Mark takes us from the house in Capernaum to the lakeshore where Jesus is preaching. Here, we see the crowd again, but it quickly fades into the background. Jesus' attention is now drawn to a tax collector named Levi. He is the lowest of the lowest in Jewish society but a prime prospect for God's kingdom in Jesus' mission.--Can we claim to follow Jesus and fail to accept those He accepts--

People seem to enjoy seeing Jesus challenging the religious authorities. However, the officials are outraged and demand to know the source of Jesus' authority. They know that He is acting on divine authority, yet if he says it bluntly, they will easily accuse Him of blasphemy. Instead of answering their question, Jesus redirects their attention to the source of John the Baptist's ministry. The temple authorities immediately recognize what Jesus is up to but they are not prepared to admit it publicly. Instead of submitting to the truth, religious leaders choose to lie. Time may be running out for these self-righteous leaders but according to Jesus, they still have a chance.

Mark takes us from the house in Capernaum to the lakeshore where Jesus is preaching. Here, we see the crowd again, but it quickly fades into the background. Jesus' attention is now drawn to a tax collector named Levi. He is the lowest of the lowest in Jewish society but a prime prospect for God's kingdom in Jesus' mission. Can we claim to follow Jesus and fail to accept those He accepts?

Mark's Gospel is full of healing and exorcisms. However, before we are tempted to think that Mark views forgiveness as a lesser priority than healing, we should consider what is happening in this context. When the four friends bring their paralytic friend to Jesus, they encounter an obstacle. The four friends must either leave their friend at the door, carry him back home paralyzed or find a way of getting him to Jesus. --Will they stop at the entrance of discouragement and return to our hopelessness-

Mark's Gospel is full of healing and exorcisms. However, before we are tempted to think that Mark views forgiveness as a lesser priority than healing, we should consider what is happening in this context. When the four friends bring their paralytic friend to Jesus, they encounter an obstacle. The four friends must either leave their friend at the door, carry him back home paralyzed or find a way of getting him to Jesus. Will they stop at the entrance of discouragement and return to our hopelessness?

The LORD has given Abraham and his wife the desired heir at an old age. And now that his son has grown into a young man, the LORD asks Abraham to offer him up for a burnt offering, upon one of the mountains which He will show him. This is the kind of test that produces a severe internal conflict in one's mind. --Abraham does not question the truth of God's Word even though obeying it may bring him tears. --Who is this God-

The LORD has given Abraham and his wife the desired heir at an old age. And now that his son has grown into a young man, the LORD asks Abraham to offer him up for a burnt offering, upon one of the mountains which He will show him. This is the kind of test that produces a severe internal conflict in one's mind. Abraham does not question the truth of God's Word even though obeying it may bring him tears. Who is this God?

Jacob stood as a central figure between Joseph and his brothers. And now that he is dead, the vacuum hits hard on the brother's conscience, and their guilt is rekindled. Even though Joseph forgave them 17 years ago, their behavior brings back memories of their evil actions against him. Once, they sold him for a slave, and they now offer themselves as his servants. --The LORD has turned Joseph's predicament into deliverance of many souls. This revelation points us to God who transforms what is meant for evil into blessing and salvation.

Jacob stood as a central figure between Joseph and his brothers. And now that he is dead, the vacuum hits hard on the brother's conscience, and their guilt is rekindled. Even though Joseph forgave them 17 years ago, their behavior brings back memories of their evil actions against him. Once, they sold him for a slave, and they now offer themselves as his servants. The LORD has turned Joseph's predicament into deliverance of many souls. This revelation points us to God who transforms what is meant for evil into blessing and salvation.

Even though his journey to Egypt will reunite his family, Jacob is afraid of what would happen in Egypt and of what could happen to the promised land. So, he stops at Beersheba to express his fears to the LORD.--Jacob's journey to Egypt after a long period of grief mirrors our spiritual journey. We all start as sinners, desperately in need of God's grace. And as we grow we realize that God's promises can help us realize something greater about God.