Next time you are in Baghdad, rent a car and take a drive up to the North to Ninevah, or Mosul today. It will take about four hours or so, barring any distractions or hazards. It probably took Jonah several weeks to reach the area from his home base on the Mediterranean Sea. How did Jonah decide that God really was speaking to him about this trip, that’s what I wonder about. And why would God send him to such a, humanly speaking, God forsaken place and people? Now this is an important question, not because it gives us a chance to explore the Ninevite culture, which it does, but because it gives us insight into how far God will go to reach into the dark corners and minds of humanity and bring them into the light. Jonah could never be the same after this trip, don’t you think? His reputation must have been destroyed. Think about it. There must have been so much that Jonah could have done for his people right along the coast there near his home, yet God has him pack his bags and move out to a strange place with horrible people. How could God ask this of Jonah? What did Jonah do to deserve such a bad assignment? We are not really told if this is a punishment or a great honor for that matter, just this introduction; “Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.” Couldn’t God have found some wicked people in Jonah’s neighborhood for him to prophecy to? Why is God so dead set on getting the Gospel to Ninevah? I’m afraid we don’t have a good answer to that in the book of Jonah. All we have is God’s voice, and that voice said go. Where does that leave us when we wonder if God is speaking to us? Here’s a clue. God wants people to have better lives. He wants us to have a healthy planet as well, but He seems to focus in on people, no matter their history, culture, deeds or misdeeds. If they breathe and act as humans, God cares about them. That much is easily inferred from Jonah’s story. It could be argued that the more wicked they are, the more God wants to send resources to them to help them repent and recover. Poor Jonah, I think, reminds me of John Adams after the Boston Massacre. As a patriot, the British were fast becoming his enemy. After the blood of fellow Americans had been spilled in the snow, how could this lawyer take their side and defend them? He put his reputation and worse, his family in jeopardy by this foolish endeavor. He seems to have heard a voice in his head that all humans, no matter where they come from should have competent representation and equal treatment under the law. It was the right voice to listen to. Jonah gets a similar voice and does his best to ignore it, but God does not relent. God has a people in another place that he calls his own, even though they are very different from us, and He cares about them. That should be enough to get one to respond to God’s call. Sometimes it is a far trip through unsafe lands and sometimes it really is in your neck of the woods like the story we see in Nehemiah as he rebuilds the temple walls in Jerusalem. In either case the cast of characters is similar, God the Caller has a people that are in trouble and He calls for a First Responder to serve the troubled. You might lose your reputation in the process, even your life, but through it all God has amazing foresight into the future and has plans to use you for His glory. Is there some calling and voicing taking place in your life today? Are you hearing something from God but you haven’t quite agreed to His will? Maybe this is the time to lean into that voice and cup your ears and take the first steps toward Ninevah. Many will thank you one day. My wife and I live on the side of a community park and lake in our town. Every morning we walk our walk at sunrise about 3 miles. We know that God asked us to take this journey with Him and the people we meet are in His love and care. We don’t have to travel far or brave dangerous neighborhoods to be faithful, we just have to wake up, dress up and go with God.

Sabbath School Lesson for July 20-26, 2024 Overview of Lesson 4, Parables Memory Text: “Then He said to them, ‘Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.’ ‘ Mark 4:24, 25 NKJV These verses about measuring remind us of what Jesus said in Matthew 7:2 about not judging people: “…with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” The theme of measuring was used on different occasions in Jewish culture. The consequences of sin, for example, should fit the crime–“measure for measure”. In Mark 4:24, 25, however, the meaning takes on quite a twist. Jesus was telling them to listen carefully, because when we have our spiritual “basket” filled, and then share it, we can expect God to fill it even more–with a greater measure. Using the words of the gospel to enlighten others will guarantee us a full supply of His abundant grace. The parables Mark shared in chapter 4 provide a summary of what Jesus wanted us to understand about the gospel of His kingdom. They each talk about sharing the gospel with others and how our faith can grow. The Savior wants us to let our light shine and sow the seed wherever  He sends us. Working with Him, we can expect a bountiful harvest when the Lord returns. The parables in Mark 4 will include: Sunday: The Parable of the Sower–The gospel seed is treated differently, depending on the soil where it falls. Monday: Jesus’ Interpretation–Jesus often explained His stories