Month: November 2008

In Mark 4 there are 4 parables about the kingdom of God: “[Jesus] has sharply contrasted his ministry now (with all its oddness, rejection and insignificance) and its fulfilment in the kingdom of God (with all its glory, majesty and greatness). What you now see – and accept or reject – bears little resemblance to what you will one day see.” (PTC)

I can see a parallel between these parables and followers of Jesus today. I’ve met lots of really weird people who are Christian. Seriously. People that don’t look impressive. People that don’t say impressive things. People who are very unimpressive. I think that it’s a testimony to the power of the gospel and the love that Christians have for all people that these unimpressive people can be genuinely accepted and included. For all their (our?) weirdness one day, they (we?) will be more glorious than you can imagine!

pic fom sxc

Check out how stoked Dave and his homies were after the Ark of God was brought back into Jerusalem: “David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals.” (2 Sam 6:5)

2 Questions:

• What the heck is a sistrum?
• Christians have a greater salvation in Jesus – why don’t we celebrate with all our might?

pic fom sxc

In 165AD, Justin and some homies were in Rome. After refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods, all were sentenced to death and beheaded. When taunted by officials ‘Do you suppose that you will rise again, and live for ever?’, Justin’s reply was ‘I do not suppose it, I know it!’

(PTC notes)