“As it is written in the Prophets: “Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.”” Mark 1:2 MEV
Is there more to there being a forerunner to prepare, a principle that needs to be understood further? I’ve heard of ministries bearing fruit evangelising after being instructed by the Lord to do this. I believe that intercession, if done correctly, is part of this ministry.
“John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey.” Mark 1:6 MEV
There are some who believe that John the Baptist had Elijah’s mantle (additional cloth/leather belt) that fell from the chariot of fire, picked up by Elisha, and kept for such a purpose such as this. Is it still around to be worn by one of the two end time witnesses?
“I indeed have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”” Mark 1:8 MEV
Water and the Holy Spirit: two significantly different entities; not symbolism at all. Water cleanses, the Holy Spirit purifies. He allows and enables us to overcome and stay clean.
“And a voice came from heaven, saying, “You are My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”” Mark 1:11MEV
All my acceptance, my validity, my being and my purpose is in God. He is my beloved and I am His (Song of Songs 2:6). Also Psalm 68:5.
“And He was there in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts. And the angels ministered to Him.” Mark 1:13 MEV
Does the Bible mean anything spiritual when it mentions wild beasts? Not far from being reasonable to think so. Selah!
“saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel.”” Mark 1:15MEV
Not only must we repent, for even Judas repented as indicated by scripture, but we must also believe in the gospel. Judas did not fully believe. There is more, but not to be posted here. Ask me, if curious.
“Jesus said to them, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”” Mark 1:17 MEV
Purpose aligned to/according to profession? Seems like it. What was Paul? A tentmaker. What was his spiritual calling? Something to think about and meditate on.
“As soon as He had spoken, the leprosy immediately departed from him, and he was cleansed.” Mark 1:42MEV
With words that were spoken, not with the eye or a look. Therefore do not give yourself over to deceiving spirits no matter how convincing they seem.
“Again, He entered Capernaum after some days. And it was reported that He was in the house.” Mark 2:1 MEV
Jesus is in the house! :p
“When they could not come near Him due to the crowding, they uncovered the roof where He was. When they had broken it open, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.” Mark 2:4 MEV
Translate the physical into spiritual in the new covenant that we now have. How do we get to Jesus? There are no crowds per se, but don’t let the things of the world, our busyness, make Jesus inaccessible. Reach out to Him. Seek Him. Sharpen your axe.
“But some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts,” Mark 2:6 MEV
While it is good to discern, let our reasoning be with God, our Heavenly Father. Isaiah 1:18
“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, and the wine is spilled, and the wineskins will be marred. But new wine must be poured into new wineskins.”” Mark 2:22MEV
Jesus said this in the context of fasting in the new covenant.
“Then He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 MEV
“Then He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do evil on the Sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent.” Mark 3:4 MEV
There is a great deal to learn from these passages alone about the heart that God has for us.
“He told the disciples to have a small boat ready for Him because of the crowd, lest they should crush Him.” Mark 3:9 MEV
Speaks to me personally about what I must do.