A collection of daily devotionals from GoServ Global FOunder, Terry Baxter
Ministry in Motion: Mark 4:35-36
April 26, 2024
Ministry in Motion: Mark 4:35-36
“35) On that day, when evening came, He *said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36) Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.” Mark 4:35-36
These two verses speak volumes. It is easy to skip over them. But let’s hit the pause button and muse on these verses for a few minutes. I believe they contain an important message for us.
As the crowds were increasing, Jesus made the abrupt decision to depart to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Keep in mind, these parables started because the multitude had grown so large that Jesus got into a boat and had His disciples push off shore so He could teach from a floating pulpit. (See Mark 4:1)
When He finished teaching, Jesus did something astounding. Rather than landing on shore and trying to navigate the crowd, Jesus simply ordered His disciples to cross over to the other side. Verse 36 says; “Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.”
They didn’t return home and pack, buy supplies or even say goodbye. They merely pointed the bow toward the other side of the lake and departed. It is reasonable that the boat had some supplies on board, but not for Jesus. The text says, “they took Jesus along with them, just as He was…” Other boats also followed, but the storm may have caused some to turn back.
So what is the application to these verses? This is an easy to miss and even get wrong, but ministry is often spontaneous. We need to be flexible to set our plans aside and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
We thrive on detailed schedules. For example, I like setting a day aside to pray and prepare for intervention sessions with demonically tormented people. But I don’t always have that luxury. I am learning that Jesus is always present with me and ready for anointed ministry.
We in the western church expect the Holy Spirit to show up during the slot of time set aside for Him in our Sunday morning service. We are gracious and flexible to allow a fifteen minute margin just in case something really special happens. But then we need to pack up and move on to the other activities we have planned.
But Jesus and His disciples were always prepared and ready for whatever they encountered. They were ready to preach, teach, heal, cast out demons and meet pressing needs whenever and wherever it folded around them. They practiced “Ministry in Motion.”
When you study the four Gospels and the book of Acts, you discover that much of ministry was not planned. It was spontaneous, providential and powerful. Ministry unfolded within the ebb and flow of daily life. They didn’t always have time to pray, plan and schedule the next event. They did ministry in motion as they went through each day.
Frankly, these two verses convict me! God is showing me that walking in the Spirit means 1 Peter 3:15; “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” I am consciously trying to follow those inner promptings throughout the day and talk to people with open ended conversation. I am trying to learn “ministry in motion.”
Let me be clear, this is not my usual western mindset. I am conditioned to schedule the working of the Holy Spirit. The balance of the time is for me, my bucket list and my activities.
I’ve been a difficult case, but I am trying to learn the meaning of ministry in motion. Faith is in the now. Ministry unfolds in the now. Walking in the Spirit is in the now. Ministry happens in motion. Praying and communing with God is in the now! The filling of the Holy Spirit is constant throughout the day. As a result we can always be ready for spontaneous ministry.
Here is the application: God wants to use you and me for His glory just as we are in the now. Ministry unfolds in the now through the ebb and flow of every day life. God is always at work around us and He invites us to join Him and discover the power of “Ministry in Motion.”
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“35) On that day, when evening came, He *said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36) Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.” Mark 4:35-36
These two verses speak volumes. It is easy to skip over them. But let’s hit the pause button and muse on these verses for a few minutes. I believe they contain an important message for us.
As the crowds were increasing, Jesus made the abrupt decision to depart to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Keep in mind, these parables started because the multitude had grown so large that Jesus got into a boat and had His disciples push off shore so He could teach from a floating pulpit. (See Mark 4:1)
When He finished teaching, Jesus did something astounding. Rather than landing on shore and trying to navigate the crowd, Jesus simply ordered His disciples to cross over to the other side. Verse 36 says; “Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.”
They didn’t return home and pack, buy supplies or even say goodbye. They merely pointed the bow toward the other side of the lake and departed. It is reasonable that the boat had some supplies on board, but not for Jesus. The text says, “they took Jesus along with them, just as He was…” Other boats also followed, but the storm may have caused some to turn back.
