“He said this plainly. But Peter took hold of Jesus and, scolding him, began to correct him”
~Mark 8:31-38
Additional scripture for today includes Genesis 17:4-8; 15-16 along with Mark 8:31-38. These passages highlight people that are dealing with radical transitions in their lives. Genesis 17 tells us the story of Abram and Sarai, the changing of their names by God and announcing that Abraham would become a father with Sarah, in their old age, 99 and 90 respectively. In fact, upon hearing the news that they would be parents in their old age they both responded with laughter…”Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” ~Genesis 17:17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Genesis%2017:17&version=NIV
“So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ~Genesis 18:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Genesis%2018:12&version=NIV
There is nothing impossible for God.
As for Mark, chapter 8, we read the story of Peter rebuking Jesus. The author tells us that “Peter shuts his mind and challenges Jesus. In fact the Geek Word used for challenge is the same word used for silencing demons. Peter thought Jesus was out of his mind.” (Quote by Katie Z. Dawson). We read Jesus’ response to Peter in Mark 8:33, “But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%208:33&version=NIV
In both of these stories, the characters come to believe and trust in God and the specific promises made by God. As I read these stories there are two very important things that stood out to me 1.) God’s promises are always true and delivered and 2.) It is never too late for us to be faith to God. One of my first bible verses I memorized was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” And we can know this truth, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~Matthew 19:26 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:26&version=NIV
As we continue our journey through Lent and live into liminal space, we can strengthen our relationship with God by naming and claiming our mistakes and sins so that we can move forward, living and growing into the people we were created to be and leave our sins and mistakes behind us.
Breath Prayer: Forgive me my sins, I choose faithfulness to God!
~Blessings and Peace~
HOPE SEEKER 