Easter Reflections from Mark #3

[Revtro]

Installment #3. 

Reading through chapters 3 and 4 was interesting this week because it contains two really interesting accounts.  The first was the account of Jesus being accused by the Pharisees of actually doing miracles by the power or Satan.  The second account was the parable of the mustard seed.  In a way, I'm greatly encouraged to read these accounts because they remind me that Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 

The fact that we only need mustard sized faith is amazing.  But it's even more amazing to me that in the account of the "unpardonable sin", we learn that the only sin we can't be forgiven of is the one we don't want to be forgiven of: rejecting God altogether.  That offers me great hope because I know I sin yet there is virtually nothing God won't forgive me of if I come to Him sincerely and ask.  And it doesn't take a whole lot of faith to do that.  Even more wonderful is the fact that the Holy Spirit is ever at work in my heart to cultivate my faith.  It's almost as if God is saying through these two accounts, "I'm for you, not against you and I'm doing everything possible to make a way for you". 

I'm always struck by those who see God as a horribly 'difficult to please' taskmaster instead of the God of grace, mercy, and love that He is.  I am amazed at His willingness to give me endless second chances when I come to Him sincerely. 

Not trying to teach... just encouraging.  God is good.