Tag: Paula Kirkpatrick

Seeking Whose Approval?

Mark 11 & John 12

Perhaps the saddest words in English literature are found in the poem, “Maud Muller,” by John Greenlear Whittier.  The poem recounts the story of a farm maid, Maud Muller, who is raking hay in a meadow.  A town judge on horseback passes by, and they exchange pleasant greetings.  He asks for a drink of water from the bubbling spring, and she fills her cup and offers it to him.

After the encounter, as the years go by, she considers what life might have been like as the wife of a judge, possessing wealth and servants.  He, in turn, considers what life might have been like without the stress of his position, but instead married to the maiden, enjoying a simple rural life.

Near the poem’s end, Whittier penned these lines.

“For all sad words of tongues and pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been.’”

All of us, whether young or old, can look back at our lives and have regrets.  Words we might have said, places we might have gone, decisions we might have made. 

In our Bible reading today, we find a deeply sad and somber passage contained in one short phrase. 

“For they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”  John 12:43

It was the week of the Feast of the Passover, and Jesus’ ultimate betrayal and crucifixion.  A great multitude had greeted Jesus with “Hosanna” and palm branches when he entered Jerusalem.  After the joyous welcome, Jesus had once again explained the coming events of his life to the large crowd gathered around him. 

“And Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.  He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.Now my soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.’” (John 12:23-27)

Then Jesus continues in verses 32-33, “‘And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.’ But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.”

The crowd questions Jesus in verse 34.  “We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”  Amazingly, they ask ‘Who is the Son of Man’ as Jesus stands before them! 

Jesus responds by saying that he—the light—will only be with them a short while longer.  The people need to believe in the light—believe in him—while he is still with them. (vs. 35-36) What more can he say?

Jesus performed signs and miracles before the multitude.  He taught them, cared for them, and was compassionate towards them.  But they did not believe, fully believe. 

Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled.  (Isaiah 6:9,10) Blinded eyes and hardened hearts don’t lead to conversion. (John 12:39, 40)

And then we come to verses 42-43, an explanation for their hardened hearts. 

“Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.”  

Remarkably, there WERE many who believed in him, even rulers.  They understood Jesus’ words, his plea: “While you have the light, believe in the light.”  But they would not acknowledge him.  Their positions in the synagogues were at risk.  Their status was threatened.  They could not take a chance, could not jeopardize their standing. It was not to be.

“For they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”

Each morning when you wake up, whose approval are you seeking?  As you go throughout your day, making small and big decisions, whose blessing do you pursue?  At the end of your day, what or who carried you through? 

Let us resolve together that each of our waking hours, each of our thoughts or actions, be grounded in the approval of God.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  (Hebrews 10:23)

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to you to seek the approval of God?
  2. How do you seek the approval of God in your life? 
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To See and Be Seen

Luke 18:15-19:48

Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (Minnesota)

What do you think, when you hear the name Zacchaeus?  Short man, tax -gather, tree-climber.  All correct.  But there’s more to think and learn about this man, as we consider his conversion in Luke 19:1-10. 

The Bible tells us that Zacchaeus was rich.  This reality seemed to be common among tax-gathers in Jesus’ day, mainly because they consistently cheated people as they collected taxes.  Tax collectors were not only scorned by the Jewish people, but they were often shunned by them as well. 

Would you want to socialize with someone who claimed you owed more money to the government than you actually did, and kept your “stolen” funds for himself?  Of course not!

We can only imagine that Zacchaeus, despite his riches, felt the sting of rejection.  Besides his poor reputation as a “thief” to the masses, the Bible tells us he was short in stature.  His presence may not have been authoritative.  He was small in height, and a “small” man in his business dealings. 

But Zacchaeus was also curious.  The Bible says, “he was trying to see who Jesus was.” 

A multitude was passing through Jericho, following this stranger.  “Who was he?” Zacchaeus wondered. 

Running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree for a better view.  And to his utter disbelief, Jesus looked up into the tree and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”

Zacchaeus’ world was turned upside down, and instantly changed.  Hurriedly, he descended from the tree and welcomed Jesus into his home.  Onlookers reacted with disapproval, grumbling that Jesus “has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”

But Zacchaeus’ transformation was real.  In response to the crowd’s condemning remarks, he stopped in his tracks and declared, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.”

