Mark 1:21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
A crowd of citizens gathered at the dedication of a military cemetery near Gettysburg, PA. A decisive battle was fought around that town and thousands of soldiers had died in the conflict. Because these soldiers had given their all for their country it was a sacred moment to remember and honor their sacrifice. One of the most honored orators of the day, Edward Everett, spoke for over an hour . When he finished, President Lincoln unfolded his notes and in just a few minutes said the words that still ring in the ears of children and their parents.
The difference between the speeches was that one allowed the listener to ponder for a while and then forget the message while the other went to the heart. When Jesus spoke to the crowds he was more than a great speaker. He certainly informed those who listen but he did something more: he spoke to the hearts of the listeners.
Each of us is motivated to live and act as Christians because of what we believe and moves us to act as Christians. Paul wrote Timothy,
“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and good conscience and a sincere faith.”
When we hear what moves us to think about what is good and worthy also moves us to live and to act. Paul wrote,
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”
When we speak about growing in our Christian faith we mean more than memorizing passages of scripture. God wants something more than scolars of the Word, God desires followers of the Word.
Who can command us to follow his Word? It is Jesus, who speaks as one with authority. I pray that we might all come under the authority of God’s Word so that we understand God’s will and do it. Amen.
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