Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 8:14-21 – Warning About Doctrinal Leaven

Mark 8:14-21 – Warning About Doctrinal Leaven

|| Matthew 16:5-12[1]

MK8:14 Now the disciples had forgotten to bring enough bread and only had one loaf with them in the boat.[2] MK8:15 It was then Jesus warned them, saying: “Keep looking and be on guard against the leaven of the Pharisees,[3] as well as the leaven of Herod.”[4] MK8:16 So they reasoned among themselves: “Does he say this because we did not bring bread?” MK8:17 Jesus was aware of this, so he said to them: “Why do you discuss this among yourselves? Do you not see or understand? Are you so dull of understanding?[5] MK8:18 ‘Eyes you have but do not see, ears and do not hear?’[6] [Jeremiah 5:21] MK8:19 When I continued to break the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets of leftovers did you gather?” They said: “Twelve.” MK8:20 “And also with the seven loaves among the four thousand, how many baskets of leftovers did you gather?” And they responded: “Seven.” MK8:21 “Why do you still not understand?”[7]

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[1] Matthew 16:5-12: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Only had one loaf with them in the boat: Again the apostles worry about what they will eat in the future after they have eaten the one loaf.

[3] Leaven of the Pharisees: Elsewhere Jesus explains this to be the “teachings” or “doctrine” of the Pharisees. Some of these same doctrines are found in modern churches and sects, indicating that not all have listened to this warning. For details see Pharisees or leaven in the footnote commentary on Matthew. Religious doctrine.

[4] Leaven of Herod: Compare notes on Matthew 16:6 and Luke 12:1. Political doctrine.

[5] Dull of understanding: Jesus is not easy on his apostles and speaks his mind whether this hurts their feelings or not.

[6] Do not hear: Jesus references Jeremiah 5:21. Compare also Isaiah 44:18 and Ezekiel 12:2. Jesus plies a powerful text to his own apostles.

[7] Still not understand: In modern times millions of materialistic Christians have never learned this lesson stated at Matthew 6:29-34. The Church has become one of the most materialistic bodies on earth.

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Preceding

Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 8:1-9 – 4000 Fed

Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 8:10-13 – Pharisees Seek Sign

Matthew 16:5-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Watch Out for the Leaven of False Teaching

Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 5 Matthew 6: 24-34: e) Anxiety and neighbor love

Mark 7 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 7:9-16 – Invalidating God’s Word

Mark 7:9-16 – Invalidating God’s Word

|| Matthew 15:1-9[1]

MK7:9 Continuing, Jesus said to them: “Skillfully you [Jews] set aside God’s commandments to keep your own tradition! MK7:10 For Moses said: ‘Honor[2] your father and mother.’ [Exodus 20:12] And, ‘Whoever speaks badly of[3] father or mother, let them be put to death.’ [Exodus 21:17] MK7:11 But, all of you say, ‘If a person tells father or mother: “Whatever I possess which might benefit you is corban”’[4] (that is, ‘a gift [dedicated to God]’) MK7:12 – you [Jews] do nothing to help your father or mother! MK7:13 Thus, you invalidate[5] the Word of the God because of your tradition handed down to you, as well as many other similar things.” MK7:14 And after Jesus had said all this he asked the crowd to approach, and then he said to them: “Every one of you, listen to me now, and understand: MK7:15 There is nothing outside entering a person that defiles. MK7:16 [[Anyone with ears – listen!]]”[6]

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[1] Matthew 15:1-9: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Honor: Not just respect and obedience, but financial assistance as they grow older.

[3] Whoever speaks badly of: Or, curses, speak evil of, reviles. There is serious danger in speaking abusively of one’s parents. [Compare 1 Timothy 5:8.]

[4] Corban: Or, korban, qorban. Meaning an offering dedicated to God and thus exempt from parental support. Josephus mentions qorban: “Those who describe themselves as ‘Corban’ to God-meaning what Greeks would call ‘a gift’-when desirous to be relieved of this obligation must pay down to the priests a fixed sum.” [Jewish Antiquities, IV, 73 [iv, 4]] The word is used at Leviticus 1:2, 3; 2:1; Numbers 5:18; 6:14, 21]

[5] Invalidate: Or, none effect, void, nullify, break.

