PODCAST
Alone With the Father
August 27th, 2013
Mark 1:35-45
Near the end of a wedding ceremony you will sometimes hear a minister say, “Forasmuch as this man and woman have consented together in holy wedlock . . . as a minister of the gospel, and by the authority granted to me by the State of ________, I pronounce that they are husband and wife together.” Governments have various requirements for those who perform weddings. Typically this authority is granted to ministers and other officials. They are expected to solemnize only weddings which meet the requirements of law.
I have reminded couples wanting to be married that, only they, with God’s help, could make a marriage that would last.
Those who witnessed Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum recognized an authority beyond anything they had encountered before. Later, Jesus used the same word in declaring to His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18). “Go and make disciples of all nations” (v. 19).
God’s authority resides in Christ; our authority is derived from Him as we fulfill His will and proclaim His Word in the power of His Spirit.
Author: Duane C. Brush
August 27th, 2013 at 3:46 am
This is the same devotional as yesterday. The scripture is different but the devotional didn’t change.
August 27th, 2013 at 7:10 am
I thought I was ahead for a day – I should have known better. 🙂
August 27th, 2013 at 8:09 am
We apologize for the repeated devotional. Below is the content of today’s devotional:
In the quiet darkness Jesus climbed the hills above Capernaum. A soft breeze drove gentle waves against the shore, grass and flowers quivered along the path. Near the crest Jesus found a place to sit. Somewhere a rooster crowed in confident faith of the coming day. Many had been healed the night before. Newly homeless demons shivered mute and silent at Jesus’ command. The kingdom of God had come with power. Four fishermen had abandoned their nets to follow Him.
“Abba Father,” Jesus began. The Father and the Son communed. “Nearby villages,” Jesus affirmed. Chorazin, Bethsaida, Magdala, Tiberias, and beyond the ridge, among the Galilean hills, lay Cana, Nazareth, and Nain.
“I must preach there also,” He resolved.
A red line appeared above the Gadarene hills. Small whitecaps arose on the lake. Soon, voices carried by the stiffening breeze called, “Jesus, Jesus. Everyone is looking for you.”
The Son of God stood just as dawn broke over the hills, “Let us go somewhere else . . . That is why I have come.”
Five figures crossed the ridge. In a village nearby a leper awakened; he had dreamed he was clean. The day had come.