So what is the application to these verses? This is an easy to miss and even get wrong, but ministry is often spontaneous. We need to be flexible to set our plans aside and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
We thrive on detailed schedules. For example, I like setting a day aside to pray and prepare for intervention sessions with demonically tormented people. But I don’t always have that luxury. I am learning that Jesus is always present with me and ready for anointed ministry.
We in the western church expect the Holy Spirit to show up during the slot of time set aside for Him in our Sunday morning service. We are gracious and flexible to allow a fifteen minute margin just in case something really special happens. But then we need to pack up and move on to the other activities we have planned.
But Jesus and His disciples were always prepared and ready for whatever they encountered. They were ready to preach, teach, heal, cast out demons and meet pressing needs whenever and wherever it folded around them. They practiced “Ministry in Motion.”
When you study the four Gospels and the book of Acts, you discover that much of ministry was not planned. It was spontaneous, providential and powerful. Ministry unfolded within the ebb and flow of daily life. They didn’t always have time to pray, plan and schedule the next event. They did ministry in motion as they went through each day.
Frankly, these two verses convict me! God is showing me that walking in the Spirit means 1 Peter 3:15; “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” I am consciously trying to follow those inner promptings throughout the day and talk to people with open ended conversation. I am trying to learn “ministry in motion.”
Let me be clear, this is not my usual western mindset. I am conditioned to schedule the working of the Holy Spirit. The balance of the time is for me, my bucket list and my activities.
I’ve been a difficult case, but I am trying to learn the meaning of ministry in motion. Faith is in the now. Ministry unfolds in the now. Walking in the Spirit is in the now. Ministry happens in motion. Praying and communing with God is in the now! The filling of the Holy Spirit is constant throughout the day. As a result we can always be ready for spontaneous ministry.
Here is the application: God wants to use you and me for His glory just as we are in the now. Ministry unfolds in the now through the ebb and flow of every day life. God is always at work around us and He invites us to join Him and discover the power of “Ministry in Motion.”
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
The Inner Teacher: Mark 4:33-34
April 25, 2024
The Inner Teacher: Mark 4:33-34
“33) With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; 34) and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples.” Mark 4:33-34
Jesus became known as the “Teacher.” Over fifty times in the four gospels He was called by this title. Some times they called Him by the name “good Teacher.” His teaching skills were recognized by all, including his opponents.
Jesus often taught in parables. His teaching increased in depth and substance as His disciples grew in understanding. There were some thing they did not understand even after nearly three years of being with Him. For example, He told His disciples repeatedly about His coming suffering and resurrection and it still did not register with them.
There are two mysteries at work in genuine believers. The first is talked about in in John 10:22-30. His opponents were constantly quizzing Him for specific disclosure of His true identity. To them He replied; “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” The Bible will forever be a mystery to non-Christians. It is important to start with the basics of the gospel and build on the foundation of salvation.
Second, Jesus promised that born-again believers would receive the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 contains this promise. It was John that quickly picked up on this coming ministry of the Holy Spirit as recorded in John 14-16. He also focused on the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit in 1 John 1:27. Study these verses as a whole.
Paul also touched on the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 and 2 Corinthians 3:1-18. These are amazing texts! I want evidence of the inner teacher illuminating people. The natural mind is closed to mysteries of God. Those filled with the Holy Spirit hear His voice and are alive with hunger for the Word of God and have corresponding illumination from the inner teacher.
I am not impressed by religious people who approach the Bible and theology from a merely rational basis. This was the pattern of the scribes and Pharisees. They had blind eyes and deaf ears. They were void of the inner teacher. They were neither hearing nor following the voice of Jesus. They talked about God, but their morals and theology were very messed up.
If the Bible is a mystery to you, then you need to meet Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. He will fill you with His Spirit and then the inner teacher will take up residency in your spirit.
The natural mind cannot understand the Scriptures nor the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18-31) I learned a long time ago that it does no good to send ducks to eagle school. No matter how much training you give, it will always be a duck.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“33) With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; 34) and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples.” Mark 4:33-34
Jesus became known as the “Teacher.” Over fifty times in the four gospels He was called by this title. Some times they called Him by the name “good Teacher.” His teaching skills were recognized by all, including his opponents.
Jesus often taught in parables. His teaching increased in depth and substance as His disciples grew in understanding. There were some thing they did not understand even after nearly three years of being with Him. For example, He told His disciples repeatedly about His coming suffering and resurrection and it still did not register with them.
