Hanging out with Jesus XXI: Leafy and Tender Branches

Hanging out with Jesus XXI:  Leafy and Tender Branches

Mark 13

Key 13:28-29  Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:  So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors . 

In Mark 13, as we hang out with Jesus, he addresses a very important but often-misunderstood subject of the signs, and timing of end times highlighting what believers should do. History is filled with failed predictions of the end times and the second coming of Christ. The details of what to expect has also been shrouded in controversy. As a result, most people no longer take the subject seriously. Mention of the subject generates jokes such as:

This has upset me; I have only just paid off my credit this month - and to think I might have gotten away with it.

If you believe the world is ending, and would like to give away your stuff, I can send you my address. I prefer cash to checks.

That in itself contributing to the sign that Jesus will come at a time when least expected (Mathew 24:44).  While we can laugh let us also remember that a pregnant woman may have many false labor pains but one of the pains will just turn out to be the genuine.

The Bible teaches that the second coming of Christ is a certainty. If one believes all the other promises in the Bible, one has to believe this promise as well. Jesus said no one would know the day or hour. However, fools will ignore the season.  As when the fig tree produced leaves and had tender branches, it indicated it was summer time. Today’s trends and events indicate that the season for the second coming has come. If the Acts 2 outpouring of the Holy Spirit was in last days (Acts 2:17), the present time has to be in the last of the last of the last days.

The period 2014 - 2015 have experienced four blood moons (lunar eclipses). A red moon is associated with end time prophecy. Scriptures such as Joel 2:31 are used as support[1]. Four blood moons on successive years on Jewish holidays as happened in 2014-15 is rare and when it has happened in history significant world events particularly regarding the nation of Israel happened.  Other signs mentioned or implied in the book of Revelations and other prophetic books of the bible include:

·         Events around the nation of Israel. The only nation whose history and future was told in Bible prophecy making it a prophetic clock. By following events about the nation, one can tell the prophetic seasons. The period prophesied in the book of Daniel from his time to Christ has transpired. The period after Christ is for the in gathering of the harvest or the bringing in of people to Christ to form the Church. The duration of this period is unknown. After it will come the last seven years. Half way through this period an abomination of desolation will be committed in the temple in Jerusalem after which will be the great tribulation. There will be more trouble than the world has ever seen before. Many believe the church will be ruptured before the last 3.5yrs. When Christ comes to bring the great tribulation to an end he will usher in the millennium rule which will be followed by the eternal kingdom

·         The rise of the Antichrist to rule a one-world government in the last seven years before Christ’s return. This makes trends in global cooperation such as through the UN and around the millennial goals now replaced by the sustainable development goals, of interest to those who follow Biblical prophecy closely. The same are references to 'a new world order' and technological advances that make such a rule feasible and shared threats such as terrorism, wars, food insufficiency, natural disasters and wide spread economic collapse.

·         The rise of the False Prophet a religious leader of global influence who will collaborate with the Antichrist. Generally, scripture repeatedly warns that false prophets and false christs would increase culminating in this person.

·         An exciting sign of end times is the preaching of the gospel to all nations and the outpouring of God’s Spirit like never before. My favorite.

Jesus responded to a question by his disciples about signs and times regarding the destruction of the temple. In doing so, he went beyond their expectation to talk about his second coming. He warned, encouraged and instructed them on how to live in last days.  He instructed them to be on their guard to look after themselves. He exhorted ‘take heed of yourselves (v9)' by doing three specific things:

>>Keep the truth V5. 

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 

Do not be deceived. The first possible deception is found in v1-2 on Jesus' last departure from the temple.  The way you see and interpret things around you is important.   Perspective is at the heart of deception. The temple in Jerusalem built by Herod the Great was one of the wonders of the ancient world. It was an engineering marvel of the day. So the disciples are understandably impressed and proud of their temple. Jesus however saw what it was and recognized the human ingenuity behind it but saw beyond. He saw its destiny. It would not remain standing for long.

Other deceptions are around who Christ is, his teaching, his works, his messengers and return. Jesus warned believers not to be misled by many who would say, 'I am he'. Some will even perform signs and wonders (v5-6 and 21-27). Today some say Jesus was just a good man, a savior or an example. The truth is he was not a savior but is the savior. They will say they know the date and time of his return. Jesus taught that no one knows the day. Some even claim he has come already.  He will come publicly, loud and  in visible glory not in secret. Always check biblical correctness of a teaching and the character/fruit of the teacher. (Mathew 7:20). They will  be intellectually appealing, politically correct, and emotionally moving but  Do not be deceived.