[6] Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

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Preceding

Mark 7 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 7:1-8 – Vain Worship and Human Doctrines

Matthew 15:1-20 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Tradition and the Heart

Matthew 23:25-26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 5: Greed and Uncleanness

Mark 1 – Additional Bible Students notes on Mark 1:9-11 – An Approved Son Baptized

The voice of one crying in the desert to prepare the way of Jehovah, to make His paths straight for His sent one, was John the baptist, Jesus’ cousin, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, whilst the sent messenger of God so many times spoken off before, was coming to baptise the people in the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Pneuma or Holy Spirit) and in fire.

People from all the countryside of Judaea, and all the people of Jerusalem went out to this baptiser, to be baptised by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.

John the Baptist preached and gave notice that some one mightier would come after him, whose shoes he was not good enough to undo.

The men of God, called prophets, like Malachi and Isaiah, long ago wrote about it this way:

God said, ‘See, I send my man ahead of you to tell about you. He will make the way ready for you.

Malachi prophesied that before the great King should come unto Zion, a harbinger should come before him, to prepare his way.

John by his preaching turned the ears of the people to the sound of the gospel, and so prepared them for the coming Christ.

“29  The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptising with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptise with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”” (Joh 1:29-34 NIV)

The evangelist Mark tells us about that time when Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in the country of Galilee and asked John to baptise him in the Jordan River. In this text we also get already a signal about the baptism into death and the baptism of the Holy Spirit which are distinctly separate.

After the baptism of Jesus happened something which lots of Christians seem to forget (on purpose or not) or do not seem to understand God’s Words, though they very clearly declare who that man, standing in the River Jordan is.

As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, Jesus and the people around him, saw the sky opening. They could see God’s Holy Spirit come down on Jesus like a bird called a dove. And then sounded a voice from the sky which declared that this man standing in the water was His dear Son.

“13  Then Jesus *arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15 But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he *permitted Him. 16 And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, 17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”” (Mt 3:13-17 NAS)

So many, who call themselves “Christian” do not want to accept that Jesus is the son of God, but keep insisting that Jesus is God Himself, and not the one in Whom God is pleased. Though the Holy Scriptures gives a clear wording of God:

“And lo a voice from heaven, saying,

This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:17 AV)

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”” (Mt 3:17 NIV)

There is no reason at all that Jehovah would mislead people or would not tell the truth, because Jehovah God is a god of truth, not telling lies.

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Nu 23:19 AV)

“Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.” (Ps 89:35 AV)

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” (Tit 1:2 AV)

In case Jesus would be God then when God would not be a liar He would have told the people that He was standing there. But Jehovah, the God above all gods said:

“And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Lu 3:22 AV)

Also on other occasions, we come to hear that Jesus is a servant chosen by god. The Bible nowhere tells us it would be God having come to be a servant of someone. In case Jesus would be God, than God’s Spirit is in Him always and then Jesus could not be killed, because man can do God nothing, and certainly can not kill God. But the God, Who cannot be seen by man, came over the Nazareen man who was seen by many, to give him authorisation. Jesus is not God but is the man who is loved by God and who received honour and glory from God.

“Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.” (Mt 12:18 AV)

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (2Pe 1:17 AV)

Throughout the rest of his gospel, the apostle Mark shows us what kind of Messiah this Nazarene man is. We also come to read in his gospel how people came to hear the words of Jesus, but did not want to agree with them. Also the words about his heavenly Father, the Only One True God, did not please them. About how to live life by following him was what many did not want and still do not want.

We should accept the words of God as the Words of Truth. As such we should see that beloved son of God in Jesus Christ and we should hear and listen to that beloved son of God.

“And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.” (Mr 9:7 AV)

We should “Listen to him!” (Mr 9:7 NIV) who was declared to be the son of God and who very well knew that God is much greater than him.

