Ok, honestly, I was kind of dreading this week. Last week I was all on this super-high, and this week, I don't know...I was kind of worried. I got frustrated over a few things this weekend, and then chided myself for being frustrated, and then questioned whether I needed to chide myself...I mean, ok, I feel like I'm kind of starting over in the spiritual realm...but is it ok to get frustrated over things? Or does that mean I'm creating discord?
Anywho, so with all these thoughts in my head, I was a little worried about this coming week. I mean, I drank 2 1/2 cups of coffee today! I never drink that much coffee! Ever! (But it's instant...so does that even count as real coffee?)
Anyways, so for my small group we have decided to study the book of Mark. Last week, we set out to read Mark 2, but then shortened it to just verses 1-12. We didn't get the chance to meet, and I kind of slacked off on the actual "studying" of the Bible this weekend, and even just that little bit of slacking off...I noticed. So, getting back into Mark was one of my goals after work.
Part of me was thinking, I have read this a thousand times by now, I don't need to read it anymore. But the other part is thinking, just go ahead and read it again.
One thing that really helps me in reading the Bible, especially if there is a part I don't really understand, is writing it out. I think once I start writing I concentrate better, because I'm seeing the scripture take place word by word.
Because Mark 2:1-12 kind of stumped me last week. I mean, these 4 men dropped their paralytic friend through the ceiling for physical healing. So why did Jesus start off with "Sons, your sins are forgiven you"? And I was kind of confused; was He saying that because the man was a paralytic as a result of his sins? Was He going to heal the man at all? Are forgiving someone's sins that same as healing them physically?
Tonight when I was writing, I realized, that it was because Jesus knew that this man needed spiritual healing way more than he needed physical healing, whether that man knew it or not. I mean, the man's friends brought him there because something was wrong with his body, but Jesus could see past the body and see that the man really needed spiritual healing.
Ok, so what do you all think about this? I would be really interested to hear any thoughts on Mark!
- Jillian L.
- Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea
- I maintain that you can find corners of brilliance anywhere, if you take the time to look for them. I aim to be happy, no matter the surroundings. I believe that anything (even the small, overlooked, mundane, daily activities...and maybe especially those sorts of things) can be an ADVENTURE if you have the right attitude. Of course, matching t-shirts also always help endeavor. And yes, if I get to wear an outfit, I really will be more apt to do something...I enjoy outfits.
No comments:
Post a Comment