I have settled down with Mark. Instead of pressing him to slow down, I have taken a seat next to him. He has become an aged storyteller to me. The only thing that would make the experience better would be a latte next to our chairs. I listen intently, I still my soul as I listen to his narrative about this man Jesus. The stories are familiar, like old family tales from the past. I never tire of hearing them, they continually refresh me.
It seems that the first few chapters Jesus was provoking controversy. It seemed that people were upset with the Lord. The Lord was healing on the Sabbath, he was confronting the Pharisees over religion, and the leaders of the established religious nation wanted to kill Him. The chapters of 4-7 seem to be about Jesus doing good. It is healing, feeding, and growing Him disciples into men. Jesus seems to transcend the controversy around him. He has little desire to defend Himself, as He is too busy practicing good within the community.
Jesus seems to be untouched by the nay-sayers, He seems to overcome the criticism, He is focused on the work of the Kingdom.
Related posts:
- Finished Reading Mark
- Reading Through the Book of Mark
- Review of “Just Listen”
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About The Author
Matthew is originally from Nova Scotia, Canada. He has a beautiful wife named Charity and a precious baby named Gabrielle. He has graduated from the Brown Trail School of Preaching, Heritage Christian University with his Bachelors of Arts in Biblical Studies, Lipscomb University with his Master’s of Arts in Biblical Studies and his Master’s of Divinity at Freed-Hardeman University. He is presently working towards his Doctorate of Ministry at Harding Graduate School of Religion. His articles have appeared in the World Evangelist, the Highway to Holiness, The West Virginia Christian, The Christian Echo, The Firm Foundation, Church Growth, and the Gospel Advocate. He enjoys hockey, golf, boxing, and chess. In his spare time he enjoys reading numerous genres of books. Also, he is working on climbing all of the 14ers in Colorado. Matthew is the Pulpit Minister for the Castle Rock church of Christ.
Now that Dr. David Fleer is teaching at Lipscomb University (which is a little more in your neck of the woods), go to one of the sermon/preaching seminars he puts on (which is a blend of academia and spiritual nourishment). If he keeps with tradition, he will have someone who comes and performs the particular book of that year by doing an interpretative recital.
I still remember Richard Ward (teaches at Iliff School of Theology) reciting the first four chapters of Mark as though he was each of the characters. It was a very powerful experience to hear the Gospel of Mark in such fashion.
Rex
Ithaca Church of Christ
Ithaca, NY
I plan on attending one of these events, there is one in October that I plan on being at.