July 8, 2018 Sunday

“1 ¶  Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2  And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3  “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” And they were offended at Him. 4  But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5  Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6  And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. 7 ¶  And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 8  He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff — no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts —  9  but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. 10  Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 11  “And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” 12  So they went out and preached that people should repent. 13  And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.” (Mark 6:1-13 NKJV)

            Christians at times can be so familiar with the teachings and miracles of Jesus we no longer experience the wonder of them. People marveled at the teaching of Jesus and even His greatest critics and enemies were overcome by what Jesus said and did!

            The disciples like us often seem to just not get it or if they do they just accept it as a wonderful thought and teaching. Like us they spent more time pondering the teachings rather than wandering to share those teachings.

            Some were confounded by the teaching of Jesus but because they could not argue with what Jesus said like today they began a smear campaign. They attempted to bring Jesus down to their level so they would not have to take Jesus seriously.

            Their unbelief not only allowed them to not listen to the teaching of Jesus but limited the healings in the area.  Our unbelief limits the work of God and if we do not want God to be part of our lives or community God draws back and we lose God’s protection!

            God’s response to a lack of welcome is to send the disciples out two by two to offer the good news!  God’s response to a lack of faith is to call the Church to teach and preach faith!

            When we limit God terrible things happen as God’s protection leaves.  Places and people who deny God see an increase in troubles and violence. When Adam and Eve knew they were naked it was not just a lack of clothing but they lost God’s protection and provision and for the first time they knew fear!

            Those in the Church are called to share faith with a lost and “naked” people so they can through God’s mercy and love once again come under God’s protection!

            Are you by faith in Jesus under God’s protection?  Do you share with the lost the faith that can save them?  Do you pray for those who need the hope of God’s protection?