one stood up for him, because of fear of retaliation from the men around Caesar.
Yet Paul forgives them and asks God to forgive them, too.

2 Timothy 4:16-17 “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

Paul writes Timothy, not just to notify him of his execution, but to instruct him.
He lets him know that he is ready to go. That he has finished the Purpose of God for his life.

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
Paul used these illustrations before, when talking about his life as a preacher of the gospel.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air.
But keep under my body, and bring it in to subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

As a runner in a race, he was to keep the goal of God in front of him, and finish what he started. He was to preach salvation to all, and that they were to grow in the grace of God.
And show them how to do it.

And he was a fighter. He had real enemies, he was not fighting the air.
His enemies were from within himself.
We always need to resist sin.
And from without. Many sought to kill him, slander him, and ruin the simple gospel message; yet he withstood them, often face to face.

But he had fought the good fight. He had finished his race course.
He had kept the faith.

And he had instructed Timothy in his former letter to do the same:
1 Timothy 6:11-12 “But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, wherein to thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Paul also looks forward to what God has promised:
2 Timothy 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:….”

And if he had stopped there, we would absolutely understand. Paul had done many things, suffered many things for Christ Jesus.
But he does not:
“…and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Any Christian, who loves the appearing of Christ Jesus, will receive a crown of righteousness.

It is difficult, not to get wrapped up in this world. It’s anger, greed, and vengeful spirit. Then we forget to love Jesus, and stop looking for Him.

Yet, if we do love and wait for Him, there is a crown waiting for us in heaven.

Paul’s last message, was one of instruction and testimony:
“If I, who once was an enemy of Jesus, can be saved and love Him through out my life; in good times, and bad: So can you. He stood with me, and Jesus Christ will stand with you no matter what comes.”

 

Mark:
2 Timothy 4:11 “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”

It was not always so. Mark the writer of the Gospel of Mark, was first named in:
Acts 12:12 “And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”
He was a believer, young and right in the middle of things from the first.
The verses where he is first mentioned, was where Herod began a persecution against the church. James was taken and killed by the sword. (Acts 12:1-2)

Then Peter was taken, and put in prison to bring him out so the people could decide what to do with him.(like Jesus)
But Peter we know was kicked awake by an angel and brought out of prison (Acts 12:6-11). Then he found his way to Mary’s house, a Christian who had kept a prayer meeting going for his release.
Acts 12:5, 12 “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; for many were gathered together praying.”
Mary was John Mark’s mother, and he witnessed many things in those early days.
But his personal faith was not so strong. (Which suggests that seeing miracles, or great spiritual acts does not increase faith, of themselves.)

Paul and Barnabas had John Mark for their minister(helper).
Acts 13:5 “And when they were come to Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.”

But as they went on in their missionary journey; John Mark became frightened and decided to go back from the work to Jerusalem, where he thought he would be safe.
Acts 13:13 “Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.”

Paul and Barnabas continued their journey, experiencing many wonderful and terrible things.  (this missionary journey was where Paul was stoned: Acts 14:19).
But no John Mark.

After the first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem to speak about the growing problem of Judiazers. (Those that taught the believers they could not be saved, except they follow the Law.  This was not true.)
Acts 15:1 “And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.”
Paul and Barnabas were sent by the brethren to go to Jerusalem, and having spoken about what the Holy Spirit was doing among the Gentiles; it was determined to receive the Gentiles without making them follow the Law.

Along the way, John Mark must have come with the men which came back to Antioch, for he is found there, when Paul and Barnabas begin to talk of visiting the churches they had preached to before, “and see how they do.” (Acts 15:36)

But before Paul and Barnabas get started, a contention; so sharp that it pulled them apart.
Acts 15:37-38 “And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
But Paul thought not good to take with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia and went not with them to the work.”
You will notice the terms the Holy Spirit uses here:
Barnabas “determined”.
Paul “thought not good”.
John Mark was Barnabas’ nephew, and he would want to give him another chance.
But his “determined”, meant, he already had his mind made up. He was going to do this. No matter what God wanted for Mark.

Sometimes God gives us a time out, so we learn a lesson in humility.
Paul “thought not good” was looking at the churches. How would it appear to them to have someone who would not hazard his life for Christ to come and minister to them?
The churches that had begun had to stand against persecutions, and blasphemes….how could he stand before them? How could they, with him along?

Now notice the Holy Spirit’s terms for the results of this contention:
Acts 15:39-40 “And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.”
Barnabas “took”. Hard, unmoving.
Paul “chose”. Thinking what should be best for Christ’s work.
Barnabas took off with Mark. It seems as if the Holy Spirit is emphasizing his willfulness. What a shame! You never hear of Barnabas’ work in the Scriptures again.
Paul chose, having the recommendation of the brethren, unto the grace of God.

