Dip Into The Book Of MarkSample

DAY 5: IT’S YOUR REACTION THAT MATTERS

This verse is the main verse of the Gospel of Mark; weird, isn’t it? In today’s society, where we like to focus on being blessed and wealthy -- a nice house, a great car -- Mark doesn’t uphold these things in Jesus’ mission. Mark encourages his audience that Jesus' life wasn’t about things; it was about suffering, being rejected and being killed.

But wait a second, Jesus lived a perfect life – without sin, without fault, the Perfect Lamb. How was it perfect if it held suffering, rejection and death? Jesus’ life was perfect because He did these things without sinning; when He suffered, He forgave and loved those who were persecuting Him. When He was rejected, He reacted correctly. When He was on the cross, He was forgiving. A perfect life is not about a life free from suffering, rejection or pain – that simply doesn’t exist. A perfect life is a life that walks through suffering, rejection and pain with God at your side and in the footsteps of Jesus who forgave, loved and conquered death. 

It’s our reaction to these things in our life that makes the difference. Don’t blame God or get angry, or hold an offence, but forgive, love and keep moving forward. No matter what life throws at you, Jesus can walk you through and out the other side better, wiser and with more strength and joy than you can imagine..