“”You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” (Joh 14:28 NIV)

“Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”” (Joh 20:17 NIV)

“Now I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” (1Co 11:3 NIV)

“When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” (1Co 15:28 NIV)

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,” (Php 2:6 NIV)

Therefore, let us always keep to the Words of God and believe Him Who does not tell lies. Today still too many people are blinded by the light of false human doctrines. They prefer to keep holding unto the human dogma of the Trinity. They also do not believe what the followers of Christ came to believe, like Peter did. Peter, after Jesus had asked him who he thought Jesus was, was convinced that Jesus is the Messiah or the Christ.

“29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”  (Mr 8:29 NIV)

A few days later Peter and his friends James and John are taken up a high mountain apart where they experience something incredible.

“1  And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

Again we encounter a part in Scriptures which a lot of so-called Christians do not want to accept. Again there is God telling us that Jesus is His son, and again there are millions of Christians who ignore God’s saying.

7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

8 Suddenly, when they looked round, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”” (Mr 9:1-13 NIV)

When Jesus told that, he previously also had told about his coming end.

“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.” (Mr 8:31 NIV)

As such let us not only accept Jesus as the son of God, but let us also make his name and deeds be known all over the world, telling about the Good News he came to bring.

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Preceding

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1:1-8 – The Beginning of the Good News

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1:9-11 – An Approved Son Baptized

Nazarene Commentary Luke 3:3-6 – John Preaches Baptism of Repentance

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Additional reading

1. Who do you say Jesus is
2. Jesus son of God
3. Jesus son of God or God the son
4. Thought for the Christmas time: A sense of history
5. The place where Jesus was brought up
6. When you believe Jesus is God: who do you think is the mediator? #1 Son of man
7. Truth, doubt or blindness
8. Trinity
9. Trinity – the Truth about God
10. Behind a False doctrine – the Trinity
11. Trinity matter
12. Trinity – history
13. Jesus Christ, his Mission, Life and Work

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John the Baptist baptizing in the Jordan River by Good News Productions International from FreeBibleImages.com (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Further related

1. The Rainbow and the Dove
2. The Baptism of Jesus
3. The Baptism of Jesus – the Revised Common Lectionar
4. The Baptism of Our Lord: To Fulfill All Righteousness
5. Baptism | Matthew 3:13-17
6. Sunday Reading: The Baptism of the Lord (Mark 1:7-11)
7. Baptism of the Lord, Yr B, 2021: Gospel Passage – We receive baptism, again
8. Following Jesus in Prayer
9. Indentification
10. By what Authority
11. The Son of God
12. My Beloved Son
13. Matthew 3: Repent of Your Sins and Trust Jesus or Face the Unquenchable Fire
14. The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus.
15. Read the instructions…
16. What is God
17. Potential Unleashed
18. Problem with Christians
19. Underwater
20. Feast of the Baptism – One with Us
21. The Heart’s Transformation
22. Metaphors for Baptism (Part 2): The Baptism of Jesus
23. Christ-Light Connections: The Baptism of Jesus & The Temptation of Jesus
24. No Regret This Time
25. Meeting Jesus In-Between

Het niemand of niets in de duisternis

Als we naar ons leven kijken, kan het ons soms depressief maken, waardoor we de “leegte” voelen, het missen van gelijkgestemde mensen.

Hoevelen van ons bouwen niet op veel ambities, hoop, dromen en verwachtingen?

Ons hoofd tolt van de vele vragen die we hebben. Zij komen een oor in en een oor uit. En elk moment dat we proberen naar rechts of naar links te kijken, is het alsof we worden geraakt door een bokshandschoen.

Als we merken dat het lijkt alsof we alleen zijn met ons geloof in Jezus en het komende Koninkrijk, voelen we ons soms verlaten. Hoewel dat we moeten weten dat God ons niet in de steek laat, zoals Hij Jezus niet in de steek heeft gelaten. Maar Jezus had ook een moment om te wanhopen en riep zijn hemelse Vader toe en riep tot Hem, om te vragen waarom Hij hem had verlaten.