Deception can also be around what believers should do. In Thessalonians, some stopped working because they were waiting for the second coming. Paul warned them that if they did not work they might as well also stop eating. The truth is you occupy until he comes.  Be wise, be productive but do all to serve him until he comes.

>> Keep the peace

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars , be ye not troubled : for such things must needs be ; but the end shall not be yet .  (v. 23ff)

Jesus said my peace I give to you and the world cannot take it away (John 14:27).  When there is trouble outside your heart, you can still enjoy peace inside.   Trouble doesn’t have to trouble your heart. Trust in the Lord (Psalm 118:8) and know that whatever happens does not change God’s character, sovereignty and his attitude of love towards to you.  It does not alter his finished work on the cross and his covenant. He is  in control even though the number of earthquakes has doubled in ten years. Even though opposition and persecution may continue for some or intensify for those currently spared. Even though there may be arrests and beatings for the faith.  Even though you may be betrayed by family members and hated everywhere. Even though you will hear of wars and rumours of war.

He said do not be troubled because I have for told the things to come and they will not catch you off guard.  Also, do not be troubled because they are birth pangs that will result in the preaching of the gospel to all nations and unprecedented revivals.

>>Keep the expectancy and fervency (V35f.).

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh , at even , or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing , or in the morning:   Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch .

Pay attention to yourself/ how you live (9-22). Don’t slumber but be alert. Keep expecting. Keep looking to the sky in hope. Prepare to meet him. In any case, if he delays coming for his church he will come for each individual when his or her life comes to an end. Stay hopeful. Order priorities to show you know he is coming soon and very soon. Read the signs of the times and understand the seasons just as you can tell summertime by the leafy and tender branches of the fig tree. 

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory  (v. 26, also Revelation 1:7)

You will not know the time. Therefore, watch always.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

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[1] To be valid, the lunar eclipse redness would have to come first since it depends on light from the sun. For the scripture also talks of the sun darkening.

Hanging out with Jesus XX: Marvelous in our Eyes

Hanging out with Jesus XX:  Marvelous in our Eyes

Mark 11:27-33; Mark 12

Key 12:11-12

Jesus was back at the temple the third day prepared to defend his actions and expose the hypocrisy of his critics. The Religious leaders quizzed and interrogated him on several issues.  They came to ask tricky questions and they got answers that left them with nothing more to say. What they did not realize was that Jesus was not only a provider of answers but was the answer.  They asked with wrong motives but for everyone genuinely looking for answers/solutions to life problems and puzzles Jesus is the answer. He is the answer for all times.  The following are the questions he was asked.

First Question: Authority

 Firstly the Chief priests, the scribes and the elders came to him (Mark 11:27-33). They did not accuse him of the losses he caused to the temple businesses, and the disruption of public order.  What they cared about was the source, reason and boundaries of his authority.  They wanted to know who gave him the right and permission to do what he did.  Who was he submitting to and serving. Who is behind you? They understood authority as delegated. They thought they could know who they were dealing with when they knew who they were serving. When you follow Jesus, your life will be puzzling to someone and will be asked to explain your secret to peace, joy and progress.

 Jesus asked them to say if John the Baptist was from heaven or of man. That would not tell the answer and neither would he tell them the source of his authority.  We however know that they were not prepared to receive his answer anyway. They were looking for ways to discredit him in the eyes of his many admirers. He has already indicated that  drove the temple ‘thieves’ out based on Isaiah 56:7.  The religious leaders were exposed as people who no longer had respect for the authority of the scriptures. Let the Scriptures be our authority (1 Corinthians 4:6) and the establishment of God’s kingdom its purpose. 

Jesus instead of answering their question shared a parable.  A master who panted and secured a vineyard and assigned servants to care for it while he went away.  Later when he sent his servants to receive fruit they beat them up, tortured and killed some. He sent his son and they killed him too. The master was extremely patient at a high price. Eventually he destroyed the servants and appointed a new team. The master re asserted his authority. The authority they were resisting and rejecting became the one enforced without which nothing was done.  It became pivotal, a primary pillar and cornerstone (v.10-11).  When God reverses the gains of his enemies, it is marvelous. He warned them by this parable that despite rejecting him he would be the cornerstone and the centerpiece (Daniel 2:35-36; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6).

This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous (Thawmastos) in our eyes (V.11)?  The doing of the Lord reverses the gains of our enemies. When it’s the Lord at work, it will be marvelous. He does mighty things. He continuously does great things.  Awesome is his name.