No longer was he a short, scorned tax-gather of Jericho.  Zacchaeus was a fresh follower of the Son of Man. 

“Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’”  (Luke 19:9,10)

In Sunday’s reading, the rich young ruler could not commit his entire life to following Jesus.  (Matt. 19:16-30)   How could he give up his lifestyle, his riches?  Sadly, he turned away from Jesus to go back to his opulent life. 

In contrast, Zacchaeus eagerly declared his charitable intentions to the listening crowd, with no prompting from Jesus.  His heart was forever changed.

What is it concerning the account of Zacchaeus that touches us so deeply?  Perhaps, it is that he never expected to be discovered in the sycamore tree that day.  He just wanted to see what all the commotion was about on the streets of Jericho.  Never could he have predicted that the man he was trying to see, would see HIM, would TRULY SEE HIM.  Zacchaeus, once a cheating tax collector, was now a follower of Jesus.

So many people in our world, in our daily personal world, need to be “seen” by us.  They are discouraged and depressed, hurting and hopeless.  They need a friend.  Jesus is waiting to be their friend.  He just needs an introduction.  Will you be the one to make it for him?

Reflection Questions

  1.  Have you ever felt “invisible” in your life or relationships?  Why?
  2. Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus?  Did he feel, even with his riches, something was missing in his life?
  3. Think about someone who needs to be “seen” by Jesus this week.  What can you do?   
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Open Our Eyes, Lord

Matthew 20-21

Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (Minnesota)

Even as Jesus neared the end of his earthly ministry, he daily continued to teach and to heal.  Leaving Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, (Matt. 20: 29-34), a great multitude followed him. 

Close your eyes and imagine the sounds of the boisterous crowd—lighthearted laughter among the men as they swapped stories; shrieks and giggles from the children as they ran ahead of their parents; crying babies consoled by their mothers.  But above the increasing din of the devoted crowd, pleading voices shouted out to Jesus.

“Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.”  Two blind men, sitting by the road, had understood the chatter of the passing people.  Jesus was nearby! 

Their cries riled the multitude, and they demanded that the men be silent.  But the crowd’s command encouraged the two men even more.  “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.” 

Jesus stopped and regarded the two pleading men.  “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 

They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.”

The Scriptures say Jesus was moved with compassion.  Picture his concern, his tenderness as he gazed upon them.  Reaching down, Jesus touched their eyes, and IMMEDIATELY they regained their sight.  “And followed him.”

We can only ponder how joyfully the two men joined the crowd that had tried to silence them, the crowd that now heard their shouts of praise.  Jesus had healed them, and their lives would never be the same.  Not only had the blind men’s eyes been opened, their hearts had been stirred. 

Jesus was moved with compassion when he saw them.  The blind men, now healed, were moved with devotion when they followed him. 

There’s a worship chorus that puts it so simply.

“Open our eyes, Lord.

We want to see Jesus.

To reach out and touch him.

And say that we love him.”

(Open Our Eyes Lord by Robert Cull)

Do we open our eyes each day to the wondrous compassion and love of our Savior?  Do we reflect on the matchless gift he has given us, the sacrifice of his life so ours might be saved?  Do we respond with love and affection to our “best friend?” 

Let this be our daily prayer. 

“Open our eyes, Lord

We want to see Jesus.”

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think the crowd tried to silence the two blind men?
  2. Why do you think Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”  Didn’t he already know?
  3. How will you “open your eyes” this week?
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Choosing to be Last

Matthew 19 & Mark 10

Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (Minnesota)

When I taught a primary Sunday School class many years ago, there were three eager learners in the class: a brother and sister, and another young boy who was their cousin.  The brother and sister were blond and blue-eyed, a sharp contrast to their cousin’s thick dark hair and brown eyes, but each one was bright and engaging, and so fun to teach.  They were also quite competitive.

