His Message is Still the Same

Ever wonder if Jesus was thinking about the current climate in today’s society when he spoke to his disciples? Did he think beyond the hardships and violent deaths many of them would face? Do his words in Mark 12 still apply today? Are we to still heed Jesus’ words when our world isn’t as we want it? You can trust it–His message is still the same for today.

 

See Them With Fresh Eyes

Verses 28-30 in the Book of Mark have been referred to as The Greatest Commandment. Follow the verses and decide for yourself.

[box] One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”[/box]

You can even steer away from political differences. A young girl sits alone on the pew, hoping—yet dreading—someone will ask to sit with her. Her clothes are nondescript and she wears little makeup. Her hair is neat yet combed just right to conceal her face. She knows how to blend into a crowd. She’s had years of practice learning how not to be seen. She doesn’t seem to want to be seen … but does she?

Please, see me. Look at me. Talk to me. Let me know I matter. I have a secret I want to share, but I’m afraid to risk it with you.

An elderly man slowly walks into the church and sits down in your favorite spot. It appears he’s missed several bathing opportunities and hasn’t shaved in days. His clothes are worn and his shoes flop when he shuffles. The only glint from him comes from the worn wedding ring he wears on his gnarled finger. He looks a bit sad; a bit lost.

Please, see me. My wife just passed away and I’m so lonely. I want to talk to you, but I’m afraid to show you my pain.

People like these sit in pews across the country every Sunday. Sadly, many of them go home just as they came in: alone and in pain, still searching for relief yet afraid to risk reaching out. Know we can be guaranteed, His message is still the same.

What do we do?

What say you? Do you feel like you don’t matter? How has 2021 started? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat. Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page. [/box] Jesus’ words are very clear. Get to know and involve yourself in the lives of those around you.

We don’t need to offer an intense theological dissertation point of doctrine or a political stance. We may just need to smile … say “hello, my name is ______, what’s your name?” When we see and acknowledge others, they may give us the opportunity to really see them. We may even be able to show them the love Jesus talked about.

Think about that the next time you want to take a political stand or see a visitor at church. Maybe the person across from you has needs that are so great they cannot be spoken. Maybe their fears are too big for them to handle. Or maybe God’s working on their heart and they don’t know how else to react to what’s going on in their world.

It’s not for us to discern when to put Jesus’ teachings into practice, but to read and follow them.