Constantly Under Scrutiny [Mark 2]
"6But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7"Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?" 16When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, "Why is He eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?"18John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?23And it happened that He was passing through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples began to make their way along while picking the heads of grain. 24The Pharisees were saying to Him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?"Already in Mark 2, Jesus is beginning to be questioned by the religious rulers of the day. They found fault with just about everything He did in chapter 2. Jesus did not fit the religious mold of the day and many of these leaders couldn't adjust to His new way of teaching and doing things. So they criticized Him and looked for ways to discredit Him. This scrutiny and criticism continues today as Spirit filled Christians live their lives in this dark world.
May you live your life boldly before men that they will see Christ and do not fear what they may think of you. Remember that you can do this only by His grace. Be filled with it today and let His light shine in this dark world.
Beth Warlick, 2/4/2009