There are two mysteries at work in genuine believers. The first is talked about in in John 10:22-30. His opponents were constantly quizzing Him for specific disclosure of His true identity. To them He replied; “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” The Bible will forever be a mystery to non-Christians. It is important to start with the basics of the gospel and build on the foundation of salvation.
Second, Jesus promised that born-again believers would receive the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 contains this promise. It was John that quickly picked up on this coming ministry of the Holy Spirit as recorded in John 14-16. He also focused on the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit in 1 John 1:27. Study these verses as a whole.
Paul also touched on the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 and 2 Corinthians 3:1-18. These are amazing texts! I want evidence of the inner teacher illuminating people. The natural mind is closed to mysteries of God. Those filled with the Holy Spirit hear His voice and are alive with hunger for the Word of God and have corresponding illumination from the inner teacher.
I am not impressed by religious people who approach the Bible and theology from a merely rational basis. This was the pattern of the scribes and Pharisees. They had blind eyes and deaf ears. They were void of the inner teacher. They were neither hearing nor following the voice of Jesus. They talked about God, but their morals and theology were very messed up.
If the Bible is a mystery to you, then you need to meet Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. He will fill you with His Spirit and then the inner teacher will take up residency in your spirit.
The natural mind cannot understand the Scriptures nor the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18-31) I learned a long time ago that it does no good to send ducks to eagle school. No matter how much training you give, it will always be a duck.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Kingdom Potential: Mark 4:30-32
April 24, 2024
Kingdom Potential: Mark 4:30-32
“30) And He said, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? 31) It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, 32) yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade.”” Mark 4:30-32
In this parable, Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. Though the seed is tiny, the plant becomes large. It may start small but has huge potential.
I have watched many times how small, broken, despised and insignificant people come to Jesus. Soon He changes them and they become men and women of character, dignity, faith and influence. They soon pass up their counterparts in the world.
This is the thrust behind 1 Corinthians 1:26-30. God has chosen the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong, and the despised to shame the noble. He does it all the time. They may start small, but soon they surpass in wisdom, stature and influence their counterparts in the world.
It happened to Joseph. It happened to David. It happened to Daniel and his three friends. It happened to four fishermen and the ragtag group of men Jesus called to be His disciples.
God works this way so that He gets the Glory! A small seed of faith can transform any person who sincerely embraces Jesus Christ into someone very special. The Holy Spirit changes them.
He quickly multiplies gifts, character, confidence, power and influence in them and through them. Many from very humble beginnings and modest surrounding go on to have national and international impact.
God can turn failures into successes. Tragic mistakes into providential opportunities. Brokenness into wholeness. Poverty into wealth. Sickness and disease into wellness. Oppression into influence. Weakness into power. Followers into leaders. Obscurity into fame… and He does in such a way as to baffle the world. (See Acts 4:13)
The message of the kingdom when planted in the right soil has unimaginable potential. Don’t measure anyone’s future potential “in Christ” by their past performance “in the world.” The indwelling Holy Spirit transforms them into radically different people. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, let Him do this work in your life. Stop making excuses. Let go of your old self and your old identity. Step up and step out and embrace your new life “in Christ.” Spread your wings of faith and fly.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“30) And He said, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? 31) It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, 32) yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade.”” Mark 4:30-32
In this parable, Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. Though the seed is tiny, the plant becomes large. It may start small but has huge potential.
I have watched many times how small, broken, despised and insignificant people come to Jesus. Soon He changes them and they become men and women of character, dignity, faith and influence. They soon pass up their counterparts in the world.
This is the thrust behind 1 Corinthians 1:26-30. God has chosen the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong, and the despised to shame the noble. He does it all the time. They may start small, but soon they surpass in wisdom, stature and influence their counterparts in the world.
It happened to Joseph. It happened to David. It happened to Daniel and his three friends. It happened to four fishermen and the ragtag group of men Jesus called to be His disciples.
God works this way so that He gets the Glory! A small seed of faith can transform any person who sincerely embraces Jesus Christ into someone very special. The Holy Spirit changes them.
