Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 2:9 "Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment."
Day 190 – Mark 8
“Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.” 2 Peter 2:9
FOLLOW ME- SPECIAL PRIVILEGES
Jesus issued invitation after invitation to His Disciples with these simple words, “Follow Me” (Cf. Mark 1:17; 2:14). Those who heard those gracious words were more than glad that they had been invited and chosen to be His Disciples. How happy they must have been when they followed Jesus and enjoyed all the privileges that came with being called The Twelve.
1. They were to have full access to Jesus Mark 3:14
2. All things were explained to them in private Mark 4:34
3. Special power was given to them for ministry Mark 3:15; 6:13
FOLLOW ME- FIRM WORDS OF REBUKE
Of course there were hard moments, when the Disciples were rebuked for their inadequacies. Two things stood out like a sore thumb.
1. Lack of understanding Mark 4:13; 6:52; 8:21
2. Lack of faith Mark 4:40
But words of rebuke were fairly easy to accept, for the Disciples knew their shortcomings only too well!
FOLLOW ME- NEW CHALLENGES
The hardest challenge lay ahead. The words “Follow Me” would now take on a significance that would challenge the Disciples to the core.
“When He has called the people to Himself,
with His disciples also, He said to them,
‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny
Himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'”
MARK 8:34
1. The people and the Disciples
These words were not meant for the Disciples alone. They applied equally to all who declared faith in Jesus!