so His disciples would understand them more fully.. Tuesday: The Reason for the Parables–Jesus wanted everyone to understand His parables, but realized that some wouldn’t. Wednesday: Lamp and Measuring Basket–We shouldn’t hide our light under a bushel. We should share our spiritual blessings with others and keep coming back for more. Thursday: Parables of Growing Seed–We need time to grow our faith. Seeds can grow to enormous heights. Sunday: The Parable of the Sower It feels like Jesus was talking especially to His disciples with this parable about the sower. Anyone who sows the seeds of the gospel can expect the results described in this parable, which is really four individual stories, centered on the topic of discipleship. See Mark 4:1-8. The first three stories, about the seed falling by the wayside, on stony ground, or among thorns, describe disappointing, agricultural failures. Jesus explained later that He was referring to how we plant the gospel seed in someone’s heart. It’s apparently not our job to choose the soil, because God expects us to witness in all the places we are sent. Depending on how receptive the heart is will determine the outcome of the planting. Each of us are given the privilege of choosing God or not. The unsuccessful plantings on bad soil or among thorns have immediate, temporary results. But when the seed falls on fertile, good soil, much fruit will eventually be born, growing the kingdom of God and bringing glory to His name. Bible Verses to Explore: Mark 4:1-9 and Matthew 7:13-14 What happens to the seed as it falls on different kinds of soil? Why is there more time spent on discussing the failures of the crop than on its final, bountiful success? Monday: Jesus’ Interpretation Jesus graciously explained the parable of the sower so the disciples wouldn’t miss any of the details meant to warn them about the cost of discipleship. They, especially, must be forewarned about the different kinds of hearts they would encounter in God’s service. See Mark 4:13-20. The seed, they were told, was the Word of the gospel, the sowers were the disciples, and the soil was the receptivity of their listeners’ hearts. The seed thrown on the wayside path would, therefore, soon be snatched away by birds (or Satan). The stony ground would prevent deep rooting, seen by the shallow commitments to God that are sometimes made. And the thorny ground that produced much weeds represented the cares of this life that choked out the effectiveness of the gospel for that person. Only after bringing them these tragic failures did Jesus rejoice with them about the good soil of those who heard the gospel and responded in a way that would produce an abundant crop. The rise of the Christian church following the death of Jesus certainly made this predicted outcome very real. Bible Verses to Explore: Mark 4:13-20 What did Mark see about this parable of the sower that must have impressed him enough to include it in his gospel record? Why is this parable meaningful for anyone who decides to follow God? When in earth’s history will there be a bountiful crop to be harvested? Tuesday: The Reason for the Parables Jesus’ purpose for using parables was not to hide the truth from people, as some have thought. We know that Jesus bravely spoke in parables to hardhearted religious leaders, such as in Mark 13:1-12, a parable about wicked vinedressers.  They understood and knew clearly that the parable was about them. The meaning of Mark 4:10-12, a paraphrase of Isaiah 6:9-10, is a confusing text. Reading Isaiah 6, however, we find a God who is intent upon comforting His people and imploring them to find forgiveness and repentance by choosing Him. Indeed, God wants all to “come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He died for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Jesus knew that some would understand the truth about the kingdom of God and others wouldn’t. When His own disciples needed more clarification about one of His stories, He didn’t hesitate to give it, because He knew their hearts were already drawn to Him and they were wanting to do God’s will (Mark 3:35). Bible Verses to Explore: Mark 4:10-12 and Isaiah 6:9-10 Even though The Teacher’s Notes–Parables, Lesson 4 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 3Q, “The Book of Mark”“>Read more…

Sabbath School Lesson for July 13-19, 2024 Overviews of Lesson 3, Controversies Memory Text: “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.’ ” Mark 2:27, 28 NKJV Before Jesus made the astonishing statement about the Sabbath being for man in Mark 2:27, religious leaders expressed alarm about His healing on the Sabbath and about His disciples plucking grains of wheat to eat while walking through a field on the Sabbath. Both behaviors ran counter to prescribed ways they had determined the Sabbath was to be kept. Like most of us, Jesus encountered controversy during the time He spent on earth. It’s helpful to see how He handled the daily back-and-forth disagreements that interrupted His ministry. Both His church family and close relatives had concerns about the way He chose to live and serve God. It’s helpful to know how Jesus patiently countered these critics, using their claims as story links that helped reinforce His message. His thought-provoking questions were also meant to pierce the heart and change minds. The second and third chapters of Mark provide us with insight into the nature and role of the Messiah. It was obvious that His critics, after years of false ideas and relying on tradition, were the slowest to understand Him. These two chapters will open our eyes and help us see how… Sunday: Healing a Paralytic–Jesus forgave the sins of a paralytic lowered through the roof. Monday: Calling Levi and the Question of Fasting–Jesus wasn’t afraid to eat and socialize with tax collectors like Matthew. Tuesday: The Lord of the Sabbath–By healing someone on the Sabbath, Jesus showed us that it was acceptable to help others on that day. Wednesday: Sandwich Story: Part 1–Scribes and Pharisees thought Jesus was of the devil. Thursday: Sandwich Story: Part 2–Jesus’ mother and brothers thought He was crazy. Sunday: Healing a Paralytic Many teaching nuggets are in the heartwarming story about a paralytic, who was lowered through the roof of a crowded house to be healed. But one aspect of the story proved to be problematic for Jesus at the time. Jesus, understanding the sin-sick paralytic’s spiritual need, first forgave him, relieving his guilt-ridden heart. This was utter blasphemy in the thoughts of some in the crowd. Only God could forgive sin, they rightfully claimed. Jesus, reading their cynical doubts about who He was, called them out and proceeded to do something much greater. He told the paralytic to get up and walk; which he did, amazing them all. By making someone walk by the power of God, they should have had confidence that this itinerant preacher was the Messiah. Being God in the flesh, He also had the power to forgive sin. Bible Verses to Explore: Mark 2:1-12 and Psalm 103:3 How was this healing problematic for Jesus? How did it prove the divinity of Christ? Mark 2:8 Besides forgiving and healing the paralytic, what other indication is given in the story that Jesus was actually God in the flesh? Micah 6:8 Why were the religious leaders so blind about who Jesus was? What three things did they lack? Monday: Calling Levi and the Question of Fasting More controversies erupted when the religious leaders noticed that Jesus was associating with known sinners. The fact that Matthew Levi, the son of Alphaeus, was a tax collector, automatically made him guilty of theft. Many tax collectors of the time certainly overcharged people, in order to make themselves rich. It was troublesome that Jesus had actually called Matthew, a tax collector, to be one of His disciples. And to make matters worse, He chose to dine with him and other tax collector friends–something that was forbidden by Jesus’ critics. When questioned about this “unholy” behavior, Jesus explained that His purpose was to save sinners, much the same as a doctor heals sick people. Shouldn’t a doctor go where sick people are? There was also the question of fasting. Jesus’ disciples didn’t fast, as the Pharisees, and even John’s disciples, did. But Jesus pointed out that those with the bridegroom certainly wouldn’t fast at the wedding feast. There would be plenty of time for fasting, Jesus added, when the Bridegroom was no longer with them–speaking of His coming death. Bible Verses to Explore: Mark 2:13-17 How did Jesus justify eating and befriending sinners? How and why should we associate with secular, worldly people, and those of other faiths? Mark 2:18-20 Why didn’t the disciples need to fast? Mark 2:21-22 How did this culturally-driven illustration help them understand that Jesus, the “new”, did not fit into their “old” ideas and practices? What was “new” about Jesus, and what was “old” about their traditions? Tuesday: The Lord of the Sabbath Jewish tradition determined that there were 39 kinds of labor prohibited on the Sabbath. One of them was plucking, or harvesting, grain. Jesus defended His disciples for doing this on the Sabbath by reminding them of what David’s men did when they were hungry. See Mark 2:23-28. But later, the scribes and Pharisees began to question Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath after healing a man’s withered hand in the synagogue. People were drawn so much to His miracles of healing that they thought this would be an excellent way to make Jesus look bad to the people and question His authority. Jesus, however, countered their argument with the question, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” (Mark 3:4). Matthew’s account includes that Jesus also asked them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out?” (Matthew 12:11). Besides using story illustrations, these incidents show that Jesus also used emotionally-piercing questions to handle controversy. Bible Verses to Explore: Mark 2:23-28 What did the disciples’ behavior actually tell us about The Teacher’s Notes–Controversies, Lesson 3 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 3Q, “The Book of Mark”“>Read more…

Sabbath School Lesson for July 6-12, 2024 Overview of Lesson 2, A Day in the Ministry of Jesus Memory Text: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ ” Mark 1:17 NKJV The second half of Mark’s first chapter reveals a typical day in the life of Jesus during His ministry. His days were spent gathering and training disciples, teaching in the synagogues, visiting the homes of His friends, healing the sick. And, to fuel all this evangelism, He managed to reserve hours of private prayer time with His Father. Other Gospel writers concentrate on just one of these activities to introduce His ministry. Matthew, for example, has Jesus calling His disciples, and then preaching His signature Sermon on the Mount. Luke, on the other hand, presents Jesus’ teaching in His hometown of Nazareth, which resulted in His unexpected rejection there. And, John, pictures Him calling disciples and performing a miracle at a wedding in Cana. Mark’s emphasis on action-packed adventure, especially involving miracles of healing and casting out demons, might be expected of a follower of Jesus so young. In all, the Gospel of Mark provides a comprehensive description of Jesus’ itinerant ministry, one that has significantly changed the world for all time. We will explore these topics during the week: Sunday: “Follow Me”–What attracted His first disciples to follow Him? Monday: An Unforgettable Worship Service–Why were people so amazed at the synagogue in Capernaum? Tuesday: More Sabbath Ministry–What can we learn about how Jesus healed the sick? Wednesday: The Secret of Jesus’ Ministry–Why is praying to God so important to us, and those we serve? Thursday: Can You Keep a Secret?–Why was it hard to keep Jesus’ identity a secret, and why did Jesus sometimes request silence from those He healed? Sunday: “Follow Me” It must have been thrilling to young Mark that, seemingly, the first men Jesus found to join His ministry were strong, physically-active, common laborers like the fishermen–Andrew, Simon, James, and John. These two sets of brothers may have been fishing partners working their nets together by the Sea of Galilee, when they were captivated by the unusual invitation of Jesus to become fishers of men. Luke 5:1-11 provides the added details of a miracle that day. Jesus, after speaking to a crowd from one of their boats, told Simon to go out into the deep and cast their net again. Simon Peter expressed doubt, because they had fished all night and had caught nothing, but they, nevertheless, did as Jesus suggested. After catching so many fish their net was about to break and their boat sink, Jesus announced that if they followed Him, they would become fishers of men. Bible Verses to Explore: Mark 1:16-20 What did Jesus mean by saying they would become “fishers of men”? In what way would that invitation appeal to these fishermen? Luke 5:1-11 How do you understand Peter’s statement about wanting the Lord to depart from him? What was he really saying about Jesus, and himself? Monday: An Unforgettable Worship Service The next verses in Mark 1:21-28 describe one of the ways Jesus reached the people. He taught in their synagogues. It was the kind of teaching that got attention, because His words seemed to carry so much authority. People were amazed at His understanding of Scripture. Of course, the One who inspired the Scriptures would naturally be the best one to interpret them. Mark then told us of a man with an unclean spirit, who cried out forcefully in the synagogue at Capernaum, asking Jesus to leave, because he knew this new Teacher was “the Holy One of God”. When Jesus told the demon to come out of the man, he was instantly silenced, astonishing those in their worship service. Jesus even had authority over Satan’s demonic angels. Bible Verses to Explore: Mark 1:21-22 What kind of authority did Jesus have when He taught in the synagogue? Mark 1:23-24 Why were the demons who possessed the man so afraid of Jesus? Mark 1:25-28 What caused the increase in Jesus’ fame around Galilee? Why did people want to hear and be near Him? Tuesday: More Sabbath Ministry Sabbath keepers, even today, enjoy gathering in the homes of friends for a meal and fellowship after the worship service. Jesus, likewise, went to the home of Peter and Andrew, along with James and John, after worshiping in the synagogue one Sabbath. Their hearts sank when they discovered that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever. Back then, a fever often led to death, so it was with anxiety that they gave Jesus the sad news. Jesus, out of love and mercy, quickly came to her, took her hand, healing her at once. Happily, she was well enough to help serve their meal. By sunset, when the Sabbath hours were over, word had spread about Jesus’ miracle in the synagogue. There was a great gathering of those who were sick or demon-possessed outside Peter’s door. Jesus was especially quick, Mark reports, to heal those who were demon-possessed; because those demons, like the one in church that Sabbath, would noisily reveal who He was, and it wasn’t time for that news to get out. His ministry needed to continue unheeded by those who would eventually cut it short by crucifying Him. Bible Verses to Explore: Mark 1:29-30 What does this healing tell us about Jesus, and what does it tell us about ourselves when we are sick? Mark 1:31-34 Was it selfish of the people to come to Jesus for the purpose of healing? Why does healing, or the need of it, fill us with a desire to be near God? Wednesday: The Secret of Jesus’ Ministry Mark, who seems so eager to share the action-packed episodes of Jesus’ ministry, does not neglect to tell us about His solitary prayer life that empowered everything He did. Mark 1:35-39 noted that Jesus rose earlier than anyone, long before daylight, in order to have distraction-free time to The Teacher’s Notes–A Day in the Ministry of Jesus, Lesson 2 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 3Q, “The Book of Mark”“>Read more…