He quickly multiplies gifts, character, confidence, power and influence in them and through them. Many from very humble beginnings and modest surrounding go on to have national and international impact.
God can turn failures into successes. Tragic mistakes into providential opportunities. Brokenness into wholeness. Poverty into wealth. Sickness and disease into wellness. Oppression into influence. Weakness into power. Followers into leaders. Obscurity into fame… and He does in such a way as to baffle the world. (See Acts 4:13)
The message of the kingdom when planted in the right soil has unimaginable potential. Don’t measure anyone’s future potential “in Christ” by their past performance “in the world.” The indwelling Holy Spirit transforms them into radically different people. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, let Him do this work in your life. Stop making excuses. Let go of your old self and your old identity. Step up and step out and embrace your new life “in Christ.” Spread your wings of faith and fly.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
The Miracle of Good Soil and Seed: Mark 4:26-29
April 23, 2024
The Miracle of Good Soil and Seed: Mark 4:26-29
“26) And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27) and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. 28) The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29) But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”” Mark 4:26-29
Jesus again pictured the kingdom of God by a parable about gardening or farming. In a sense, we could assume say He was adding depth to the parable of the sower. In this parable He is focusing on the faithfulness of God!
Look closely, this parable minimizes the role of the sower. He sows the seed in good soil and watches the miracle unfold day by day. In fact in this story, the sower sleeps until the harvest. He wisely trusted God to fulfill His role.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 adds depth to this parable. It acknowledges that Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God was the one causing the growth. No doubt, the gardener can irrigate and cultivate, but unless God does His part there will be no growth.
This forces us to acknowledge three things. First, the condition of the soil is important. We are responsible to make sure the soil in our life is good. A good farmer works his soil every year to improve its quality. Never stop improving the soil of your soil.
Second, the DNA of the seed is important. Make sure the best seed is being planted in your life. There is an overwhelming amount of bad seed in churches, Christian literature and the world today. The seed you plant in your soul will determine the crop you harvest. I spend most of my time putting the heirloom seed of Gods word in my heart, soul and mind. I waste zero time on new Christian modified seed. It’s worthless and counterproductive for godliness.
Finally, the main focus is on God. He is the one who causes the growth. It is a mystery, but when good seed interacts with good soil… miracles happen! God is at work. Soon the seed sprouts. It’s like the fields come alive. Within a few weeks, the fields change color from brown soil to green crops. Then the blades appear followed by the fruit. Some crops come to maturity quickly, others take more time, but thanks to God… there will be a harvest.
Where I live in north Iowa, we have one growing season and then the harvest. As in the previous parable of the sower, good soil mixing with good seed can produce thirty, sixty and a hundredfold. But wait, that’s just one growing season.
As a Christian, I’ve now enjoyed more than fifty growing seasons in my life. By God’s grace, I constantly work to improve my soil and select quality seed… but my primary focus is on God. The Holy Spirit is producing fruit in my life I never dreamed was possible even ten years ago. I take John 15:8 seriously; “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”
Like most farmers, I have had some very disappointing years. I was negligent preparing the soil of my soul and allowed some weed seeds in my garden, but God was faithful! The good news, by God’s grace He has given me many more growing seasons. Obeying and walking with Jesus keeps getting better and better.
Such is the kingdom of God. Past performance does not dictate future fruitfulness. If you’ve had some bad years in your life, take advantage of a new planting season. Invite the Holy Spirit to renew the soil of your soul. Get serious about planting better seed in your life. By all means, stop putting weed seeds in your heart and mind! Then ask God to do His work in and through your life.
Caution: Be prepared for a radically different harvest. Then repeat the process every year. Good gardening has a compounding affect in every growth cycle. Walking with God gets better and better as you tend your fields properly. He is always faithful to do His part.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“26) And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27) and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. 28) The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29) But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”” Mark 4:26-29
Jesus again pictured the kingdom of God by a parable about gardening or farming. In a sense, we could assume say He was adding depth to the parable of the sower. In this parable He is focusing on the faithfulness of God!
Look closely, this parable minimizes the role of the sower. He sows the seed in good soil and watches the miracle unfold day by day. In fact in this story, the sower sleeps until the harvest. He wisely trusted God to fulfill His role.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 adds depth to this parable. It acknowledges that Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God was the one causing the growth. No doubt, the gardener can irrigate and cultivate, but unless God does His part there will be no growth.