Second Question: Taxes

Teach time Jesus answered a question the people were amazed... Marvelous is the doing if The Lord.  The questions were tricky designed to discredit him and question his integrity (v.13).  The second question was asked by the Pharisees and the Herodians. Both groups were not comfortable with Jesus and eventually they would conspire to kill him.  For them to come together was an unusual combination because they had issues between themselves.   Their question was on a very contentious issue of the day.  Shall we give or shall we not give taxes to Caesar?  They wanted a direct answer not a parable.  Jesus answered if the money has Caesar’s image give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what belonged to God.  What belongs to God is what bears his image. That is people for they where made in God’s image.  Give Caesar taxes but allegiance to God. Every person should completely give himself to God that is what matters most.

Third Question: Life after death

Next to come to ask Jesus were the Sadducees (v24). They did not believe in the resurrection. The religious tradition was that if a husband died without a child the wife could be married to the deceased brother. So wanted to know whose wife a woman who at the end of her life had married seven brothers would be when they all meet in the after life.  Jesus advised that their reasoning was erroneous because of two reasons (v.24, 25).

>>not knowing the scriptures. These people saw themselves as experts on the scriptures. So it was like saying to a judge you do not know the law.  They were ignorant of the human state in heaven where there is no marriage to one another.

>> Not knowing the power of God. They assumed God was limited to natural laws. They rationalized everything. Resurrection is possible because to God nothing is possible.

The two points of departure from truth are not to know the scriptures and the power of God. Holding on to one at the expense of the other leads to error.  Religion holds to a form of religion that denies God’s power.  True worshipers shall worship in Spirit and truth. Disciples of Christ should therefore embrace both the full gospel and the full power of God.  Being richly indwelt by God’s word and able to release faith to move in his power.

Question 4: Greatest commandment

Next to come was a Scribe who asked what the greatest commandment was (v.28). Jesus replied that it was to love God with all your heart, your soul, your mind and all strength. and your neighbor as yourself (29-31). God looks for those who love him and others passionately not just by fulfilling religious duty.   The Scribe admitted Jesus had said it well.  Jesus commended him for not being far from the kingdom (v.34).  We can only hope he later arrived into the kingdom. Near is not enough.

The common people heard him gladly (v.37). He explained that David referred to him as my Lord. He also warned them to beware the scribes who love public impressions with their dress and long prayers but in private devour widows’ houses.  

An occasion to illustrate what he had been teaching as he answered the questions in the temple presented itself when people filed to give their temple offerings. Unlike religious leaders who devoured widows, houses Jesus commended a widow who gave only two mites (v. 42-44). He commended her sacrifice for she gave all she had.  Her widow’s mite plus faith became a widow’s might.

One who loves God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength will not hesitate to give all he/she has.  Such one will remember to give him/herself to God fully because they bear his image. Such one will know the scriptures and God’s power.  Chose to be the one.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Hanging out with Jesus XIX: Passion for the Mission

Hanging out with Jesus XIX: Passion for the Mission

Mark 11       Key ‘Have faith in God’ (v. 22)

Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem in style on a mission unstoppable. He rode a borrowed donkey. Crowds surrounded him shouting Hosanna, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.  Word viral buzzed through Jerusalem that Jesus was in town.  On this visit, Jesus would be falsely accused and crucified. He however demonstrated boldness and passion to accomplish his mission (Mark 11).  Interestingly, much as he had passion for the mission he also had a mission for his passion. The two are interdependent. Passion fuels the mission and the mission ignites the passion.  His dedication to completing the mission to give his life for the salvation of humanity aroused and stirred the passion he displayed.  No wonder this last week of Jesus’ earthly life is traditionally referred to as passion week.

At Bethpage and Bethany near Jerusalem, he sent two disciples to go into the village and fetch him a donkey. They would see the donkey tied to a door and were to untie it and bring it to Jesus.  If anyone asked questions, they were to answer that the Lord needed it and would bring it back.  It was exactly as Jesus instructed.  Why would people let their donkey be taken away?  It could have been unusual favor on Jesus. But it also could be that he had established strong networks of trustful relationships.   It is noteworthy that the donkey had never been ridden before.  That it was able to do the work without tipping the Lord over is a great miracle.  The many who were cheering him as he entered Jerusalem would be cursing him within five days. That is called the fickleness of human praise. However, looking into the future, one who humbly rode a donkey into Jerusalem with followers praising will ride a royal white horse into Jerusalem in triumph with knee bowing and every tongue confessing he is Lord, at his second coming.

