Mark 3:20-22

Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”

Pastor Bill Francis
Morello Hills Christian Church (Martinez)

During my formative years in a sophomore English class, we read the classic novel “Lord of the Flies.” I assume the creators of the current TV drama “Lost” are also familiar with this dark, insightful novel about the evil capacity of mankind. The title “Lord of the Flies” actually comes right out of the Bible, as it is the meaning of the word “Beelzebub” used to describe Satan in today’s passage. Here in a desperate and shockingly blasphemous moment the “teachers of the law” accuse Jesus of actually being possessed by “Beelzebub” – Satan. This seems pretty low, even for these guys. In fact (and this might be even more shocking), Jesus’ very own family is saying that Jesus is “out of his mind!” These two reactions in the midst of a house crammed full of people are kind of like a scene from “Lord of the Flies.”

Power struggles were a main ingredient in the book “The Lord of the Flies.” As the boys stuck on the island grew more and more restless (and violent), they began to fight for dominance. In Jesus’ time on earth he, too, found himself in the midst of intense power struggles. As the people with whom he interacted, like his family and the teachers of the law, watched him heal many and preach like he was the Messiah (which he was and is), they had to decide how they would respond to his message.

Still today, we are faced with the dilemma of our own power struggle with Jesus. Unfortunately, just like the teachers of the law, some still consider Jesus and his followers as evil. But you and I are probably (and hopefully) more like his family, who after being convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, committed their lives to follow him. Our goal, as we deal with our own sin and rebellion (our power struggles), is to always and constantly bring these struggles before Christ in humble repentance.

Lord in my struggles may I never turn my back on you. You gave your one and only Son, so that I may live. May Jesus, the prince of peace, reign in my heart!

Mark 3:7-13

Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was. Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.

Dan Helix, Senior Pastor
Awakenings Christian Church (Concord)

Ever feel like getting away? Ever wish you just had some peace and solitude? Ever just wanted to be alone or at least only with those you knew and trusted? Maybe this day as you read these things you need to have some justification so you don’t feel guilty for getting away and leaving the “crowd” behind. So, now you know, it is OK, biblical, even necessary.

Even Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, had this need in the human part of Him. How come I feel like I am so much better than Jesus and I can’t take the time to refresh myself? Jesus’ example for me here is to take the time because if I am out of energy, I am no good for anyone, including myself or those I love and serve.

Remember, the guilt you may be feeling about taking some time out of your life for rest may be the enemy trying to help you burn yourself out. God just might be saying to you, “Today, let Me refresh you, but you must be in a place where you and I (God) can relax together. Take a day, take two days, maybe even take a week – but take something. Without TAKING the time to refresh, you have nothing to GIVE to Me – or others.”

Dear God, please make the way clear for me to take the time to refresh myself, refresh my relationship with you and replenish the energy I need to work in Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name – Amen.