This forces us to acknowledge three things. First, the condition of the soil is important. We are responsible to make sure the soil in our life is good. A good farmer works his soil every year to improve its quality. Never stop improving the soil of your soil.
Second, the DNA of the seed is important. Make sure the best seed is being planted in your life. There is an overwhelming amount of bad seed in churches, Christian literature and the world today. The seed you plant in your soul will determine the crop you harvest. I spend most of my time putting the heirloom seed of Gods word in my heart, soul and mind. I waste zero time on new Christian modified seed. It’s worthless and counterproductive for godliness.
Finally, the main focus is on God. He is the one who causes the growth. It is a mystery, but when good seed interacts with good soil… miracles happen! God is at work. Soon the seed sprouts. It’s like the fields come alive. Within a few weeks, the fields change color from brown soil to green crops. Then the blades appear followed by the fruit. Some crops come to maturity quickly, others take more time, but thanks to God… there will be a harvest.
Where I live in north Iowa, we have one growing season and then the harvest. As in the previous parable of the sower, good soil mixing with good seed can produce thirty, sixty and a hundredfold. But wait, that’s just one growing season.
As a Christian, I’ve now enjoyed more than fifty growing seasons in my life. By God’s grace, I constantly work to improve my soil and select quality seed… but my primary focus is on God. The Holy Spirit is producing fruit in my life I never dreamed was possible even ten years ago. I take John 15:8 seriously; “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”
Like most farmers, I have had some very disappointing years. I was negligent preparing the soil of my soul and allowed some weed seeds in my garden, but God was faithful! The good news, by God’s grace He has given me many more growing seasons. Obeying and walking with Jesus keeps getting better and better.
Such is the kingdom of God. Past performance does not dictate future fruitfulness. If you’ve had some bad years in your life, take advantage of a new planting season. Invite the Holy Spirit to renew the soil of your soul. Get serious about planting better seed in your life. By all means, stop putting weed seeds in your heart and mind! Then ask God to do His work in and through your life.
Caution: Be prepared for a radically different harvest. Then repeat the process every year. Good gardening has a compounding affect in every growth cycle. Walking with God gets better and better as you tend your fields properly. He is always faithful to do His part.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Guard Your Heart: Mark 4:24-25
April 22, 2024
Guard Your Heart: Mark 4:24-25
“24) And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. 25) For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”” Mark 4:24-25
Take care what you listen to, what you plant in your mind and soul comes out in the garden of your life. If you let random seeds get blown into your mind by the things you carelessly watch and listen to, your soul will soon resemble a tangled bed of weeds. The end result will be mental and moral confusion. Your heart will be messed up!
By your standards and ethics it will be measured to you. If you sow lies and dishonesty you will reap the same. If you steal and cheat, others will steal from you. But if you live by truth and integrity, others will soon begin to respect and honor you. That’s called “influence!”
The person who has, more will often be given to him. When you learn to manage and maintain little things, you will soon be entrusted with bigger things. Diligence and faithfulness are rewarded. They point to honorable character.
But those who are slothful, careless and negligent loose the few things they have. Through neglect and lack of maintenance things quickly wear out, deteriorate or shrivel up and die. Your surroundings say a lot about your character.
The above two verses sound more like Proverbs of wisdom than parables of mystery. It is easy observe that the book of Proverbs was well planted in the heart and mind of Jesus. He practiced what He preached. He guarded His own heart with all diligence.
In these two verses, Jesus was still focused on the Law of the Sower. It says; “What you sow… you will reap.” This is called “practical application.” If you want your circumstances to change, pay closer attention to the seed being sown in your heart, soul and mind. They will come out in your life!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“24) And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. 25) For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”” Mark 4:24-25
Take care what you listen to, what you plant in your mind and soul comes out in the garden of your life. If you let random seeds get blown into your mind by the things you carelessly watch and listen to, your soul will soon resemble a tangled bed of weeds. The end result will be mental and moral confusion. Your heart will be messed up!
By your standards and ethics it will be measured to you. If you sow lies and dishonesty you will reap the same. If you steal and cheat, others will steal from you. But if you live by truth and integrity, others will soon begin to respect and honor you. That’s called “influence!”
