Mark 9:33-37, Exodus 201:1-17
The story of Mark 9:33-37:
The Story of Exodus 20:1-17:
(20:18) “When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, speak to us yourself and we will listen, but do not have God speak to us or we will die.”
- The first 4 are relational with God!
It is a 3-way cord…
- 1st cord - He is God!
- 2nd cord - He was their God!
- 3rd cord - He was their redeemer!
- They will receive God’s mercy and strength by the Holy Spirit to live the other 6 Commandments which are relational to others.
God’s love forces us to ask the hard questions-
1. Do I honor anything or anyone before God?
2. Has God been replaced by something physical or material in my life?
3. Do I value human life?
4. Do I tell the truth?
5. Do I take God’s name in vain?
6. Is work more important than my relationship with God?
Living the Kingdom:
- Is not lifeless religion- it is an active relationship.
- Is about renewed or new commitments.
Lack of commitment saps energy out of our relationship Malachi challenged his congregation- “set your heart to honoring my name” Malachi 2:1
- Is a renewed commitment that brings renewed love.
Jesus teaches us that the greatest is the one who is the servant of all!
By putting myself last, I can give God my best and become first.
My Time, My Talent and My Tithe!
- Is a prayer is that not one person will be pushed away from Jesus because of us.
“Test me in this and see if I won’t throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
So here is our response:
- Must be intercultural: As Jesus intersects with us our response is to intersect with others!
- Must be culturally responsive: As Jesus Responds to us, we in turn should let the Spirit lead us as we yield to the needs of others.
- Must be a beloved community: Jesus inclusive love is what we live in with reconciliation. A community that listens and observes.