“Who’s going to pass out the crayons?” I asked.  “I will,” declared one student, only to be challenged by another voice chiming in, “No, I will!”  Inevitably, the remaining student would declare, “I want to do it!  It’s my turn!” 

For several weeks, this vocal battle ensued each time a new task presented itself during our classtime.  We tried to keep track of “turns,” but it still didn’t seem to quiet the noise, or the challenge of, “No, it’s my turn!  He did it last week.”  Our precious learning time was being shortened by these weekly squabbles.

I needed a solution and Scripture provided the answer.  Matt. 19:30 says, “But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.”  Mark 10:19 repeats the same sentence. 

In Matt. 19:16-30 and Mark 10:17-31 we find the story of Jesus’ encounter with the rich, young ruler. 

One day, as Jesus was walking along the road, a rich young man came up to him. “Teacher,” the man said, “what good thing should I do to have eternal life?”

Jesus answered, “You know the commandments.” Jesus then began to list several of them.

“I have obeyed all the commandments since I was young,” the rich young man replied.

Jesus looked at the young man and loved him.  Then, he said to him, “You lack only one thing. Sell all you have and give the money to the poor so that you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard those words, he turned and walked away because he had many possessions.

As the rich young man sadly departed, Jesus declared to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God.”  Jesus’ words amazed the disciples.  Then he repeated again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God.  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 

Jesus’ statement astonished the disciples.  We can imagine them with eyes wide open, jaws dropped, and simply speechless for a few moments.  Finally, they asked, “Then who can be saved?”  Jesus responded, “with men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

The rich young ruler had followed the law.  Yet Jesus wanted him to sell everything he owned.  Jesus saw what the disciples could not see—the young ruler’s heart.  His status, his possessions, were more important than following the example of Jesus, who came to serve mankind and ultimately sacrifice his life for all. 

Peter, still trying to understand the meaning of his teacher’s words, exclaimed, “Behold we have left everything and followed you.” 

Jesus’ loving response brought assurance. 

The disciples’ present sacrifices would be rewarded in the age to come.  They had left family and livelihood to follow their beloved Master and assist him in his ministry.  To others, they appeared as common laborers, poor and at the bottom of society.  But in the coming kingdom, their status would be undisputed. 

Paul says it well in I Timothy 4:7-8.  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

When I shared this story with my students, a change happened.  As we began our class the next Sunday, I asked, “Who’s going to pass out the crayons?” 

I received these responses.  “You go ahead and do it;” “No, you can go first;” “I want to be last!”  Attitudes had changed!

All three children now wanted to be LAST each and every time!

“But many who are first, will be last; and the last first.”

Reflection Questions

  1.  Why is it hard for wealthy people to follow Jesus? 
  2. What “riches” do you have in your life that make it difficult to live for Jesus?
  3. How can you be “last” as you interact with others this week?    
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Where God Lives

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 20

Poetry: Psalm 99

New Testament: 1 Timothy 3

Did you go on vacation this summer?  Where did you go?  Perhaps you’re planning a late summer getaway before the arrival of Labor Day.

Whether you travel to a new destination or a familiar cabin on a lake, it is good to get away and take a break from work and school.  Time away can be refreshing and often you gain a new perspective on life.

But, vacations don’t last forever.  All too quickly, it’s time to come home.  The closer you get, the faster you want to arrive.  Finally, your home appears.  Carrying suitcases, backpacks, and bags of “stuff”, you walk through the door.  Big exhale!  You’re home!  Oh, it’s so good to be home.

Hopefully, when you think of your home, you think of comfort, security, safety, enjoyment.  It’s where you can be yourself, where you can relax.

Does God feel that way about His home?  Yes, He is in heaven, and yes, someday He will dwell with man on earth.  (Revelation 21:1-3) But, the Bible mentions another HOME for our Father God.  PRAISE.  God is “at home” in our praises. 

Psalm 22:3 KJV says, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”  The NASB version says simply, “Yet You are holy, O You are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.”

Jack R. Taylor says this in The Hallelujah Factor— “Praise is where God lives.  It is his permanent address.  While God is everywhere, he is not everywhere manifested.  He is at home in praise and, being at home, he manifests himself best as God!  When you or I choose to make God at home through praise, we invite him to act ‘at home.’  He is enthroned and liberated to act mightily in praise.”