46 Rond het negende uur riep Jezus luid: ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ Dat betekent: ‘Mijn God, mijn God, waarom hebt u mij verlaten?’+ (Mattheüs 27:46)

Zoals Jezus het uitschreeuwde vanaf de houten paal, zo hebben we ook momenten dat we tot God willen roepen. Ja, het kan elke gelovige overkomen dat hij of zij Gods aanwezigheid in twijfel trekt. Het is begrijpelijk dat we zulke momenten kunnen hebben dat we twijfels hebben over onszelf, over ons geloof, over God.

Op zulke momenten van twijfel, in momenten van angst en wanhoop, worden we door onze Schepper en Onderhouder uitgenodigd om hoop te zoeken. Hij heeft ons Zijn Woord gegeven om ons dagelijks voedsel te geven, om stap voor stap en dag na dag te kunnen gaan. Dat Woord van God kunnen we elk moment van de dag opnemen. Het is Gods liefdesbrief aan ons. Uit dat grote boek met boeken zouden we kracht en hoop moeten kunnen ontvangen. Hoop komt voort uit ons vertrouwen dat zelfs als we niet het gevoel hebben dat God aanwezig is, God voor ons zal verschijnen. Wanneer we ons het meest verlaten, gekwetst en gebroken voelen, zullen we ons die momenten vaak herinneren als de momenten waarop Jehovah God het krachtigst voor ons heeft getoond. Dat zijn de momenten die ons leven en ons geloof vormen.

Zoals Jehovah God Jezus niet in de steek had gelaten, zal Hij degenen die van Hem houden niet alleen of achterlaten.

28 Want Jehovah heeft gerechtigheid lief, hij laat zijn loyalen niet in de steek.+ע [ajin] Ze zullen altijd beschermd worden,+ maar de nakomelingen van de slechten worden vernietigd.+ (Psalm 37:28)

Zelfs als God met ons zou kunnen zijn, kunnen we het gevoel hebben dat we alleen zijn met ons geloof, omringd door een meerderheid van mensen die niets wil weten over God of de Bijbelse Waarheid.

Voortdurend lijken we geconfronteerd te worden met een leegte die ons de duisternis in trekt. Soms voelt het alsof we een “niemand” of een “niets” zijn.
Zonder iemand te zijn en zonder iemand om ons heen te hebben, blijven we onvervuld en onvolledig. Ons instinct wil dat we ons mengen met anderen. We zijn niet gemaakt om alleen te zijn.

Dit oerinstinct om iets te zijn, is datgene wat onze inspanningen drijft om te vermijden dat we niets zijn.

De dreiging hiervan is de wortel om onszelf te verliezen aan de afleiding van alles, wanneer we de hoop verliezen om ooit iets te zijn … voor iemand … maar niet zomaar iemand. {Elusive peace…}

Als we ouder worden, lijkt dit een groter probleem te worden dan toen we jong waren. Dan komt er een tijd dat we ons leven willen scannen en willen zien wat we tot stand hebben gebracht. Hoeveel moeite hebben we erin gestoken en wat heeft het  opgeleverd. Wat kleeft er aan ons geheugen? Wat vinden we de moeite waard om te onthouden?

Om ons heen zien we zoveel mensen die succesvoller lijken te zijn dan wij. Ze kunnen veel luisterende oren krijgen, gretig om hun filosofieën te horen die mensen slechts een schaduw geven van wat ze graag zouden willen zien. Hoewel we weten dat ze niet die troost of verzekering kunnen bieden die we mensen graag bieden, omdat we leven door onze hoop in Jezus Christus. Voortdurend worden we geconfronteerd met die mensen die vinden dat hun weg de beste manier is. Maar wat ze niet zien, is dat wat we willen dat ze gaan zien dat de weg die voor zoveel mensen goed lijkt, het einde is of de weg naar de dood.

12 Een weg die recht lijkt voor een mens+ kan toch eindigen in de dood.+ (Spreuken 14:12)

We leven in die wereld vol ijdelheid, waar de mens zelfs denkt dat hij voor god kan spelen en kan creëren wat hij maar wil.

