SELFISHNESS IS SUICIDAL
Mark 12:1-12
The Jews rejected Jesus, the Son of God and their own and the world’s rightful King. And so they rejected their opportunity to be the world’s first nation. “They left him”; utterly, severely, they left him. And so he was forced to leave them. That’s always the order. If ever God leaves a man it is only long after the man has left God. Sin is suicidal. Selfishness nails its own coffin. Rejection of Jesus is self-rejection.
KINGLY KINDNESS
Psalms 45:1-11
Graciousness is the characteristic kingly trait. Yet true graciousness never compromises on the right. Jesus was “full of grace and truth.” Not grace without truth; that is a weak sentimentality. Not truth without grace; that is hard and repellant. Truth is grace holding up the highest standard and insisting on its being reached. Grace is truth reaching down a strong arm and helping you attain the standard. Jesus was full of both. This is his kingliness.
STICK ’EM WITH IT!
John 2:13-22
When people doubt the sharpness of the edge of the Sword of the Spirit, don’t argue, just stick ’em with it, gently but firmly; they’ll find how sharp it is! When they question the power and love of Jesus, get them in contact with him.That’ll fix their questions. He revealed his power to these critical Jews by his actions. And he will today as we let him speak and act through our lips and lives.
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Think about these questions as you meditate on the verse. What does this verse teach me? How does this verse apply to my Life?
KEEN YET GRACIOUS
Mark 11:27-33
Jesus was never more alert mentally than when opposed. Enmity brought out some of the keenest things that he said. Yet he was never bitter, and never cut with mere sarcasm. There was ever a wooing note of graciousness, even when he denounced so terribly the hypocrisy of the Jerusalem leaders as he wept over the city. It’s a great thing for us to note. His blended wisdom and love may be ours in the opposition we must meet.
ROYAL POWER
Mark 11:12-26
Jesus is a king. And as we enthrone him habitually in our lives he exercises his kingly power: the bad is put out; a positive distaste for it is put in; and all the natural powers are breathed upon till they come to be at their best. The body is made strong, the mind keen and clear, the heart pure, the spirit strong; and love dominates all our contacts with others. Let’s yield habitually to his kingly power.
