Blogging Through The Gospels: Mark 8

Mark 8 covers a bunch of Jesus’ miracles and teachings, including the feeding of the four thousand and the healing of the blind man. Then there’s Jesus’ teaching of avoiding the Pharisees’ teachings, and Jesus predicting his death.

Before moving into our SOAP for the day, I wanted to share a really thought-provoking verse:

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my world…the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” ~Mark 8:38

Hmmmmm. If we’re ashamed of God now, he will be ashamed of us when he comes back! That’s certainly something to chew on for a while. While this may seem obvious, I must ask: are we ashamed of God? I know that I may not exactly be afraid to talk about him, but are we ashamed of God when we don’t speak up about him? When we let a possible spiritual conversation prompt pass by? Sometimes I wonder if we are more ashamed of Jesus in our silence then in what we may say.

My favorite part of this chapter, however, was when Jesus was predicting his death. Let’s SOAP and I’ll tell you why!

Scripture:

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” ~Mark 8:36

Observation:

I don’t really think I need to write anything here. This Scripture is very clear!

Application:

Do you remember Matthew 6??

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ~Matthew 6:19-21

I think that Mark 8:36 goes along with Matthew 6:19-21 very nicely. In the long run, what are you gaining? Are you only focused on getting more worldly possessions and “stuff”? Or are you also focusing on creating and maintaining a relationship with God??

Prayer:

Dear God, please help me to keep and maintain my relationship with you, and not let other worldly things take the place and importance of you. Amen. 

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P.S.--To learn more about this blogging-through-the-gospels program, or if YOU would like to join yourself (you're more than welcome-jump right in!!) go to: http://www.momstoolbox.com/