20 Want de schepping is onderworpen aan een zinloos bestaan,+ niet uit eigen wil, maar door degene die haar daaraan heeft onderworpen. Dat deed hij op basis van de hoop (Romeinen 8:20)

We zouden graag degenen die denken dat ze het zonder God kunnen, laten zien dat het beter is om onder de vleugels van God te komen. Er is namelijk een alternatief voor de uiteindelijke conclusie van onheil en de nutteloosheid van de menselijke filosofie.

23 Want de zonde betaalt als loon de dood.+ Maar God geeft als gave eeuwig leven+ door Christus Jezus, onze Heer.+ (Romeinen 6:23)

In deze wereld moeten we zelfs strijden tegen degenen die zeggen dat ze christen zijn, maar niet willen erkennen wie Jezus is en hoe belangrijk het is om in hem te geloven die God zijn geliefde zoon noemde.

25 Jezus zei tegen haar: ‘Ik ben de opstanding en het leven.+ Wie in mij gelooft, zal, ook al sterft hij, weer tot leven komen. 26 En iedereen die leeft en in mij gelooft, zal helemaal nooit sterven.+ Geloof je dat?’ (Johannes 11:25, 26)

6 Jezus antwoordde hem: ‘Ik ben de weg+ en de waarheid+ en het leven.+ Alleen via mij kun je bij de Vader komen.+ (Johannes 14:6)

Voortdurend worden we geconfronteerd met die koppige mensen die niet geloven dat Jezus bestond, of die denken dat Jezus God is, in plaats van in de God van Jezus te geloven en te accepteren dat Jezus de weg naar God is en niet naar zichzelf. Zo verdrietig, en als je daar staat omringd door zoveel ongelovigen, kan het zo eenzaam aanvoelen, zo donker in een wereld die zoveel, maar oh zo weinig, te bieden heeft.  De eindtijd nadert en het baart ons ook zoveel zorgen, zeker wanneer we meer leugens zien die de hoofden van mensen omringen. Nepnieuws lijkt de strijd om aandacht te hebben gewonnen.

Hoewel we de kracht zouden moeten vinden om mensen te blijven roepen om de echte Christus te volgen, de Joodse Nazarener Jeshua (Jesjoea), de zoon van David en zoon van God. Als we onze weg naar God voortzetten, zouden we troost moeten vinden in het feit dat er niet zo velen zullen zijn die in Jezus zullen geloven en hun best zullen doen om op het goede spoor te blijven, en die in staat zullen zijn om de kleine poort naar het Koninkrijk van God binnen te gaan.  We zouden dat licht in de wereld, dat door God is gegeven, moeten zien en volgen. Dat is de boodschap die wij willen uitdragen zodat meer mensen zouden kunnen zien dat Jezus het licht van de wereld is. +

8 12 Jezus nam opnieuw het woord en zei: ‘Ik ben het licht van de wereld.+ Wie mij volgt zal nooit in duisternis lopen, maar zal het licht+ van het leven bezitten.’ (Johannes 8:12)

14 Maar nauw is de poort en smal is de weg die naar het leven leidt, en maar weinig mensen vinden die.+15 Pas op voor de valse profeten,+ die in schaapskleren naar jullie toe komen+ maar eigenlijk roofzuchtige wolven zijn.+ (Mattheüs 7:14, 15)

Als we ons somber voelen, moeten we bedenken dat de apostelen en andere eerste volgelingen van Christus ook maar met enkelen waren die niet geliefd waren bij de meerderheid. Ze moesten ook vaak worstelen. Ze konden ook kracht vinden door te weten dat ze met veel beproevingen te maken zouden kunnen krijgen, maar er zou altijd een uitweg zijn, en de poort naar Gods koninkrijk, dat veel beter zou zijn dan enig koninkrijk hier op aarde.