One of the best examples of this in Scripture is our OT reading for today, II Chronicles 20. 

The sons of Moab and Ammon came to make war against Jehoshaphat, King of Judah.  Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.  Then all of Judah gathered as Jehoshaphat addressed the Lord.  He recounted God’s power and previous protection.  Then Jehoshaphat stated the current problem, (vs 10-11), the powerlessness of the people, (vs 12a), and their concentration on God—“our eyes are on you.”  (vs. 12b)

The Spirit of God, through Jahaziel, gave God’s answer to Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah.  “Don’t fear, the battle is not yours but God’s.  You need not fight.  Stand and see the salvation of the Lord.”

The next morning, singers went out before the army, singing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his lovingkindness is everlasting.”  WHEN they began singing and praising, the enemy was ambushed by one another.  No one escaped.  Jehoshaphat and his people found goods and garments among the enemies, and it took them 3 days to retrieve it all. 

The people’s praise prompted God to act.  No other recorded military battle compares to the miracle that happened that day. 

Psalm 8:2 says, “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

How marvelous is our God.  He hears us.  He fights for us.  He rewards us.

Did you start your morning in praise to God?  What a difference it can make.  God desires to move in your life, to guide you, to comfort you, to defend and protect you. 

Allow Him to reside each day in your praises.  And discover the joy He has planned for your life.

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1. Is praise a regular part of your prayer life?
  2. Meditate on this phrase from II Chronicles 20:12b—“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
  3. When things seem insurmountable in your life, will you begin your appeal to God with praise?
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Testimony Time

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 17 & 18

Poetry: Psalm 97

New Testament: 1 Timothy 1

The 2024 Summer Olympics has just been completed in Paris. During the two weeks of competition, there were 32 sports and 329 events across 48 disciplines.   Around 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees competed.  Among those athletes, several shared their Christian witness with the media. 

Hezley Rivera, Women’s Gymnastics, was asked how she made the 2024 team. Her first response was to give God credit for her success. Later she posted Philippians 4:13 on her Instagram account under pictures of her with the Olympian team.  In a recent interview, she said, “I’m just enjoying the journey and the process, and I’m so blessed, and I thank God every day.” Hezley won a team Olympic gold medal on July 30th in Paris.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who competes in the Women’s 400 Hurdles, shared her personal testimony in her memoir, Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith.  Her perspective changed from gaging her worth by a perfect run, to being balanced spiritually in her personal life as well as her sport. In January, Sydney told “Women’s Running” this– “My life wasn’t about me. It was about showing the world God’s power, wisdom, kindness, love, and forgiveness.”

McLaughlin-Levrone won her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles on Aug. 8th, posting another world record time at 50.37.  As the only woman to win the event in two consecutive Olympic Games, she said, “Just grateful for all that has been taking place. God has been good to me.”

In our reading of I Timothy 1 today, Paul begins his letter to Timothy, his son in the faith, by urging him to stay in Ephesus, even though the work might be difficult.  The Ephesians needed to hear God’s truth, and Timothy had been called by God to deliver that truth to them. Then, in a way to encourage Timothy to stay strong, Paul shared HIS PERSONAL TESTIMONY. 

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” I Timothy 1:12-17

What a plain, powerful testimony Paul shared with Timothy.  Paul’s past persecution of Christians didn’t make him ineligible to serve God.  Mercy and grace were given to him on the road to Damascus.  He claims to be the worst of sinners, but Jesus saw the potential in Paul to be a mighty missionary for him.  And in verse 17, his one sentence prayer expresses his highest allegiance and worship to Almighty God. 

These heartfelt words were meant to encourage Timothy, who might have felt unworthy to deal with the challenges at Ephesus.  

Paul had a moving testimony, the Olympians above have shared their testimonies.   What is your testimony?

Amy Blanchard, the Christian Education Director for the Pine Grove Bible Church, Brooklyn Park, MN developed a plan for willing adults in the church to share their testimonies with the high school and young adult Sunday School classes. The testimony sharing time takes place every few years over a period of several months—that way each young person growing up in the church eventually hears the Pine Grove members’ stories of their personal calls to follow Jesus. 

