February 22
Mark 6:1-29
There is a lie spread in many churches that if we have enough faith and obey God, it will lead to health, wealth, and prosperity here and now. This sounds wonderful, but it is profoundly unbiblical. John the Baptist was the forerunner for Jesus and preached a message of repentance to the masses. He fulfilled his calling, and the result was his gruesome death. He was first arrested by Herod; then, as a gift to Herod’s stepdaughter, his head was presented on a platter. We also see the disciples who were commanded to go throughout Israel and proclaim the kingdom of God, but they were warned that many cities would not welcome them or listen to what they had to say. Their obedience would only lead to rejection and opposition.
Obeying God is always the right thing to do, but we should not have the misguided assumption it will mean rainbows and unicorns here and now. It may mean increased persecution, social isolation, and possibly even death, but this does not annul the fact that the way of peace, joy, and life is found in walking with God regardless of the outcome on earth. We may end up like John, or like the pastors I interacted with in India who had been in prison for six months. Regardless of what it means, let us embrace following Jesus with joy wherever he takes us.
Father God, help me to follow you wherever you lead and experience your joy regardless of the circumstances of life. Amen.
Why do we sometimes foolishly believe that following God will lead to worldly prosperity?
There is a lie spread in many churches that if we have enough faith and obey God, it will lead to health, wealth, and prosperity here and now. This sounds wonderful, but it is profoundly unbiblical. John the Baptist was the forerunner for Jesus and preached a message of repentance to the masses. He fulfilled his calling, and the result was his gruesome death. He was first arrested by Herod; then, as a gift to Herod’s stepdaughter, his head was presented on a platter. We also see the disciples who were commanded to go throughout Israel and proclaim the kingdom of God, but they were warned that many cities would not welcome them or listen to what they had to say. Their obedience would only lead to rejection and opposition.
Obeying God is always the right thing to do, but we should not have the misguided assumption it will mean rainbows and unicorns here and now. It may mean increased persecution, social isolation, and possibly even death, but this does not annul the fact that the way of peace, joy, and life is found in walking with God regardless of the outcome on earth. We may end up like John, or like the pastors I interacted with in India who had been in prison for six months. Regardless of what it means, let us embrace following Jesus with joy wherever he takes us.
Father God, help me to follow you wherever you lead and experience your joy regardless of the circumstances of life. Amen.
Why do we sometimes foolishly believe that following God will lead to worldly prosperity?
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