It was Passover the greatest of the Jewish feasts.  Jews from all over made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. So the city must have had many visitors.  People in the city were puzzled at the style of his arrival. The people praising and singing had expectations of political deliverance. The critics were watching carefully and suspiciously.  Jesus knew what was about to happen. Scripture was being fulfilled. The donkey for its part was lost at what this all meant.  It was being ridden for the first time. It was being covered with nice cloth, hearing all the praise and stepping on people’s garments and tree branches spread on its way.  The entry into Jerusalem had brought out what is at the heart of being disciples - to give it all away in praise (1 Peter 2:9).  The donkey enjoyed the lime light and the garments as long as it carried Jesus. A fact it dared not forget and a reminder to all servants of God never to forget that it is all because of Jesus.

Jesus visited the temple for the first three days and retreated for the night to Bethany. The first day he simply observed the situation (v.27).  The second day he cleaned up the temple. On the third day, he was quizzed by chief priests, scribes and elders in the temple.   During these days, three things greatly disturbed him.

1)  The prayer less house of the Lord

The temple was intended for prayer. People perhaps came to Jerusalem with hopes to be able to offer prayer in the temple. Instead, it had become a center for commerce, and money changing.  He drove out the traders, and turned the tables of moneychangers and declared the correct purpose of the house. My house shall be a house of prayer for all people (v.17; Isaiah 56:7). It had become ‘a den of thieves’.  The merchandisers were ripping off people. They were also stealing time and space for prayer to God. Jesus came to restore to the temple and human lives kingdom purpose, basics and priorities.  The church as the temple of the Lord is also a house of prayer.  Its members become like moneychangers when they come to worship and pray with hearts that are far from God and holy things. When they sit in pews and allow their minds to become busy elsewhere. When prayer is relegated to the fringes of the church life.  When focus is diverted from God to programs, buildings, money, and leaders.  It is easy to say our music is great, our numbers have grown, our finances are more, our programs and prayer seminars are well attended. Nevertheless, do we pray? The statement, a church is as big as the people who attend its prayer meetings, is not far from the fact.

Jesus’ passion is seen in his clear and high quality choices. He chose to be hot rather than be cold in his attitude to pleasing God. His position was not ambiguous. There was no room for Luke warmness in his heart. When he felt for Jerusalem, he was moved to tears. When he saw multitudes, he was filled with compassion. When he set for Jerusalem, he was focused and undeterred. He was so moved by the abuse of the temple that his spirit groaned and his indignation took radical action that left people speechless. Looked at Jerusalem and brought moved to tears. What ever he did, he reached a point of complete victory.  Half-heartedness and apathy give the enemy an upper hand. Great victory for the nation of Israel could have been secured through Joash had he been more passionate about what he did (2 Kings 13:18, 19).

2) The fruitless fig tree

Jesus was hungry and attracted to a fig tree with leaves but lacking fruit. Promising but disappointing.  He cursed it for not having fruit out of season.  It must however be noted that it was off season for the main harvest  but time for first fruits, a small amount of fruit that ripens before the main crop.  God expects the fruit of Spiritual growth and obedience in the lives of his people. The fruit of readily receiving and searching Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11).  Especially when it is off-season. When it is not convenient. When you think it is too much. When you are under extreme pressure.   When in the troughs of life. What fruit comes out when for example your patience is tested? Do you do the work of evangelism in season and off-season?

The fig tree also had a prophetic significance regarding Israel.  How they had failed to show the fruit of repentance.

3) The faithless prayer

The necessity of prayer is unavoidable in walking with God because people need God.  Prayer is the expression of dependence on God.  When they saw the cursed fig tree dried up Peter drew Jesus’ attention to the tree (v. 21).  Jesus did not sound surprised. He knew the fig tree would never bear fruit again. So he took the opportunity to use what had happened to illustrate prayer that works.

a)  It is prayer out of faith (v.22-23). Prayer is to express faith. He answered ‘Have faith in God’.  Be empty of doubt. He implied that when he cursed the fig tree he had done so prayerfully without doubt, the fig tree would never produce fruit again after he spoke.  A lot of praying without faith in God is wasted opportunity.  What is your perspective and confession like before and after prayer?  a prayer of faith will change both.

b) It is for moving mountains (v.23).  Mountains are that which stands in the way of people experiencing the fullness of God and his purpose.  They include the cares, needs and problems people face.  Therefore, I say to you, what things so ever you desire when you pray believe that you receive them and you shall have them (v.24). It is the way to cast cares on God. When the mountains are moved, God is glorified for they moved by faith in God.

