The Vineyard- October 9, 2011

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Mark 5:21-43

      Jairus doesn’t think of his personal pride when he approaches Jesus.  He falls on the ground and pleads with Him to heal his daughter.  Do you show similar humility when coming before Christ, or does your pride prevent you from coming to Him openly and honestly?

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      The woman with the issue of blood got what she was looking for, healing.  And yet, instead of disappearing into the crowd she humbly reveals herself to Jesus.  Do you present yourself before Jesus, or do you walk away after you have gotten what you needed from Him?

Matthew 5:38-42
One of the laws of physics states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  The same is true for human interactions.

In order for conflict to stop, someone has to be the person that refuses to retaliate, or hit back.  Why do you think Jesus challenges us to be that person?  To be the one who doesn’t seek to “get even”? 

What does it tell others when they see us acting not in our own best interest, but in the interest of peace and harmony?  Could our willingness to seek reconciliation rather than revenge be a way of preaching the gospel?