The Rock

A Series on the parables of Jesus – Part 2
A divided kingdom - 1st of 2 blogs on this
 (Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Mark 3:20-29 

[During the first century, it was common for a rabbi to use parables when teaching their disciples. The parables of Jesus were stories that he told to illustrate spiritual truth using some element from everyday life. Jesus used seeds, fish, trees, bread - things people could easily relate to – for a “teachable moment”.]

 

Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock”, is truly a physical specimen. 

He started his career as a professional wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation. For twenty-three years he fought in the ring winning numerous championships and reaching stardom. Today, he has over 360 million followers on Instagram!

 

Having recently started his ministry as an itinerant rabbi, Jesus also had a huge following. People from Galilee to Jerusalem to the other side of the Jordan, traveled to hear him and to be healed.

 

In the passage today, Jesus heals a demon possessed man. Some suggest that he might be the Son of David. But the teachers of the law, most likely out of jealousy and wanting to discredit Jesus, accuse him of being possessed and driving out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.

 

Speaking to them in parables, Jesus made these points.

 

²⁴ “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. ²⁵ Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. ²⁶ And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive.” ²⁷ Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.             NLT

 

Like a court room attorney, Jesus argues that what he is being accused of doesn’t even make sense. Then, as if he was challenging “The Rock” to a big-time wrestling match, Jesus proclaims that he is stronger than Satan.

 

Jesus may not have been in a ring with Satan, but he was in a battle.

 

We are in a battle too. It’s a battle where we need to be focused; to be prepared; to be strong. But sometimes during our battle, we don’t do all these things. We’re like a divided kingdom that cannot stand.

 

And when that happens, we need to be reminded that Jesus is stronger than Satan. That he forgives us. That he is faithful and will not fail us.

 

Jesus is THE ROCK!

 

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.   NIV                                                Psalm 18:2

 

Copyright 2023 Joseph B Williams

 Keep reading as the next blog is about the same parable only using the Gospel of Luke and with a unique application.

 

 

 

What’s the Best Thing That’s Ever Happened to You?

A Series on Living in the Wilderness
 (Click on the link below to read the verses.)
1 Samuel 1:1-20

 [In this series, we will be looking at people in the Bible who lived in the wilderness. Not necessarily a wilderness of natural creation, but the metaphorical wilderness of life. In fact, there are times when we all feel like we are living in the wilderness. During those times, it’s important to remember that the Lord is still with you.]

  

In the 2007 movie “The Game Plan”, the plot revolves around football star Joe Kingman, played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Peyton, the daughter he never knew he had. Kingman is a self-absorbed NFL quarterback; while Peyton is as sweet as pie.

 

She shows up, unannounced, at the door of his bachelor penthouse, with one question on her mind… “What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you Joe?” She never hears the answer she wants, until the end of the movie.

 

How would you answer the question, “What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you?” If you finally got it, would you be willing to give it up? Hannah did.

 

Hannah lived in the wilderness. It was the wilderness of being barren in a culture that praised women who bore children. It was the wilderness of her rival, her husband’s other wife, who would taunt her mercilessly for being barren. It was the wilderness of her insensitive husband who thought being married to him was better than having ten sons.

 

There’s no doubt that Hannah lived in the wilderness. And even though she suffered great pain and anguish, she made this vow to the Lord.

 

¹⁰ In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. ¹¹ And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life…       NIV

 

Hannah remained faithful to the Lord when it would have been very, very easy to stray away from Him. She persevered in her faith and prayers. Even when she “was in deep anguish, crying bitterly “, she prayed to the Lord.

 

The most important question to ask yourself is not, “What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you?” But, “How do you respond when you don’t get the most important thing”? Do you stop hoping; stop trusting; stop praying? Do you think that you can’t trust the Lord anymore?

 

Following the birth and dedication of her son Samuel, Hannah prayed this prayer. Let it be my prayer; let it be yours. To the Lord Almighty... "The Rock".

 

“My heart rejoices in the Lord!
    The Lord has made me strong.
Now I have an answer for my enemies;
    I rejoice because you rescued me.
² No one is holy like the Lord!
    There is no one besides you;
    there is no Rock like our God.              NLT

 

Copyright 2021 Joseph B Williams