Her goals, (in her own words) are as follows;

  • “To allow kids to meet/get to know others in our church and hear their stories and see how they can relate to them (and for you to see how you can relate to our kids)
  • To open the door for the kids to hear that there are many times and ways one can come to the Lord
  • So our kids can hear how others influence us and see that we, in turn, influence others
  • To allow us to share our testimonies – we all have a story.  Sharing our personal story helps us to, ‘…have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.’ “

What a tremendous way to hear conversion experiences, and to show by example that everyone has a story that needs to be told –not only to our brothers and sisters in Christ, but with those we interact with each day.

Paul shared his personal testimony with Timothy to strengthen and embolden him.  But it also encourages us to think about our “call to Christ” and how our lives can impact those around us.

I Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Do this with gentleness and respect.”

What is your personal testimony?  Pray for opportunities to share it, and you will be blessed in ways you never could have imagined.

-Paula Kirkpatrick


Reflection Questions

  1.  Do you have a personal testimony?  If the answer is no, why not?
  2. Has someone ever encouraged you with their personal testimony?  Have you later told them how it impacted your life?
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Give Credit

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 15 & 16

Poetry: Psalm 96

New Testament: 2 Thessalonians 3

Have you ever heard of the saying, “Give credit where credit is due?”  It is thought the expression was coined by Samuel Adams in a letter dated Oct. 29th, 1777!  That was quite a while ago!  Now, almost two and a half centuries later, “giving credit” has become a whole new ballgame.

Today’s generation has always had easy internet access.  And with that access, has been seemingly limitless information. But, can a person easily find the original source of an idea, trend, or promoted “fact” on social media platforms, where it can be shared multiple times and morph into a whole different idea or supposed “truth”? 

According to a recent survey, only 8% of students always give credit to original creators, 35% of students sometimes do, while 30% never give credit to original trendsetters.  (And who knows if this survey is correct—I found it on the internet!)

The Bible tells us there is only One who is due credit for all the world around us, the beauty, and majesty of His Creation. 

“Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth.”  Psalm 96: 7-9

Ascribe is an interesting word.  It means acknowledge, attribute, or GIVE CREDIT.  All of the earth trembles before Him as all people consider His mighty strength and unmatched splendor. 

Our praise leads to this acknowledgement of God’s greatness.  In verses 1-3 we are told to sing, proclaim, and tell about His salvation, glory and wonderful deeds. 

As our outward praise is heard and shared, it leads to an inward attitude of worship, basking in the Lord’s presence.  We adore God for who He is.

Not just His people, but ALL of His Creation sings God’s praises.  In verses 11-13, we see this. Have you walked along an ocean beach and HEARD the water’s roar? Have you gazed upon a field of Texas bluebells, multi-colored tulips, or bright yellow sunflowers, their BEAUTY GLORIFYING God’s presence?  Have you wandered through a forest of pine trees, and HEARD their joyful song in the breeze? If you have done one or more of these things, lift up your praise in harmony to Creation’s melodies. 

Acknowledge His presence in your every waking moment.  Savor His warmth and love.  Live a life of worship each day.  Give credit—ALL CREDIT—where credit is due—to the Lord God Almighty. 

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1.  Do you dwell in God’s presence each day?  How better could you do that?
  2. Are praise and thanksgiving a regular part of your prayer life?
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An Unclean Spirit

Old Testament: Isaiah 31 & 32

Poetry: Psalm 74

*New Testament: Mark 5

The man was pacing.  Spewing forth profanities in a low but steady stream.  I was working at my part-time job at the public library and in charge of the building during my shift.  The agitated man was on the open upper level—I was at the checkout counter on the lower level, busy with patrons. 

The troubled man would quiet down and sit, and I would breathe a sigh of relief.  Then he would pop up again, pacing round and round with a new surge of profanity flowing from his mouth.  Slowly, I climbed the steps to the upper level. 

I walked over to straighten some magazines, so I could observe him closeup.  He was thin, wiry build, gray hair and beard, with eyes focused straight ahead, seeing things no one else could see.  He was completely unaware of me or any of the other people there.  I could see the uneasy expressions on their faces as he continued his verbal tirade, circling the floor. 

I knew I needed to take action, but felt confronting him might be dangerous, to me and the other patrons, most of whom were now exiting the upper level.

I walked down the wide, open stairway and called the non-emergency police phone number.  Waiting for the officers to arrive, I kept my eyes focused upstairs.  Minutes passed at a snail’s pace.  Finally, the officers walked in, talked to me, and went upstairs to speak to this distressed individual.

The final outcome—the man left the library, accompanied out by the officers, because he could not agree to quiet his profanity.  I was relieved and saddened at the same time.  It was obvious this man’s mind was troubled, whether it was because of PTSD, substance abuse, or something else.  But it was February, it was cold, and perhaps he was homeless like some of our other library visitors.  Yet, his “demons” had their way, and he lost a safe, warm space to spend a Saturday afternoon.

In Mark 5, Jesus encounters a man in much dire circumstances compared to the man in the library.  Jesus and his disciples had just reached dry land after traveling in a boat together.  While out on the Sea of Galilee, a raging storm arose, and Jesus calmed it to utter peace, much to the astonishment and trepidation of the disciples. 

Now, a new, alarming situation awaited the group.  Talk about a night of sheer drama!

A naked, bleeding, shrieking man meets Jesus at the shore.  An unclean spirit lives inside of him, which causes him to behave like a madman.  Consequently, he wanders about the town cemetery, banished from people.  In the past, he had been subdued with shackles and chains, but amazingly they could not hold him for long.  Night and day, he roams through the tombs, screaming and cutting himself with stones.

When the tormented man sees Jesus, he approaches and bows before him, but not before Jesus had already addressed the unclean spirit dwelling inside him. 

“And shouting with a loud voice, he said, ‘What business do You have with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!’ For He had already been saying to him, ‘Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!’ And He was asking him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said to Him, ‘My name is Legion, for we are many.’” (verses 7-9)

The unclean spirit recognizes Jesus fully—“Jesus Son of the Most High God.”  It knows his true identity. Jesus asks the spirit its name.  The answer received—“My name is Legion, for we are many.”  A Roman legion could be up to six thousand soldiers.  Whatever the number, the demon possession of this suffering pitiful man is overwhelming in magnitude.

The demons realize their “home” in the man is ending.  Jesus, Son of the Most High God, has calmed the wild sea and he will calm this wild man.  The demons do not want to leave the area.  They implore Jesus to send them into a large herd of pigs nearby.  

Jesus agrees.  The demons enter the herd of two thousand pigs; the pigs promptly rush down the bank into the sea, and drown.  Two thousand pigs destroyed.  All the observers of this frightening scene witness the massive destructive power of Satan.  Yet, what is their reaction to the miracle performed before them? 

The bewildered herdsmen run to share this news in the city and country.  Like any modern day curiosity, gawkers return to see for themselves what has happened.

And what do they see?  The well-known “mad man” is calmly sitting near Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.  At peace.  Instead of being happy for him and the city as a whole, verse 15 says the gawkers become frightened.  They beg Jesus to leave.  They cannot comprehend the scene before them, and they are filled with fear. 

But the “mad man,” now the “miracle man,” reacts as we would expect.  He begs Jesus to take him along, the complete opposite response of the townspeople.

Jesus answers. ”And He did not let him, but He said to him, ‘Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.’”

Imagine the witness this man will be for the Lord.  From torment to peace, from screams to praises, from broken to whole, from darkness to light. 

Past, present future, Jesus changes lives.  Miraculously!  Dramatically!  And yes, sometimes slowly and quietly.  But when you truly encounter Jesus, Son of the Most High God, your life changes. 

I wish there had been a different outcome for the troubled man in the library.  I thought about him for days.  I know God saw him, I know God loves him.  I can only hope and pray his “demons” have left him. 