c) It is from a forgiving heart (v.25-26).  He implied that when he drove the thieves from the temple he maintained a heart free from bitterness and unforgiveness.  It is possible to be firm without being bitter. Otherwise, the fig tree would not have dried up.  Could the quality of our relationships in marriage, family, teams, and neighborhoods be where our prayers are being made ineffective? May God search our hearts and may his grace abound.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Hanging out with Jesus XVIII: The Beginning is enough

Hanging out with Jesus XVIII: The Beginning is enough

Mark 10.   Key v. 6, 27

If you can think back far enough and ahead far enough as well as deep enough, you will meet God. In the beginning were God and the word.  The end and the beginning come together in one place - where he is.  Effectively there is no beginning and no ending in his nature. He is eternal.  He is the Alfa and Omega. When it seems he has come to the end, he will just be beginning. When you walk with God, you experience his nature and the end of seasons is only the beginning of new seasons.  The seeds for the future are sown in previous seasons and at the beginning.  What exists at a time can often be explained by what happened at the beginning.

From Chapter 10 of the gospel of Mark, Jesus faced change in his life head on. He could have stayed in Capernaum and enjoyed the Sea of Galilee but it was time to visit Jerusalem for the last time. He knew that it meant a journey to the cross. He was aware it would be his last visit to Jerusalem until he came at the end of time to rule from the New Jerusalem. Despite the risks and dangers involved, he set his head as a flint to go to Jerusalem.

Chapter 10 follows the pattern of the rest of the book where Jesus had time with his disciples, the public, individuals and Religious leaders.  Let us draw lessons from six responses to Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem. 

1) The multitudes gathered around him (v.1). The needy and curious typically crowded him in public places. They had no clue what would soon happen to the great teacher. On this occasion, Mark highlighted that Jesus taught. Many were there to listen. What is notable is that at this late juncture in his life teaching is the main task and priority. Teaching is the way to pass on and leave a legacy. If people are willing to listen, teach as much as you can. Teaching is the key to transforming minds and understanding is the key to winning minds. There is no instant miraculous regeneration of the mind. A process of learning is required.

2) The critics tempted him (v.2-9). Jesus’ critics looked for faults and ways to discredit him but he overcame. His wisdom was smarter and they could not pin him down.  They asked about the lawfulness of divorce. Jews lived as if all things began and ended with Moses. The Bible teaches that they begin and end with Jesus (Hebrews 1, Colossians 1:16, Revelation 22).  To support their view they went back as far as Moses but Jesus took them back beyond Moses to the beginning. There he showed them that God’s design is ‘what God has put together let no man put asunder’ (v.9). The main things such as original purpose, vision, values and intentions are traced to the beginning. Many disputes can be solved by going back to the beginning.

 Jesus came to restore God’s purpose for humanity to enjoy the victory, healing, righteousness, sufficiency, love, peace, joy, dominion and fullness of life he gave at the beginning of creation. The beginning is enough. The cross of Jesus brings the beginning and the end close to you so you can meet God. The cross resets everything to its default. Restoring it to what it was at the beginning.  It goes back far enough where the lamb was slain before the foundation of the world and into the future far enough where the lamb will be enthroned forever.

3) His disciples probed him in the house (v.10-12).  Jesus’ disciples probe him to explain further the position regarding divorce. Jesus was ready to clarify and elaborate. He went on to highlight the implications of putting away one’s spouse and remarrying as tantamount to adultery.  Apart from honoring and maintaining marriages, a big lesson is the mark of discipleship to be with Jesus and learn from him. You always discover more when you learn the word and commit to reading further, praying it in, meditating and obeying it. 

4) Children were brought to him. (v. 13-16). Jesus welcomed children. He rebuked his disciples for attempting to shield him from Jesus. They may have thought the business was too serious for children. Jesus refused to be viewed as exclusive to a class or social grouping. He refused to be over protected and exalted in an exclusive manner. He is for all ages and can be with you in palace and in a shack to the same measure.  He does not need protection even in the face of his enemies. He is the lion of Judah to defend simply release him. Disciples are not his defender but his distributor.

He demonstrated greatness by embracing children. A lesson he had taught his disciples (Mark 9:34-36). For such is the kingdom of God.  The kingdom is for those with childlike faith. Those who can absolutely depend on Father God

Unlike Peter who wanted to preserve and defend the status quo, the sons of Zebedee wanted to position themselves favorably in a scenario without Jesus (v.37).  They wanted to sit with him in glory.  When the other disciples heard the request, they were displeased and fell back to the debate of who was the greatest. One that Jesus had dealt with already (v.9:35).  It is interesting to note the slowness to learn of the disciples. .  As disciples, we also need to hear from Jesus repeatedly to assimilate his teaching. Spiritual learning happens slowly through persistence, much prayer, correction and rebuke. Teaching can be a frustrating experience that requires patience (2 Timothy 4:2).

