May 12

Mark 12:18-27 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scripture nor the power of God?

Observation

Sadducees' question to Jesus is obviously there to trap or ridicule him. I can imagine the sadducees thinking themselves, "we got you! let see how you get out of this," thinking they have utilized their question from the Scripture, to back up their point that there is no resurrection. However, here, Jesus once again responds to the Sadducees so clearly and to the point -- that their wrong belief stepped from the lack of knowledge of the Scripture and the power of God. The resurrected life is totally different from what we know life as it is and God is God of the living and not dead, that there is a resurrection, for God IS God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob. And Jesus clearly once again points out to Sadducees, that they are quite wrong.

Application

I wonder what would have been Sadducees' response after this encounter with Jesus? The Bible doesn't mention anything of their response, but I wonder, and I wonder what would have been mine if I were in their shoes?
It is so easy for me to apply my limited understanding to God and His work, and try to make a conclusion on any matter. But God's way is beyond one's understanding. He is beyond any human's comprehension, for He is God. Although the Scripture tells me so many stories beyond me, it's still so easy to box God in according to my own box -- my limited experience, understanding, and perception of who God is and ought to be. And I feel in a sense, thankful that God is beyond my own understanding -- for if i could comprehend everything of who and what of God, then, i feel like He is not God.
But the main question for me is "what do I do when I encounter God in a different way, or when I was corrected of my incomplete understanding of God and HIs power?" Am I willing to admit that despite of my background/position, that I was wrong and make myself available to be corrected, or just brush the issues away and go on with my life as usual? Am I willing to work thru my own small box, and learn to let go of my own box, thus i won't limit Him? When Jesus tells me, 'you are wrong,' how do I respond to it?

Prayer

Lord, I admit that my response to your correction doesn't automatically become "yes, you are right, and forgive me and correct me." Although that seems to be only logical response, how often I walk away, how I pay attention to something else, or bring other questions, and avoid the subject at hand with you. I am very much like Sadducees. Forgive me, Oh Lord.
Help me, Oh Lord, to have courage to receive well of your correction and align my life accordingly.
Lord, Jesus, I ask of you to help me walk this out today, "for you are able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to te power at work within us." Praises be to You! in Jesus' name, Amen.

--yanahn