A diferent Version of Flesh

Mark 9:33-38

I took years for me to own up to the truth that I was a mess that my problem was I wanted to be the center of my world, at home, at work, and even when I went to the house of worship.  I believe the word for that is self-centered, selfseeking,self-serving, inconsiderate, looking after number one.  Now I bet you are saying, Lord, that Bob is a mess, and I’m sure glad I’m not anything like that, but is that true?

It comes with this human flesh yes we all have a different version of flesh, each of us showed up on planet earth with a sin problem.  And at its center is I want to be in charge of my life, that is a big problem and todays parents overall have added to the flesh problem by not disciplining and teaching respect for authority.

It’s not a new problem twelve men were chosen by God to take the good news to all generations to come where inflicted with the desire to be the greatest.  Shall we examine verses 33-34; “And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” ³⁴ But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.”  Now how will Jesus deal with the twelve men who He has hand-picked to carry the good news of the gospel to a lost world, in that men see greatness as a privilege?

The following is Jesus’ response to the twelve; “And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” ³⁶ And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, ³⁷ “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

At almost 76 years of life, I have discovered and fully understand who is the greatest, and I desire to do His will, and I hope to finish this race strongly, honoring my Lord Jesus Christ.  But this morning how I needed that word from the Lord, Jan and I are in a program working with fourth graders, most are respectful and did I say they are all boys.  But it only takes two who have no regard for authority, have only one goal, and that is to be #1, to do as they please and it makes this old guy want to quit.  But Jesus said, when I receive them in His name He receives not only Him but also His Father.  Thank you, Jesus, for your living word.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice