September 19, 2014

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today’s good news comes from Mark 4:24-25.

He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Jesus is still talking about understanding his teaching through his parables. It seems to me that he is telling me that the more I try to understand his teachings the more I will hunger for a deeper and deeper understanding which will be given to me. After I write each day’s reflection I look back at the first reflection on the passage. I can clearly see that Jesus is giving me a greater measure of understanding. As Barclay says, “The more study a man is prepared to give to any subject, the more he will get from it.” And, “The more a man knows the more he is capable of knowing.”

Barclay also points out, “Again and again in his parables Jesus goes on the assumption that the reward of good work is still more work to do. It is one of the essential laws of life.” We see it all the time around us. The person who volunteers to lead some effort is asked again and again to step up in other areas. Those who contribute funds are counted on the give again and again. These are the people we count on to get things to, to financially make it possible to forge ahead. “To the one who has, more will be given.” The next time I am asked to do something or give money, I will do well to remember these words of Jesus. And remember that the reward of good work is still more work. He’s counting on me. It’s the way he uses me and you to bring about the kingdom of God.

Mike
mmaude@develop-net.com