The person who has, more will often be given to him. When you learn to manage and maintain little things, you will soon be entrusted with bigger things. Diligence and faithfulness are rewarded. They point to honorable character.
But those who are slothful, careless and negligent loose the few things they have. Through neglect and lack of maintenance things quickly wear out, deteriorate or shrivel up and die. Your surroundings say a lot about your character.
The above two verses sound more like Proverbs of wisdom than parables of mystery. It is easy observe that the book of Proverbs was well planted in the heart and mind of Jesus. He practiced what He preached. He guarded His own heart with all diligence.
In these two verses, Jesus was still focused on the Law of the Sower. It says; “What you sow… you will reap.” This is called “practical application.” If you want your circumstances to change, pay closer attention to the seed being sown in your heart, soul and mind. They will come out in your life!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Let the Light Shine: Mark 4:21-23
April 21, 2024
Let the Light Shine: Mark 4:21-23
“21) And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? 22) For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. 23) If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”” Mark 4:21-23
This was most likely a reference to an oil lamp. Its intended purpose was to shine and give light. In modern times oil lamps have been replaced by electricity and light bulbs, but they have the same purpose of illuminating the darkness. The parable still applies.
So is Gods Word and the gospel. It is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. It exposes things hidden in darkness. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Jesus is the light of the world. The Holy Spirit brings to light things hidden in darkness. He exposes sin. Christians are called “the sons of light.” (See Ephesians 5:8-11) God intends us to shine in this dark world.
But there is a problem; lost people love the darkness rather than the light. (John 3:19-21) They want enough of the light of Jesus to sooth their conscience but not enough to interrupt their sinful living. Human society wants the message of God’s universal love, but they want to put a shade on His call to holiness and the warning of coming judgement.
So what has human civilization done? We have distorted the gospel. We redefined God. We have hidden truth under the veil of man made religion. We put the light of the gospel under bushel baskets with little cracks to give light only where it’s convenient and where we want it.
Many Christian’s try to do the same this. They try to control God, the gospel and the Holy Spirit. They try to hang onto the kingdom of darkness while selectively embracing the kingdom of light. It doesn’t work that way.
If you want the light, put it on the lamp stand. If you want to be set free by truth, accept the whole council of God. If you want Jesus and the gospel, expect to be exposed. If you want the Holy Spirit to shine in your life, be prepared for Him to radically change and heal you. Born-again Christian’s are expected to engage in daily “Son Bathing.” We are to walk in the light as He is in the light. (See 1 John 1:5-7)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“21) And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? 22) For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. 23) If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”” Mark 4:21-23
This was most likely a reference to an oil lamp. Its intended purpose was to shine and give light. In modern times oil lamps have been replaced by electricity and light bulbs, but they have the same purpose of illuminating the darkness. The parable still applies.
So is Gods Word and the gospel. It is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. It exposes things hidden in darkness. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Jesus is the light of the world. The Holy Spirit brings to light things hidden in darkness. He exposes sin. Christians are called “the sons of light.” (See Ephesians 5:8-11) God intends us to shine in this dark world.
But there is a problem; lost people love the darkness rather than the light. (John 3:19-21) They want enough of the light of Jesus to sooth their conscience but not enough to interrupt their sinful living. Human society wants the message of God’s universal love, but they want to put a shade on His call to holiness and the warning of coming judgement.
So what has human civilization done? We have distorted the gospel. We redefined God. We have hidden truth under the veil of man made religion. We put the light of the gospel under bushel baskets with little cracks to give light only where it’s convenient and where we want it.
Many Christian’s try to do the same this. They try to control God, the gospel and the Holy Spirit. They try to hang onto the kingdom of darkness while selectively embracing the kingdom of light. It doesn’t work that way.
If you want the light, put it on the lamp stand. If you want to be set free by truth, accept the whole council of God. If you want Jesus and the gospel, expect to be exposed. If you want the Holy Spirit to shine in your life, be prepared for Him to radically change and heal you. Born-again Christian’s are expected to engage in daily “Son Bathing.” We are to walk in the light as He is in the light. (See 1 John 1:5-7)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
