SIN’S KNOTS
Mark 7:1-13
Sin ties a man up, hands and feet, head and heart, and puts on hard knots. If it can’t do it directly, then indirectly. If it can’t do it fully, it gets all it can. If straight- out sin can’t get hold, selfishness usually can, and Light hold, too. And custom, prejudice, habit, superstition—these tie a man up. It’s a pretty safe guess that every one of us is a slave to something. What is it with you?
NEVER LOSE HEART
Matthew 13:18-58; Matthew 13:32
All sorts of folk to work with: some locked up to your approaches; some unappreciative of the best you do; some utterly indifferent; some seeming hopeful, then proving so unsteady and wobbly. But difficulties only show the great need. They couldn’t stop
Jesus, nor take the edge off his eager gentleness. Love grew in its hold. Little by little, more and more, it grew. This is the Jesusway.. And he’s our Example in service.
PATIENCE—LOVE AT ITS BEST
Luke 6:12-19
Jesus let others help him. We may think He could have gotten along without help, if anybody could or can. They weren’t the best helpers. They stumbled, and blundered, and—worse. They didn’t understand him. They misunderstood him, and they hindered him, too. It would have been easier without them, sometimes. But patiently, gently, without getting provoked, he let them help him. It was a great thing for them. And he’s our Example in service.
THE HUMANNESS OF REAL LOVE
Mark 2:13-22
Jesus had principles, but no hard-and-fast rules. He never wavered a jot on principle. But he was as pliable as love when it came to fitting into people’s needs. He met people where they were. He gave them just what they needed, forgiving sins, or giving bread for their hunger. With greatest patience and thoughtfulness he adapted himself so as to help and win. It’s the love-rule of service. He’s our Example.
STEADY! STEADY THERE!!
Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 4:12-16
Jesus started in on the great task appointed him. It was uphill work from the start. There seemed no chance, humanly, of getting through. There was every, chance, humanly, of failing dismally. But he had no doubt of the Father’s plan; that was enough. Steadily, prayerfully, he began. The first step was clear. He took it, and took it heel and toe, fully and bravely. This is the way for us. He’s our Example.
