November 27th, 2020
Text: Mark 4:34
…he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. (NRSV)
How hard is it to understand what Jesus is saying to us? We read our Bibles, perhaps say a prayer, and then move back into the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. Often, we do this before we have really taken the time to meditate on the Word of God.
The word meditate is even seen as a negative word for many Christians. Many see the act of meditation as something done in those “exotic” religions that have nothing to do with Christianity. We might not even realize that the word meditate can simply mean to think deeply or carefully about something.
There is a long and rich tradition of the practice of meditation in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The very first two verses of the first Psalm in the Book of Psalms says this, “Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night”. The Psalmist is telling us that delight is found in meditating day and night on the law of the Lord—the Word of God.
Our text today tells us that Jesus explained everything to his disciples when they were in private. How can we find ourselves in private with Jesus in our day and time? I believe the answer to that question is to carve out times of solitude from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. We need to be intentional about alone time with Jesus where we can shut out the rest of the world and think deeply and carefully about the Word of God. It is in these times that Jesus will explain everything to us as we listen attentively with no distractions.
Pray with me:
Jesus, be with me in my times of solitude as I meditate on your word. Explain to me the depth and breadth and height of your love and the way in which you intend for me to live it out in community. In this way, may I truly be a disciple that follows your path. AMEN.
…he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. (NRSV)
How hard is it to understand what Jesus is saying to us? We read our Bibles, perhaps say a prayer, and then move back into the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. Often, we do this before we have really taken the time to meditate on the Word of God.
The word meditate is even seen as a negative word for many Christians. Many see the act of meditation as something done in those “exotic” religions that have nothing to do with Christianity. We might not even realize that the word meditate can simply mean to think deeply or carefully about something.
There is a long and rich tradition of the practice of meditation in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The very first two verses of the first Psalm in the Book of Psalms says this, “Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night”. The Psalmist is telling us that delight is found in meditating day and night on the law of the Lord—the Word of God.
Our text today tells us that Jesus explained everything to his disciples when they were in private. How can we find ourselves in private with Jesus in our day and time? I believe the answer to that question is to carve out times of solitude from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. We need to be intentional about alone time with Jesus where we can shut out the rest of the world and think deeply and carefully about the Word of God. It is in these times that Jesus will explain everything to us as we listen attentively with no distractions.
Pray with me:
Jesus, be with me in my times of solitude as I meditate on your word. Explain to me the depth and breadth and height of your love and the way in which you intend for me to live it out in community. In this way, may I truly be a disciple that follows your path. AMEN.
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