Vol. 18 No. 09 | February 29, 2016

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In Mark 13 Jesus talks about “The End of the Age” (NIV) and “Doomsday” (The Message). Don’t worry, I’m not going to tackle those things. And if you respond to this article saying, “I know” I may remove you from this mailing list. Might as well, if know the answer these kinds of questions I will certainly have nothing to offer you. The phrase that caught my eye as I read this chapter is not actually in the text itself, but in the headings that are found in the various translations and interpretations (though worded differently in those translations and interpretations). That phrase: Nobody Knows.

Nobody Knows. In context nobody knows the day or hour when Lord will return. Jesus basically tells us nobody knows so don’t believe anyone if they say they do. Since nobody knows when it will take place, be ready all the time. Be prepared. Don’t fall asleep. Don’t miss. Watch! Because nobody knows.

There are lot of things that nobody knows.

Nobody knows when they will die. There are times, near the end, when the medical team may say, “It could be anytime. An hour. A day. A few days. Nobody knows.” The end is certain…for all of us…but nobody knows for sure when.

Nobody knows what it is like on the other side. We can read stories, hear explanations and descriptions of near-death experience, but we do not know and cannot know and will not know until we cross from this life to the next.

Nobody knows the influence they may be having on another life. We can try to live impactful lives and be a source of encouragement and life to those around us, but we never really know the influence or impact we are having.

Nobody knows the impact of our words. There is a reason the Scriptures advise and instruct us to use our words carefully and thoughtfully. Words can harm. Words can help. Words can build up. Words can tear down. “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” Wrong!

Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. Most of the time we are not even sure what will happen in the next hour or two. We can make plans, predictions and forecasts, but things can change in an instant. Lives can be changed forever in an instant.

Nobody knows when the Enemy will attack. If we knew ahead of time we would be prepared. If we knew ahead of time we would have our armor securely fastened and be ready for battle. He is the deceiver. He is the one prowling around waiting for the perfect moment when we are unprepared to attack and devour us.

Nobody knows when an accident will happen. If we did we would prevent them. Accidents happen quickly. Accidents come out of nowhere. We can be cautious, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, take our vitamins, pray earnestly and constantly, but accidents still happen.

Nobody knows when any of these things will happen, but that does mean we are completely helpless, or that there is nothing we can do. As Jesus talks about the coming of the end of the age He gives this advice: “You must be on your guard!” (9) “Stand firm,” (13) “Be on your guard!” (23) “Be on guard! Be alert!” (33) “Keep watch!” (35, 36).

For all those surprising come-out-of-nowhere blind-side throw-you-for-a-loop events be as ready as you can be. Be on your guard, but don’t live in fear. Stand firm, but remember to be flexible. Be alert and keep watch, but don’t miss the life that is to be lived in between those events. Keep your eyes on the Lord, keep walking with Him, and trust Him to see you through because He knows what nobody knows.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 08 | February 22, 2016

22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he

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had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”

24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.” (Mark 8:22-26, NIV)

The disciples were a lot like this man in that although Jesus was right there in front of them they could not see clearly who He was or what was happening. While they occasionally demonstrate partial understanding of “the way of the Lord,” they never fully grasp its implications. We are a lot like the disciples in that our vision and our understanding are often impaired to cause us to occasionally demonstrate partial understanding of “the way of the Lord.” We have a difficult time remembering and living according to what we know.

The blind man knew he was seeing people but they looked like trees. He knew what people looked like but as his sight is being restored he was not sure of what he was seeing. Jesus’s disciples experienced the same issue. They knew Jesus. They had seen and heard enough to know who He was, but at times, especially when following Him became more of a challenge, they had difficulty letting what they knew to be true was true and could be trusted. Since reading these words I suspect you have some knowledge and some belief that Jesus was who He said He was, did what He did, and is capable of doing what He said He could do. The problem for us is the same as the disciples we have trouble allowing what we know to be true to sustain us when following Him becomes a challenge.

The blind man could only see after Jesus put His hands on the mans’s eyes. He could see partially, but not total vision until Jesus touched his eyes. The disciples were only able to see clearly after spending more time with Jesus, after watching Him, after listening to Him, and after He filled them with His Spirit. When Jesus fills us with His Spirit will we be able to see Him clearly, understand His ways, and follow Him completely. Not before. Until then it will be as if we see people who look like trees walking around.

Are you seeing Jesus clearly? Would you like to see Him clearly? Here’s a suggestion: Beg Jesus to touch you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 07 | February 15, 2016

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The title of this article is probably not something you would expect from a Christian writer, so let me state upfront I am not advocating that you become skilled in ways to make God angry. I do, however, want to point out that there are several places in the gospels where it seemed that some of the people Jesus came to teach and to save had that as their goal. Obviously they were not trying to make Him angry, but their stubborn hearts and fear of losing control of their businesses prevented them from receiving for who He was.

In this particular story from Mark chapter 3 Jesus did want most of us on this side of the cross assume would bring them joy and cause them to be impressed. But it did not.

“Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, (italics mine) said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.” (Mark 3:1-6, NIV)

Did you see what happened? It’s the Sabbath, the day of rest. The day devoted to God. Instead of having their minds and hearts focused on God’s mercy and love, they were focused on how to trap Jesus in breaking the law. So, they wait and they watch. Then, they pounce. Unlike other occasions when they spoke to Him directly or mumbled under their breath, this time they remained silent. Instead of rejoicing with the man who had been healed, they remained silent. Instead of praising God for a miraculous healing, they remained silent. Instead of being thrilled with the display of God’s power, they remained silent.

