Bible Pathways - Oct. 16, 2008
October 16
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The multitude has been without food three days (8:2). Jesus provides (8:1-9)! Jesus likens the doctrine of the Pharisees to leaven (8:10-15). Did you notice what Jesus used to heal the blind man (8:23)? The men chosen to carry Jesus' message to the world could never doubt His Diety as they witness His Transfiguration (9:1-13; Matthew 17:1-8; Luke 9:28-36). Jesus emphasizes that humility is the secret of greatness (Mark 9:33-41) and then gives a solemn warning of eternal torment in hell (9:42-50).
Jesus takes three of His disciples — Peter, and James, and John (and withdrew from the crowd to the mountaintop for prayer and fellowship with the Father) . . . and He was transfigured (transformed) before them. And His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them (9:2-3). His disciples also beheld Moses the Lawgiver and Elijah the Prophet in fellowship with the Lord. Peter was anxious to perpetuate this season of spiritual fellowship by erecting three tabernacles (9:4-5). For he (Peter) wist (understood) not what to say; for they (the three apostles) were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him (9:6-7).
If his desire had been granted, the worship which is due to Christ alone would have been divided between Himself and two of His saints. We fear that this may be the case in many Christian circles today. Oh, for a voice today that will again declare that Christ alone and His Word are our supreme authority and sufficient to meet every need!
Christ is always to be central in our lives. He has no equal. The apostle's second error was that he wanted to remain on the mountain, but there was a cross to bear and a lost world to redeem. In fact, at that very moment, a poor demonic son was waiting their return in the valley in order that he might be healed.
A soul's greatest satisfaction is to get past all lesser experiences to Christ Himself. Oh, how many have come short of the Savior's best because they were forever reading other books or seeking this speaker or that, this gift or that blessing. Many Christians can testify to years of being preoccupied with building strange "tabernacles" only to one day see no man any more, save Jesus only (9:8)! Just think of the transfiguration power of God that will affect the needy world once we give them Jesus only.
We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:23-24).
Thought for Today:
Sheep can recognize their own shepherd; shouldn't we be able to recognize and follow Jesus only?
Word Studies:
9:3 fuller =b> one who bleaches, makes white, cleans; 9:12 be set at nought =b> be rejected; 9:13 whatsoever they listed =b> whatever they wanted; 9:45 halt =b> crippled.
Cross References:
For Mark 8:18: See Ezekiel 12:2. Mark 9:44,46,48: See Isaiah 66:24.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Juliet Brookins Waller • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Official: Rep. Gary Miller (CA) • Country: Kazakhstan (15.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Kazakh and Russian • Religious tolerance • 47% Muslim (largely Sunni); 25% Russian Orthodox; 2% Lutheran; 2% Catholic; 1% Jewish; 2.3% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him (Psa. 37:7).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34
