Growing Through Mark

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

Mark is the shortest book of the four gospels. It gives us a clear, concise picture of Jesus' service and sacrifice. Jesus constantly serves others throughout the book of Mark--even to the point of death (Mark 15:37).

Chapter 8 in Mark's gospel presents a pivotal event. In verse 29, Peter makes the good confession: "You are the Christ." That faith-response is a statement that each and every one of us is expected to make if we intend to become a Christian:

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.--Romans 10:10

The key verses (Mark 10:43-45) in Mark's gospel provide an unequivocal challenge to all who read them! In his 1989 Inaugural Address, George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States of America, stated:

We meet on democracy's front porch, a good place to talk at neighbors and as friends. For this is a day when our nation is made whole, when our differences, for a moment are suspended.

And as my first act as President is a prayer. I ask you to bow your heads:

Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank You for Your love. Accept our thanks for the peace that yields this day and the shared faith that makes its continuance likely. Make us strong to do Your work, willing to heed and hear Your will, and write on our hearts these words: "Use power to help people." For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. Help us remember it, Lord. Amen.

Lake Christian Church's ongoing goal to serve the world is reinforced by Christ's words in Mark 10. Let's remember the high price that was paid to gain our freedom--both our national freedom and our spiritual freedom--as we celebrate Independence Day! 

"But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”--Mark 10:43-45