5) A religious ruler fell at His feet (v.17-25).  Like Jairus (Mark 5:22), an unnamed religious ruler fell at Jesus’ feet.  With his status in society and among the Jewish leaders many who were opposed to Jesus, it took humility. He risked his reputation and position.  He was not only courageous but also honored Jesus as ‘good master’, had observed all the commandments and asked the right question. No question is more important than ‘what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ Sadly, he came so near to eternal life but made the mistake to walk away because he did not like the answer (v.21). 

Jesus saw the man’s trust in riches as his single hindrance to eternal life.  The attachment and trust in riches not the things was the problem. Jesus answered the man according to his Jewish rules of righteousness (v.19).  The man’s response demonstrated that it is impossible to obey all the law with own or human means. He failed to love God with everything he had breaking law 1- ‘have no other gods’.  He needed grace and mercy not merit (v.20) to find eternal life.  Things have the capacity steal human hearts from God. You can have them but they do not have to have you. Disciples let go by seeking the kingdom of God first and never have to seek them. It takes detachment from possessions to gain true treasures. Jesus came to set you free indeed - from Satan, sin, and things. Free to be entirely his.

Attachment to things is so strong among people that the disciples asked ‘who then shall be saved’ (v.23-26). It is like saying who does not trust in possessions and riches.  Some trust with them others trust in the hope of one day having them.  Jesus explained that attaining eternal life is only possible with God (v.27). Peter was curious to know if they had met the condition for eternal life – ‘we have left everything and have followed’ (v.28). He said yes they had and they would receive a hundred fold what they let go but they had to brace for persecution.  Disciples must have a mind willing to suffer hostile opposition in the course of furthering the gospel. He went on to predict his death on the cross (v. 34). If you hang out with him, he will take you to the place he hung. When you listen to Jesus, he will take you to the cross. Then, he told them he would be hung on the cross now he reminds us that he hung on the cross and rose again.  They were afraid we are grateful. They did not understand we know. They were scattered we are gathered. 

6) Blind man Bartimaeus called on him (v. 46-52).  He cried out and refused to be silenced (v.48). Again, people tried to shield Jesus from this needy man. Watch out for the crowd – they tried to stop the woman with issue of blood, they tried to stop the children, they tried to stop Jairus, they tried to stop Zacheus, they tried to stop blind Bartimaeus and will try to stop you. He however refused to be deterred and cried loud and earnestly enough that Jesus stopped the marching crowd to pay attention. The very crowd that was stopping him ushered the blind man to Jesus. The man seized his moment. He beat the crowd and the motion. He knew what he wanted - I want to see. That was more important than his garment.  He left something behind. It was easy for the poor when you compare with the rich young ruler. He cast it away as he stood to go to Jesus.  The crowd despising and keeping him down began to comfort him. (v.49). They helped take him to Jesus. He found his sight and chose to follow Jesus instead of his way. In faith, you can also shout persistently, defiantly and loudly until Jesus stops for you.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Hanging out with Jesus XVII: A Glimpse of Mountain Glory

Hanging out with Jesus XVII: A Glimpse of Mountain Glory

Mark 9.  Key verse  9:23

The disciples had their turn to say who Jesus was in the last Chapter.  Now it was God’s turn. He pulled back the curtains of humanity and time to show who Jesus was in the Glory of his kingdom. His appearance was changed and he was elevated in what is the transfiguration of Christ. In verse 1, Jesus predicted that some who stood before him would not die before seeing his kingdom in its glory. The transfiguration six days later  was a part of the fulfillment of this promise. The outpouring if the Holy Spirit is another.

When God took Peter, John and James up the mountain, they knew Jesus in a way. When he was transfigured, they saw the glory of his kingdom, and knew him better. We all need daily transfigurations of the Jesus we have in our minds to see him gloriously elevated and closer to his true majestic picture as the king of glory. The curtain must be  pulled back so we can see whom we gave as savior and king. For he is  both the lion and the lamb. The disciples caught a glimpse on the mountain but the Holy Spirit came to reveal Jesus on an on going basis.