Jesus, Son of the Most High God, sits at our Father’s right hand, constantly interceding for us.  “Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”  Romans 8:34

Give Jesus your personal struggles.  Give him your anxious thoughts.  He’s ready and waiting to take them all.  Just hand them over.

Paula Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1.  The demon-possessed man had great strength, and he broke free from shackles and chains.  Why could no one subdue him?
  2. We can’t win in spiritual warfare with our own power.  We need to rely on the Lord.  How do we accomplish this?
  3. The people who came to see the demon-possessed man healed and the pigs destroyed, begged Jesus to leave.  Put yourself in their place.  Would you have had the same reaction?
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The Man with the Withered Hand

Old Testament: Isaiah 27 & 28

Poetry: Psalm 72

*New Testament: Mark 3

My dad had polio.   Polio is an illness caused by a virus. It can sometimes lead to paralysis.  Polio reached pandemic levels throughout the world in the first half of the 20th century.

My dad was diagnosed as a teenager in the early 1940’s, and he spent weeks and weeks in St Anthony Hospital in Rockford, IL.  I don’t know much more about that challenging time in his life, because he did not talk about it to my brother and me.  It didn’t occur to us to ask him about it.  We were kids.  We simply knew our dad had had polio and he walked with a limp.  One of his legs had been severely affected by the disease. 

My dad was a carpenter, and he was usually dressed in a gray work shirt and jeans, or occasionally in dress pants and shirt.  But NEVER in shorts.

One day when I was a teenager, my dad injured his affected leg.  My mom needed to render first aid and dad’s pant leg was rolled up above his knee.  For the first time, I saw my dad’s leg that caused him to limp.  I was shocked!  It looked thin, wrinkled, shriveled.  How could the sight before me be a man’s leg?  My dad was strong, rugged, tough, a working man who did hard physical labor.  I turned away, sensing I had seen something I shouldn’t.  At that moment, I began to “see” my dad differently, I began to slowly understand, he had endured pain and sacrifice to provide for his family.  His shriveled leg was a testament to that. 

In the beginning verses of Mark 3, Jesus enters the synagogue and encounters a man with a withered hand.  The hand is useless.  One Commentary says the hand muscles were shrunken and the limb shorter than normal—the cause may have been infantile paralysis.  In any event, the man was unable to work for his living.

Jesus sees his need.  He has compassion for him.  He also sees the Pharisees watching, waiting for his next move.

In recent days, Jesus had healed a paralytic man, and dined with tax gatherers and sinners.  In both instances, the scribes of the Pharisees questioned Jesus’ words and actions. 

Now it is the Sabbath.  Jesus and his disciples had just passed through a grainfield and picked and eaten some heads of grain.  (Mark 2:23-28) The Pharisees had called him out on it, saying Jesus was doing work on the Sabbath, the day of rest.  By the time of Jesus’ ministry, the Mosaic law of Sabbath rest, (Exodus 20:9-11) had been “enhanced” by the religious leaders through the years to include countless petty regulations and rules.  Jesus had deflected the Pharisees in the grainfield encounter, citing David’s eating of the shewbread (I Samuel 21:1-6) and declaring, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.  Consequently, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Perhaps minutes to hours later, the Pharisees are now ready to pounce again with a new Sabbath challenge.  Jesus is prepared.  He asks the disabled man to step forward, so all the crowd can see him. (verse 3).  And then Jesus addresses the Pharisees.

“Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” (verse 4)

We can imagine the silence was deafening.  Because, indeed, the Pharisees did not respond.  And then we come to verse 5, filled with emotions, drama and action.

“After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” 

Jesus looks deep into each Pharisee’s eyes, face, inner feelings.  He is angry at their lack of compassion, at their challenges to his God-given authority, at their unhearing, unseeing judgement.  The anger turns to grief as Jesus witnesses the hardness of their hearts to his ministry.  The Pharisees choose their “enhanced” laws over a poor man’s plight, choose their power OVER him, instead of a blessing FOR him. 

Then brilliantly, Jesus asks the disabled man to stretch out his hand.  The hand is cured without any labor, but simply by Jesus’ voice.  Jesus does not break the Sabbath labor laws, and neither does the man.  Surely the Pharisees will approve.  Their reaction is recorded in verse 6.