Two different choices…two different ways.
But what about Mark?
He grew up, and was restored to the ministry with Paul.
Colossians 4:10″Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom you received commandment: if he come unto you receive him:)
2 Timothy 4:11 “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”

And he was a fellow helper of Peter.
1 Peter 5:13 “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.”
Some say the Gospel of Mark is actually Mark writing it for Peter.
Whether that is true, Mark was restored to a work for the Lord.
He grew up, and began to understand the value of true life in Jesus.

Later Paul writes about bishops:
1 Timothy 3:6-7 “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

We are to keep growing, yielding to the Holy Spirit. (Don’t become willful in your own opinion.)
We will never have sinless perfection…but we can be forgiven, grow, and go on with Christ.
Mark did.

Mark 4:39. “And He arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, “Peace be still” and the wind ceased, and there was a great calm”

We know this story:
Jesus had bee so tired, HE had been asleep in the boat–even thru the storm.
But his disciples, had become scared (even tho He told them “let us go across to the other side)
Did they think He would take them out into the sea to drown?

But notice…He rebuked the wind. Like a father to a child which was acting bad.

He said unto the sea; Also like a father; comforting a child which had been teased by another. “Peace be still.”

He Who created them at the first, keeps them; rebukes and speaks to them.

So He does to us. Sometimes we are like the boat in the wind, and sea. There is a great storm going on and we are getting tossed about.
Whether in our heads, or our emotions.
Life is sometimes storms.
How much we need Jesus Christ to speak to the storm and calm it.

Like the disciples, we are at a loss to do anything. I have been in a panic that rose and rose and seemed as if it was going to take over my reasonable thoughts. I did not know how to stop it.
But I knew Jesus could.
So I started to pray….”Lord I am in desperate need.. Please help me…Tell me what to do or just stop it yourself…. “. And so on I prayed covering everything.
What it was about.
What had just happened.
How I felt.
What I felt I should feel.
All the attitudes toward these things, and what I really wanted to do.

First, He rebuked me. Panic comes from our Adversary, the Devil. If I had gotten that far, there had been a time when I had been spoken to about this situation, and neglected to receive His Word.
Then, He began speaking to me about all the things I had talked to Him about.

We crossed that Sea, storm and all, and we made it safely to the other side, because Jesus heard my cry for help and arose to help me.
Sometimes the help we need is the rebuke of:
Mark 4:40 “And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”

He will do the same to you. If you are out in a Sea of emotion, or in a wind of indecision; cry to Him. Get honest with Him. And He will get you to the other side.

Be not unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:17-18 “Wherefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

When you are “drunk with wine”; you have brought yourself under the influence and power of that wine.
So it is to be filled with the Spirit of God; you have brought yourself under the influence and power of the Holy Spirit. He is, in fact, in charge in your life.

Paul writes here that to understand what God’s will is, you must put yourself under the Holy Spirit’s control.
He will tell you the truth.
John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; he will show you things to come.”

The Holy Spirit impresses us through our spirit, if things are true, or if things are not what they say they are.
He will remind us of verses from the Bible (how important it is for us to know the Scriptures), and He will remind us of what Jesus said when He was here.
He will warn us of things coming up in our life, so we can prepare for them, or against them.
Wisdom in the Scriptures is from God. Paul is saying “Get the wisdom you need to know and do My will, by yielding to the Holy Spirit.
We are given the Holy Spirit at new birth.
But we are “filled” with the Holy Spirit; only as we are emptied of self.
Not emptied of our personality…that is precious to God. He died to save our souls, which are our personality.
But emptied of self: self-righteousness, self-pity, self-exaltation, selfishness in so many ways.
Basically it is putting self first in our life. As we are emptied of this attitude, we can be filled with the attitude of putting Christ, by the Holy Spirit, first.
And this is an attitude that is given us by the faith and trust of the Holy Spirit within….but we need to cultivate it by submitting to it.

How many Christians go through their lives, wanting to know God’s Will….they kinda, sorta, know; in general; but do not know for themselves, for today, for now.

Perhaps your not even sure their is a plan and purpose for your life.
Well, Paul says there is, and to know it, you need to submit to the Holy Spirit’s influence from within.
This is a step by step process.
First, acknowledging His right to tell you what to do.
Second, to begin to hear aright what He says to you. (And for this to happen, you need to become readers of His Word.)
Third, we need to yield. Yield as in:

Romans 6:13 “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”
Yield means to assist.
We are to assist the Holy Spirit in His work in us, and through us.