God revealed Christ's glory on the mountain. He touched the lives of those on the mountain with Jesus.   As you may have expected, Peter had to say something. If it were today, he would have posted it on Face book. Previously he had been rebuked for minding the things of man. The mountain experience helped him see beyond the things of men. He became aware of a whole world more glorious, lasting and vast than the temporary one.   He saw Jesus in a new way. That matters, because how you see him determines how you respond to him.  Peter was inspired for life. Later, in 2 Peter He wrote "we were eyewitnesses of his majesty . . . when he received honor and glory from God the Father."

God affirmed  Jesus on the mountain.   Jesus appeared talking with Moses and Elijah. The three represented the eras of  the law, the prophets and the grace.  They demonstrated that all three are consistent and in unison. Peter answering a question he was not asked put them at par and proposed they build a tabernacle for each. He saw they could coexist. Great effort, on his part, but not enough. Immediately,  God showed up and distinguished Jesus by  making it perfectly clear that Jesus was above the Law and the Prophets. He declared him 'my beloved son, listen to him'. Previously God had spoken in various ways to people but in the last days, he spoke by his son (Hebrews 1- 1-3). He is the current voice and message to humanity.  When you have seen him in his glory, the next step is to hear and believe him. even when he talks about being killed and resurrecting on the third day.

God strengthened Jesus on the mountain. Luke notes that the discussion with Moses and Elijah was about  his impending death. This was a turning point in the narrative of his life. It was his mountain experience before the valley. It prepared him for the journey to Jerusalem and the cross. The mountain was a foretaste but the full test was down the mountain. The mountain had the crown but the valley had the cross.

The mountain posed a dilemma to the disciples.  Do we go or do we stay. The mountain experience was so wonderful that Peter wanted to stay on the mountain.  God however did not want them to settle and build a memorial tabernacle or monument unto Jesus. His intention was to give them  a person not a building, tradition or organization. Often when people think monument he thinks movement. The direction and solutions are in  recognition and obedience of Jesus.

Applying it to your life today, God needs you down the mountain. He wants you to experience mountain glory down the mountain. He wants to manifest the same glory you saw up the mountain but differently. On the mountain, Christ was unveiled. Down the mountain, humanity is involved. The glory shined on the mountain but it is utilized in the valley down the mountain. Jesus did not come down the mountain with shining face and clothes -   people would have run  from Him.  He needed to  identify with people, their needs and aspirations to be relevant. He came down from the mountain where they were enjoying the glory to being among the needy that needed the glory. Glory was unveiled on the mountain but down the mountain, glory tackled human suffering and problems. Glory on the mountain was a glimpse. Glory down the mountain was a life Journey.   On the mountain, there were Moses and Elijah but down the mountain was flesh and blood. Hands are up in worship on the mountain. Down the mountain, hands were 'dirty and bloody' in the battlefield.  You draw strength from the mountain but battle in the valley (Exodus 17:11-13).   On the mountain, you discuss the future and in the valley, you deal with the current reality.  It is so attractive on the mountain you want to stay there but it is onerous in the valley you want to finish well.  A glorious end viewed on the mountain but the journey is travelled in the valley.  Treasure is revealed on the mountain but it is dug and drilled in the valley.    After a glimpse of mountain, glory is a life of expressing that glory.

The good news is that mountain glory also manifests down the mountain. It is possible to experience mountain  glory down the mountain. In Psalm 23:4, the valley of the shadow of death was a place to experience God's presence, strength, mealtime, anointing, overflow,  goodness and mercy.  In Psalm 84:6, the valley of Baca (weeping) became a well and its pools were filled with rain. And in Hosea 2:15, the valley of Achor (trouble) became a  door of hope and place for celebration. 

Mark 9 teaches how to live the glorious life down the mountain where Jesus is unveiled. How to  bring mountain glory to the valley. Three ways:

>> Depend on God (14-29).

When you listen to Jesus, you find yourself among the needy. That's what happened with Peter, John and James.  From the mountain, they walked into a situation  where the other disciples tried to cast out a demon.  They had cast out demons in the past --- but now they were unable to do so. The scribes probably were making fun of their failure. The father was desperate and pleaded with Jesus to do ‘anything’. Jesus who answers  prayer heard his heart and responded ‘if you can believe ... all things are possible.’  The father said he believed but also needed help in his unbelief. Jesus wonderfully set his son free. Mountain glory was in action down the mountain. Paul wrote, ‘I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.’  You also can depend on his strength and seek his kingdom first and all things are possible.

