Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Ezekiel 36:24-28
Mark 11:27-33
Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, "By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?"
"I'll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question," Jesus replied. "Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!"
They talked it over among themselves. "If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn't believe John. But do we dare say it was merely human?" For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. So they finally replied, "We don't know." And Jesus responded, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I do these things." Mark 11:27-33
Jesus had a way with words...and here He was challenging the very people that were challenging Him. Doesn't this just make you smile? It does me. Those foolish Chief Priests and scribes just didn't know when to stop--when to just listen to Jesus and try to comprehend who He really was! By what authority? What authority indeed! Jesus' authority was from God the Father Himself--likewise John's authority came from Heaven--but could those Jewish leaders see that? No. Were they afraid to believe? Were their eyes were blinded by their own righteousness. How often do we take on that same self-righteousness?
I was recently discussing the domestic violence murder of my sister and her family--which occurred 28 years ago--and how her ex-husband, Ron, who did not believe in God, nor Jesus as the Son of God and his Savior, doomed himself to hell when he committed the murders and then shot himself. Do any of our sins condem us to hell, too? Is any sin--like murder--any worse than say the sin of ...coveting? NO. But as children of God...believers...we confess our sins and are forgiven. Jesus has the authority to forgive. Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior? Do you seek His forgiveness? During Advent it is the perfect time to seek the Lord...to prepare your heart to accept all that He has to offer. His love...His peace...His joy and His forgiveness.
Like the Advent wreath--Jesus love is endless -- His joy is complete....and His peace everlasting.
Prayer ~ Jesus, You are an awesome God--my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me for my sins--imy self-righteous thoughts and actions. During this Advent season, may You show me--as well as my family, friends, neighbors and associates--the way You would have me live to please You in all that I the, do and say. May You be glorified.
Daily Bible Reading: Romans 8-10
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Donate books to your local library.
© 2017 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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