“The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might put Him to death.”

The Pharisees’ reputation with the people has been thwarted.  They will not accept this outcome.  Immediately their plans for Jesus’ destruction begin.

Only the man with the withered hand was rewarded.  Healed, restored, able to work and enjoy his life.  Forever blessed by the Savior.   

My father awaits that blessing too.  At Jesus’ return, he will rise up from the grave, his withered, diseased leg fully restored.  No more limping, no more pain.  Oh, what a day that will be.  I can’t wait to see him.  I can’t wait to see my coming King.

Paula Kirkpatrick 

Reflection Questions

  1.  Think about a person you know who will be healed when Jesus returns.  How does that motivate you to share the good news of salvation in Jesus?
  2.  Jewish law had “evolved” to extreme regulations about what was considered work on the Sabbath.  How do you feel about businesses that stay closed on Sunday, to honor the Lord? 
  3. Are we ever guilty of “following the rules” instead of having compassion for people in a difficult situation?  What example can you think of?
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Prayer of an Aged Saint

Old Testament: Isaiah 25 & 26

Poetry: Psalm 71

New Testament: Mark 2

When I was a young pastor’s wife in my 20’s and 30’s, I had many older role models in our congregations.  These special saints had been faithful through the years despite the challenges and sorrows of our present world.  They trusted God’s direction and His goodness, and they were still devotedly serving Him at church and in their everyday lives. 

I, (and my pastor-husband), valued and yes, cherished the encouragement and support they lovingly gave us.  How I long to see them again!

Various dear ones come to mind—the balding Wisconsin farmer, cracking jokes, yet tender-hearted; the precious old Indiana couple who held hands in church, except when they held my year-old son while I played the piano for the worship service; dear Missouri ladies who “loved” on my children and us; the welcoming Minnesota saint who hugged me at our first meeting, and could outwork women thirty years younger! 

Psalm 71, one of our readings for today, has brought to mind these beloved individuals, as well as many others, who we were blessed to know and love in the pastorates we served.  An apt title for this Psalm could be “Prayer of an Aged Saint.”

The writer of this Psalm begins by saying he has taken refuge in God, and he asks for deliverance.  He turns to God to rescue him, basing his trust on the help he has received from Him down through the years.

“For You are my hope;
Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.
 I have leaned on you since my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother’s womb;
My praise is continually of You.”  Verses 5 and 6 

Then, the Psalmist confirms he is no longer a youth.

“Do not cast me away at the time of my old age;
Do not abandon me when my strength fails.”  Verse 9

Even at his advanced age, our writer once again faces an enemy.  “Wrong doer, ruthless man”, (verse 4); “adversaries” (verse 13) are some of the words used to describe this enemy. 

And yet his ultimate trust in God’s intervention in his life is evident. 

“But as for me, I will wait continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your salvation all day long;
For I do not know the art of writing.
I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.” Verses 14-16

The Psalmist’s worship turns into a declaration, a witness of the greatness of God.  And it doesn’t end there. 

“God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.

 And even when I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.”  Verses 17 and 18

Throughout the writer’s entire life, from his youth to his old age, God has been present and working in his life.  And now, as he nears the end of that life, his firm desire is to declare God’s strength and faithfulness to succeeding generations.  He wants the younger individuals that are part of his life, or simply have observed his life, to understand the ultimate “goodness of God.” 

Once, I too, was young.  Now, I can identify with the writer of this Psalm.  How good and faithful our mighty God has been to me.  He has rescued me from troubles. He has daily strengthened me.  He has been my Rock (verse 3) when all else failed. 

The dear saints in our pastorates that I grew to love, left a legacy of faith for me and others.  I pray my life is also “declaring God’s strength to this generation.” 

 Paula Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1.  Do you have an older Christian who is a role model to you?
  2. Have you told those role models what they mean to you?
  3. The Psalmist says he doesn’t know the art of writing, so he needs to make mention, to declare, God’s righteousness and strength.  Think about ways you can talk about and show your friends and loved ones what God has done in your life. 
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