Because of their silence and unbelief, Jesus was angry and deeply distressed. Because they refused to rejoice, Jesus was angry and deeply distressed. Because they refused to acknowledge Him as the Lord, the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus was angry and deeply distressed. Why wouldn’t He be? How could He help but be disappointed?

That was then. What about now? Do you suppose we ever anger, distress or disappoint Jesus by not recognizing His greatness? Do you suppose we ever anger, distress or disappoint Jesus by our failure to rejoice over the wonders He performs in our midst? Do you suppose we ever anger, distress or disappoint Jesus by being silent when we should be rejoicing and praising Him?

That sunrise you saw this morning and were too sleepy and were more concerned about getting your first cup of coffee than you were about taking just a brief moment and saying, “Thank You Lord for that sunrise.” As the snow was falling were so frustrated about another day of delays and cancellations that you failed to praise Him for the sheer beauty of a pure fresh fallen snow. (I know…easy for me to say we’ve been in 70-80 degree weather all week.)

Instead of making God angry, please Him by praising Him with your words and actions. Instead of making God angry, please Him by rejoicing with others when you see them healed, restored, reconciled, refreshed, and refueled. Instead of making God angry, please Him by honoring Him with your good works, your kind and gentle heart, and loving ways to all people.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 06 | February 8, 2016

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

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6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Lessons we can learn from this story.

1. There is never a wrong time to approach Jesus. This woman did not care what was going on. She was determined to get to Jesus. She did cared that she was not supposed to interrupt the conversation. She was on a mission to anoint Jesus. She would not be stopped. Jesus did not stop her. Are you feeling the need to move toward Jesus? There is not a wrong time, go to Him.
2. Some things are more important than money. The disciples were a lot like many of us are in that we allow money and other pragmatic things get in the way of the things that are really important. We de-emphasize expressing emotions and feeling. We call it weakness. Jesus did know consider it weak. His words: “She had done a beautiful ting to me.” Feel like expressing your feelings to Jesus. He welcomes that. Go ahead.
3. Just because some people think you are foolish does not mean you are foolish. We do not like to be criticized. Too often withhold our feelings and fail to express our love for the Lord or for another human being because we are afraid of being made fun of, criticized or rejected. What Jesus thinks about you is more important than what anyone else thinks. If someone tries to stop you, let Him handle them.
4. Jesus always welcomes a sincere heart. Your words may not eloquent, but He does not care. Your may not be able to get through your speech without tears, but that’s okay He can wipe your tears away for you. Your past is ugly, messy, shady, and you feel unacceptable. He is the Master of accepting the ugly, messy, shady and unacceptable. He looks beyond all that straight into your heart. Is your heart telling you to approach Jesus? He is ready to receive you.
5. This story needs to be told everywhere. “Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Tell this story. Better yet, live this story. Be this story. Jesus will welcome you and may tell your story too.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 05 | February 1, 2016

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Jesus told a story about a father and two sons (no, this is not the story of the prodigal son; it is a different father and two sons story of Luke 15), but there are some similarities, and the group of people He was hoping to reach with the stories is likely the same. Jesus came to save all people. Not just the Jews. Not just the Gentiles. Not just Americans. All people. However, one group He was especially interested in was His own people. Even though, as John tells us, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him,…” (John 1:11-12a) throughout his ministry He attempted to get them to believe that He was who He said that He was.

This story of the two sons is located in a section of Scripture as Jesus moves closer to the cross. Reading through the story again makes it seem that as the cross nears the intensity with which He pleads for the Pharisees and Teachers of the law to wake up, listen, and accept Him as their true King. It seems as if He tells story after story hoping they will open their eyes and really see Him. The story of the two sons goes like this:

28 “Tell me what you think of this story: A man had two sons. He went up to the first and said, ‘Son, go out for the day and work in the vineyard.’

29 “The son answered, ‘I don’t want to.’ Later on he thought better of it and went.

30 “The father gave the same command to the second son. He answered, ‘Sure, glad to.’ But he never went.

31-32 “Which of the two sons did what the father asked?”

They said, “The first.”

Jesus said, “Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God’s kingdom. John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn’t care enough to change and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32, The Message)

It is easy for us, knowing the whole story as many of us do, to call them foolish, and blind, and ignorant. “How could be so dull? How could they be so stubborn?” Before we start showing stones, remember we DO know the whole story. We know what happens next. We know that even though He is tried, convicted, beaten, crucified and died, the story did not end there. We know that He rose. We know that He is alive! From our perspective it makes no sense that they missed Him.

So, what is our excuse? We have the whole story written down for us in our own language, in transactions and paraphrases and interpretations that are easy to read and easy to understand. We can listen to it being read. We can hear it from pulpits. We can watch it on video…recorded and live. We have no excuse, yet some us, not them, will still miss Him.

Why? Because He is not the kind of king we want any more than He was the kind of king they wanted. We want a king that accepts us as we are and does what we want when we want Him to do it. We do not want a king that tells us how to live, how to treat people, and how to express our love to Him. We too often want a king that responds to our requests and demands more, instead of us giving allegiance to Him. So, we miss Him.

You may not have heard Him, obeyed Him the first time, or followed Him the first time He called out to you. He is still calling. Like the brother in the story, you can change you mind and follow Him now. Don’t miss Him by waiting for or hoping for a better king or a different king. Some will miss Him. Some will follow Him. You can. As long as you are able to read these words you can. Please, please, please don’t miss Him.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.