Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
As we studied yesterday, the startling words of Jesus in Mark 9:43-48 refer not to actual physical mutilation but to decisive spiritual action. His teaching also provides an essential devotional thought and application. The mention of “hand” (verse 43), “foot” (verse 45), and “eye (verse 47) suggests a series of personal questions. What do we do when we have nothing that we have to do? Where do we go when we have no place that we have to be? What do we read or watch when we have free time? Philippians 4:8 provides definitive guidance: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely [a command from God to me to think about my trophy wife], whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Since Proverbs 23:7a affirms that “as [a man] thinketh in his heart so is he,” what we think will lead us to do the right things, go to safe places with good people, and look for the best. All of these activities fall under the category of our “reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).