Chapter 923 of 1163

MARK 9

Consider some paradoxes of the Christian life.

Glory out of suffering (1–13). What happened on the Mount of Transfiguration was a confirmation of the testimony Peter gave. But it was also a revelation of the glory of the Cross (Gal. 6:14). First the suffering, then the glory. When you read 1 Peter, you discover that Peter learned his lesson well (1:6–8, 11; 4:12–16; 5:1, 10). Satan offers you glory without suffering (Matt. 4:8–10), but it ends up suffering without glory.

Victory out of defeat (14–29). Their failure to deliver the boy grieved the Lord, gave support to the enemy, and robbed God of glory. The nine disciples who were left behind had neglected their spiritual disciplines and lost their power (v. 29; 6:7). When you find yourself defeated, turn to Him for victory and discover where you went wrong.

Greatness out of service (30–41). This is a key passage in Mark’s gospel because it emphasizes the importance of service. Do not aim for human greatness; aim to be more like Jesus Christ. Do not measure yourself by other servants (vv. 38–41); measure yourself by Him.

Gain out of loss (42–50). If you pamper sin in your life, you will lose your “salty” character and not be able to affect others for Christ. Deal drastically with sin as a surgeon does with a cancerous tumor. You gain by losing.

“One reason sin flourishes is that it is treated like a cream puff instead of a rattlesnake!”

Billy Sunday

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