Jesus explained why the disciples failed. They needed to employ prayer and fasting.    Fasting is a form of prayer. So the main point is prayerfulness. They may have prayed or even fasted but until you have believed, you have not prayed. Faith does not mean convincing yourself that you can do something.  It is a fresh and vibrant relationship with God. Always check prayer and eating habits for the cause of spiritual futility.  They focused on the formula of  invoking Jesus' name, instead of focusing on the person and glory of Jesus himself. 

He repeated his prediction of his death and resurrection (v 39-32). Would they trust him? The disciples still did not understand, and this time did not ask him to explain himself better. For the progressive nature of Jesus' prophecies concerning his death, see 8:31, 9:31, and 10:33-34).

>>Serve others (39-40).

The disciples were caught quarreling about who among them was the greatest (33-34). You cannot experience mountain glory down the mountain with negative attitudes towards other people. Attitudes of pride, despising others, bitterness, disharmony and lack of care hinder the glory.  The quality of relationships affects spiritual wellness (Mathew 5:23, 24).

Can you imagine the conversation of the disciples? Perhaps those who went up the mountain thought they were the best and if they had been present, they would have cast the demon out. Maybe Peter was arguing he was the best of the best three  because he was given the keys of the kingdom and was the only one who spoke on the mountain. They also exposed that people are political creatures. Jesus was talking about soon dying. When a leader is about to depart some go into denial mode and are prepared to fight to keep them in power. However because they deny the possibility of his/her departure they are likely as Peter later did, to deny the leader when faced with the reality if their departure. All because  one who departs was not the one they were following. On the other hand, there  are those who see opportunity and jostle for  positions in the  unfolding new dispensation without the leader. The disciples did not only argue about the greatest among them. They also considered themselves as exclusive to preaching the gospel.

Jesus did not rebuke them for wanting to be great but corrected their notion and means to it. He pointed out that it was all right for others to preach for whoever was not against them was for them. Being greatest was not being the exclusive club but having ability to include others in your privilege. Greatness was being able to receive a child. Receiving a child is commitment  to serve selflessly. A child is weak and powerless to reward you. Greatness is humility and meekness. Greatness is a life motivation to please God, and glorify Jesus name. Whatever done for Christ's sake acquires eternal rewards even a seemingly insignificant action like giving a cup of water to someone. If done for Jesus' sake it becomes big and of eternal significance. Whereas, seemingly big things done for selfish reasons are reduced to nothing in eternity. Enjoy mountain glory down the mountain by being at peace with others and serve out of love for Christ the living example, did not come to be served but to serve.

>>Judge yourself (41-50).

Jesus emphasized the need to be gracious and give others benefit of doubt while coming hard on oneself. It is easier to judge others but rather be quick to judge yourself. When you have judged yourself well and honestly, you will not find strength to judge others.  He exhorted that each person should  rein firmly on him/her self. Based on a gain-loss analysis raise the bar of your standards. Do not make it too easy to sin. Raise the stakes because they are high and cannot be higher. The choice is between  obedience and a place of unquenching fire and undying worms. This is such a serious matter that if a bodily organ causes you to stumble, you would rather cut it off.

Jesus picked on the hands, feet and eyes but there are other menacing body parts deserving for many to lose. Jesus mentioned these to metaphorically say cut out whatever leads you to sin. Hand is symbolic of the sinful deeds/works that must be cut off. A foot is the path that leads to sin. Cut off the series of influences, choices or decision path that lands you in sin. The eye is symbolic of looking at things, or viewing them in ways that arouse sinful desires such as lust and greed. You rather live maimed without the troublesome hand, foot and eye than lose mountain glory down the mountain. Pain is to be preferred to sin.  Do not give Satan a foothold. Become effective salt or effective agents for God that flavor the world with good works.

Reflection:

When you are correctly configured (chapter 8), you are tuned in to his frequency.  You will hear the call to the mountain where you will see Jesus transfigured into glory.  From the mountain, you will come down empowered with the mountain glory to face the disfigured marred, corrupted world.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

The consequence if seeking his glory

A striking contrast. From the glory in the to the gory in the valley

The Consequence of Glorious living

The Way to Glorious Living

When Jesus came

I'll. sopgo. group casting out demon, got there asked for opp. They let him. Laid hands. And 'I see fire , I am burning etc' whole group came and started to also say go, come out, etc... In end not clear who dud it.  The person went to the groups church.

I'll. shoe makers... One they come back quicker and I make more money. Other - you know, when I make shoes, I keep remembering that I will see a pile of all I made one day . And I want to so make shoes that every shoe I make will pass the judgment of the Lord at the judgment seat of Christ."