Why do we need to assist the Holy Spirit? He is Almighty!
Because, though He is Almighty, He will not force you to do what you should.
We must “assist” Him, by our wills, willing with Him, to do in us and through us.
This is the wisdom of God…yield, assist the Holy Spirit and learn to be under His influence in your life; and know God’s Will.

 

Blessed

Psalm 65:4 “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causeth to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.”

Blessed means twice your happiest moment!
And we are blessed when we come nearer to Christ Jesus our Lord.

But this “nearer” is of the heart and will, not just of word.

Mark 5:24-28 “And Jesus went with him, and much people followed him, and thronged him.
And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
For she said, If I may but touch his clothes, I shall be made whole.”

Here was a woman in need. She had done all she could, and gone to others who did all they could; but she was none better, but worse.

Hearing of Jesus (all the great miracles He had done,and the many He had healed), she came after Him; and seeing the crowd (for they all were pushing to be around Him), she thought she would come up behind him and just touch His clothes.

She came, not just to see, or hear Him, but to be near enough to touch His clothes, to be healed.
She thought that if she could just touched the hem of His garment (Matthew 9:21), she would be made whole.
So she came, pushed forward, and leaned down and touched the hem of His garment.

Mark 5:29 “And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.”

Finally, wellness!
She touched His garment, and she felt the fountain of blood dry up, and that she was made whole. She probably stopped, with joy and wonder!

But then she heard Jesus say:

Mark 5:30 “And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?”

I want to take a moment here, and point out exactly what the disciples are going to say: There are MANY who are touching Him, around and pushing to be around Him.
But He knows those who really come to Him, and they will always be blessed.

Mark 5:31-32 “And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, who touched me?
And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.”

Jesus was not looking for those who follow for position, or for curiosity.
He was looking for her, who had come to Him, believing that He could meet her desperate need.
That is faith. And faith in Jesus always brings us near in heart, and will.
And will always be blessed.

Although right now she is afraid, she does not run away, or try and hide in the crowd: but came, again, in honesty, and told Him all.

Mark 5:33 ” But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.”

She did not know what He would do. He might revoke His healing. He might be angry at the way she had been healed. She does not know; she fears and trembles: but she comes to Him, and tells Him all the truth.

She should not have feared; the One who heals, saves. The One who saves, receives us again and again, despite our weakness. And so He does here.

Mark 5:34 “And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace (always a sign from God that she is saved), and be whole of thy plague.”

The Lord always rewards faith. His first thought is for her peace with Him (salvation); then He doubles the healing by speaking, “be whole of thy plague.”

Blessed is twice happy; and she was. Both saved and healed, because she came to Him; first in secret faith, and then in honesty.
The first was given what she sought.
The next was given blessing; To be brought near to Jesus in Salvation, and to be made whole.

Jesus has said:
Matthew 11:28-29 ” Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy ladened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

It is in our coming to Jesus Christ, that we are blessed. We shall be satisfied as we abide with Him.

 

True North on the Compass of Your Life.

Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

There is, on the compass, a magnetic north, which is not true North.
You can navigate with this, for short trips.
But when you have long trips over any length of time or of distance; you must be able to ascertain True North, or you will be off your point of destination, miles and miles.

We should all have a goal to which we are headed in life; and a way of getting there, which is not going to lead us in the wrong paths.
That goal keeps our eyes focused on the real purpose of our existence.
As Christians, our purpose of life, should come from the Lord:

Ephesians 2:10. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

We are “created in Christ Jesus” or born again; for a purpose.
Our purpose is to “walk” in the good works God appoints us, as individual Christians, to do.

So what is the True North in this walk?

It is making Jesus Christ, Lord of your life, so that you will know what to do, and will be empowered to do by His life, within you.

John 7:17 “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whither it be of God, or whither I speak of myself.”

Hosea 6:3 “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”

As certain as this old earth keeps turning, there will be sunrise tomorrow.
You may not be able to see it, for there may be clouds and the day dark and dreary; but the sun will be there.

This says that we can rest easy in Christ; we can expect Him to show us His Way for us, and for Him to give us His blessings (the former and latter rains), in the time we need them.

It also encourages us, to follow Him. (How many scriptures do this very thing?)
He knows where we should be, and how we are to get there.
In life, in attitudes, and in troubles; with Him as our Lord and Savior; we shall know.
Our whole life is a journey. (I used to tell a friend, life is an adventure. They thought of “lions” and “tigers”; and they were not happy about the thought. But I still think it is.) It is a journey of a life time.
And, lets face it, we need help; we need a guide, who loves us, to get us to the end.

We are to “walk” from here to heaven, with Christ Jesus.
That is a daily walk with Him.

That is how we grow to know Him more.
True North on the compass of our lives, is to make Him Lord of our lives.
Then we will see His Purpose for our lives, done.
Then we will get to the end in peace.