Philadelphia metro
By John | September 18, 2008
From the Word : An intelligent answer ( from Mark 12:13-27)
”When Jesus saw that he answered intelligently, He said to him, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God.’ After that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions. (Mark 12:34)
The man’s answer was simply repeating what Jesus had said to him. Of course that would make his response an intelligent answer! This fellow, identified as a scribe, had been listening in on Jesus’ interaction with his antagonists, and had asked Jesus the question: “What commandment is the foremost of all?” In contrast to the others, the scribe asked his question not as a challenge or a test, but as a genuine inquiry. As he listened to Jesus engaging the others, he recognized that He had answered them well. Did the scribe suddenly find a reliable source for the answer to a foundational question that for years had been hanging in his heart and mind? When our man heard Jesus’ response, his reiteration of it was simply affirming the truth in a spirit of respect.
I love this passage! My life verse is Deut 6:4-9, which is the basis for Jesus’ answer. My life goal is to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and for the way I live my life to be evidence of that. Now, Jesus’ next comment includes the phrase ‘not far from the Kingdom…’. What does He mean by that? What more is needed? I think that it is follow-through. Just giving a good answer is a huge step, and Jesus acknowledged that. But there must be actions consistent with my commitment to obey this commandment. O Lord, may my actions be an accurate expression of the desire of my heart to love You with all my being, to live out my heart’s desire in all that I do. Amen.
Please Pray with us this week:
Lin Crowe, one of our Navigators in Philadelphia, is ministering in cooperation with the Kingdom Care Re-entry Network (KCRN), a partnership of over 65 congregations and prison ministries providing mentoring, housing referrals, job training and placement, education and family counseling to ex-inmates. Chaired by Church of God in Christ bishop, Rev. Ernest McNear, KCRN has become part of a unique early release partnership with the Philadelphia Prison System, the adult probation/parole department of the Municipal Court, the Philadelphia Defenders Association and the District Attorney.
From Wednesday 17th through Saturday 20th, the U.S. Marshals Service is conducting a four day program called Fugitive Safe Surrender. This program offers individuals with outstanding warrants for non-violent offenses an opportunity to turn themselves in at a safe location. Bishop McNear has agreed to serve as the faith-based leader of Fugitive Safe Surrender-Philadelphia, and will host the surrender days in his church, True Gospel Tabernacle Family Church (COGIC). Lin and several other Navigators are participating in this program as volunteers. (Check out http://www.usmarshals.gov/safesurrender/philadelphia.htm for more detailed information on the Fugitive Safe Surrender Program.)
Please pray for us and for the many volunteers from the area churches (both pastors & lay people) that we will be able to demonstrate true compassion & kindness in the spirit of Jesus Christ to the surrenderees who, in the manner of the Prodigal Son, have “come to themselves” and decided to turn their lives in a new direction. There may be many who would like to have prayer and spiritual encouragement on the spot, and, as long as they ask, we are permitted by the Constitution and the US Marshals to pray with any who indicate that they want spiritual care while there at the church. We are asking the Lord to give KCRN an expanded opportunity to serve as follow-up mentors to many who would like to have a spiritual coach as they go through the process of completing their court stipulations.
Topics: In the Word and Prayer |