INTERESTING FACTS : "I believe that there are societies in which every man may safely be admitted to vote.... I say, sir, that there are countries in which the condition of the labouring-classes is such that they may safely be intrusted with the right of electing members of the Legislature.... Universal suffrage exists in the United States without producing any very frightful consequences." [1]

 

Daily Reading : Mark 4 - 5

 

TEXT : Mark  5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,  5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,  5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.  5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.  5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.  5:30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?  5:31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?  5:32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.  5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.  5:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.  5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?  5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

 

THEME : Faith

 

Mark 4:1-41

 

Contents: Parable of the sower. Parable of the candle. Parable of the mustard seed. Jesus stills the storm.

 

Characters: Jesus, Satan, disciples.

 

Conclusion: The present age is a time for missions and testimony to the salvation offered in the Word of God. The message will be variously received because of Satanic opposition, but many will prove good soil for the Divine seed and will bring forth fruit by the power of God.

 

Key Word: Kingdom parables, Mar_4:2, Mar_4:11, Mar_4:26, Mar_4:30.

 

Strong Verses: Mar_4:24, Mar_4:25.

 

Striking Facts: Mar_4:38, Mar_4:39. He who slept the sleep of human exhaustion arises and rebukes the elements. What manner of man is this? It is the God-man—truly man, but God manifest in the flesh.  (Summarized Bible)[2]

 

Mark 5:1-43

 

Contents: The maniac of Gadara. Woman with issue of blood healed. Daughter of Jairus raised from the dead.

 

Characters: Jesus, disciples, demoniac, sick woman, Jairus, his daughter.

 

Conclusion: The power of Christ over evil spirits, over incurable physical ailments, and over death itself, demonstrates to a conclusion His deity and puts honor upon the simple faith that comes to Him. Those who by faith are healed of Him, may go in peace and should go to witness of His power and grace.

 

Key Word: Powerful Christ, Mar_5:19, Mar_5:29, Mar_5:42.

 

Strong Verses: Mar_5:19, Mar_5:34, Mar_5:36.

 

Striking Facts: Mar_5:7. Even devils believe in the deity of Christ and tremble before Him. Demons know that by His Word they will ultimately be sent to chains of eternal darkness.  (Summarized Bible) [3]

 

TRUTH FOR TODAY : "BE NOT AFRAID, ONLY BELIEVE!"

 

"Only believe." You might say - "if only it were that simple." Yet, the truth is, it is that simple, although it may not always be easy to believe the Word of God.  Still, you can reduce all of your fears to just one fear -the fear of the LORD.  Then, all you need to do is "only believe." It may not always be easy, but it is that simple.  This is the beautiful plainness, practicality, and effortlessness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Although not always easy, it is simple.  For that, you should be grateful.

 

The philosophies of men can be complicated, sophisticated.  In addition, there are many philosophies in the world.  This includes the religions of Man.  However, Jesus Christ came into the world that you might have life and have life more abundantly.  Included in this, is the guidance of the statement "Be not afraid.  Only believe." Once again, for this you should be full of joy and hope.  Indeed, Jesus offers you both hope and joy.  Therefore, as you go to Jesus in the ease of prayer, keep in mind the simplicity found in Jesus Christ.  That is, you speak to Christ in simple terms, no matter how difficult, confused, or complex your life may be at the moment. Jesus understands.  That is why He tells you -"Be not afraid.  Only believe."

 

Look at the impossibility of the situation Jesus is faced with.  The little girl is dead.  One may be able to understand how Jesus can heal the sick. Yet, when someone is dead, the case is impossible.  In other words, there is always optimism as long as someone is alive.  However, when a person is dead there is no more hope.  Yet, there is when Jesus is present.  This is where Jesus, your Jesus, truly shines as the Messiah among mere philosophers!  He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you could ask or think.  His power goes beyond situations and circumstances that are difficult.  His power and influence extends to conditions and events that are impossible.  No other religious leader, no other philosopher, and no other teacher ever did the works that Jesus Christ has done, is doing, and will yet do in the future.  Along with many other features, Jesus is unique in human history.

 

"Only believe." What a simple statement.   Yet, Jesus words are engorged with possibilities.  In fact, they are truly "food for thought." In the words of the LORD Jesus Christ - simple words, coined in the phrase - "only believe," you have a lifetime of thinking with respect to what God can do in your life.  You can also think of what God can do with your life.  Either way, this uncomplicated exhortation of Jesus to the ruler of the synagogue provides for you tremendous encouragement.  "Only believe!" Honestly, it does not get much plainer and unadorned than this.  If you will - "only" believe the words of God, in a moment, that is, the very moment, you believe peace, serenity, tranquility, and rest enter your heart.

 

The entire Bible contains 31,102 verses.  That is a lot of "food" for thought.  It would take a lifetime to exhaust all of the promises of God.  Still, it is tragic to note how the Bible sits idle in many people's homes.  C.  H. Spurgeon once said - "the dust on some people's Bibles is so thick you can write damnation on it with your finger." Do not let dust grow on your Bible.  Starting with those words before you today - "only believe," you can begin a new life with inexhaustible possibilities.  Think of it.  All God requires is that you believe.  In the end, when all is said and done, faith is all that is required of you.  "Only believe." What a statement!  It means if you will put all of your trust in the LORD Jesus Christ - in what he has said, in what he has done, and what is written in His Book your life can turn around today! "Only believe."