Faith Smothered by Barriers

~~~ Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15 ~~~ Psalm 103~~~ Mark 6:1-6 ~~~

 

As so typical of we humans, we try to fit God, in this case Jesus,

 into our own trite understanding.

Jesus has returned home after being on the road.

It is always good to be at home with family and friends.

 

When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,
and many who heard him were astonished.
They said, “Where did this man get all this?
What kind of wisdom has been given him?
What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!

 

Jesus was home they knew his humble background and

could not justify this knowledge with his actions.

 

They actually took offense at him....

Were they jealous of who he had become?

Why were they not proud to have such a person

from their local community?

Instead they wanted him to stay small minded just as they were.

 

Jesus addresses their skepticism.

He understands their doubts and only minimally

uses his gifts while at home.

He was amazed at their lack of faith.

 

It is difficult if not impossible to build upon a faith

that is non existent.

It is impossible for a person's faith to increase

when they keep throwing up barriers.

While Jesus must have been disappointed,

he accepted them where they were...

Just as he accepts us where we are,

I might add.

 

 

Strive for peace with everyone,
and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God,
that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble,
through which many may become defiled.

 

Everyone who has gone before us for some two thousand years

stands before us witnesses of the magnificence of God.

Whatever trials and hardships we encounter along the way

someone before us has gracefully endured.

We must be strengthened and encouraged by this knowledge.

 

Remembering God is always with us

no matter what kind of storm rages around us.

He will create from the storm a rainbow of love and compassion.

Never doubt what God is capable to do for you

or even through you.

Allow God to be at home in your life,

this is where he wants to be...

you and him together.

It does not get any better, my friends.

 

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.

 

Remove the barriers; so your faith can flourish.

Don't Miss the Chance

~~~ Isaiah 7: 10-14 ~~~ Psalm 24 ~~~ Luke 1: 26-38 ~~~

 

"...for nothing will be impossible for God."

 

These were the final words spoken to Mary

by the angel Gabriel sent from God.

Whenever we are tempted to fall into the trap of thinking all is lost;

that there is no hope...these words should bring us

the hope we so desperately need.

Nothing is impossible for God, but at the same time

he does not do all the things we want him to do.

Furthermore he rarely acts within our timetable for results.

 

Mary, while prepared spiritually for this angelic encounter

feared that physically it was not possible.

The angel quickly gave her an explanation...

 

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you..."

 

Most people today would not find that a plausible explanation.,

but Mary was satisfied...she believed

that what the angel of God said was possible.

 

The angel goes on to reveal more seemingly

impossible news about her relative, Elizabeth, being with child too.

 

God had carefully laid out his plan for salvation.

And if he needed some impossible events to occur for this plan to work

he set them into motion.

 

We may be confined within the boundaries of nature, but

for God no such boundaries exist.

 

Mary had the child like qualities that we all admire...

She had big dreams for her future and

her heart remained open to all things being possible.

 

By contrast Ahaz had withdrawn into his small world;

even when urged to ask for a sign from God he shrank from

the possibility of God granting such a request.

 

Before giving God a chance to answer him Ahaz.

Ahaz missed the chance to have the impossible experience with God.

He made God too small.

 We too are sometimes guilty of doing the same...

making God too small.

 

 

If we believe that nothing is impossible for God

 we must break down all barriers...

especially the barriers of our heart.

We must open ourselves, as Mary did,

to the unfathomable.

 

What is it that you think God cannot accomplish?

Is it health, relationship, monetary, spiritual?

 

Mary said okay God if you say this is possible that I should be with child

without having relations with a man then

let it be done unto me.

 

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."

 

The Holy Spirit bursts forth the impossible bringing it into the present.

Are you ready to have an impossible experience with God?

Don't miss the chance!