22 Daar spraken ze de discipelen moed in,+ en ze spoorden hen aan in het geloof te blijven. Ze zeiden: ‘We moeten door veel moeilijkheden heen om Gods Koninkrijk binnen te gaan.’+ (Handelingen 14:22)

18 ‘En als de rechtvaardige al met moeite wordt gered, wat zal er dan gebeuren met de goddeloze en de zondaar?’+ (1 Petrus 4:18)

Allen die geloven dat Jezus de zoon van God is en de weg naar het leven, moeten de handen bij elkaar steken en elkaar versterken. Laten we ons er allemaal van bewust zijn dat de weg die naar de vernietiging leidt, een weg is die door de meerderheid wordt bewandeld. Als we geen deel uitmaken van die meerderheid, hoeven we ons niet zoveel zorgen te maken, omdat we zouden moeten weten dat er Iemand is die ons over de moerassen en woestijnen van deze wereld wil dragen.

Laten we het zand van de woestijn niet in onze ogen krijgen door de vele valse leringen die deze materialistische wereld omringen. Laten we, in plaats van een kleine zandkorrel te zijn, bij elkaar blijven als een klomp aarde en de handen ineen slaan als zaaiers van productief zaad.

44 Het wordt gezaaid als een fysiek lichaam, het wordt opgewekt als een geestelijk lichaam. Als er een fysiek lichaam is, dan is er ook een geestelijk lichaam. (1 Korinthiërs 15:44)

Laat onze stem door de lucht en de duisternis blijven gaan, zodat iemand ergens het kleine vonkje licht kan zien.

We moeten ons altijd bewust zijn van het belang van onze eigen vrije keuze. We zullen altijd moeten beslissen welke weg we gaan, de brede weg van de wereld of de kleine of smalle weg van God.

De vraag komt neer op wie zal ik geloven. Zal ik de wereld vertrouwen die geen garanties kan geven en een onzekere toekomst?

Of zal ik de door God gezondene vertrouwen die zichzelf bewees door voor mijn zonden aan de martelpaal te betalen, in mijn plaats te sterven, en vervolgens in overwinning uit de dood opstond, precies zoals hij zei dat hij zou doen (Mattheüs 17:23, 20:19, 28: 5-6)?

Ook hij voelde zich soms alleen. Ook hij moest op zijn God vertrouwen. Hij legde zijn eigen wil opzij voor het doen van de Wil van zijn hemelse Vader.

Bent u bereid uw eigen wil opzij te zetten om de wil van God te doen?

Bent u bereid om, zoals Jezus deed, de woestijn in te gaan om over God te praten en het goede nieuws van het komende koninkrijk van God te verspreiden?

Als we de Schrift lezen, zullen we ons ervan bewust worden dat Jehovah God werkelijk de enige is die we volledig kunnen vertrouwen. Door te weten dat Hij betrouwbaar en trouw is, zouden we meer vertrouwen in Hem moeten krijgen en Hem toe staan onze angst en droevige, depressieve stemming weg te nemen. Met Hem in ons hart zullen we niet teleurgesteld zijn.

5 Ze riepen tot u en werden bevrijd. Ze vertrouwden op u en werden niet teleurgesteld.*+ (Psalm 22:5)

Als we ons depressief of neerslachtig voelen omdat het lijkt alsof we de mensen niet kunnen bereiken, laten we dan een spirituele wapenrusting aantrekken die alleen van God komt, omdat we in een spirituele strijd verwikkeld zijn in plaats van een fysieke.  

10 Tot slot, blijf kracht putten+ uit de Heer en uit zijn grote macht. 11 Trek de complete wapenrusting+ van God aan, zodat je stand kunt houden tegen de listen* van de Duivel. 12 Want we hebben een strijd* te voeren,+ niet tegen vlees en bloed, maar tegen de regeringen, tegen de autoriteiten, tegen de wereldheersers van deze duisternis, tegen de slechte geestenmachten+ in de hemelse gewesten. 13 Doe daarom de complete wapenrusting van God aan+ om weerstand te kunnen bieden op de dag van het kwaad en om goed voorbereid stand te kunnen houden. (Efeziërs 6:10-13)

Als we Jehovah’s hulp aanvaarden en volledig op Hem vertrouwen, kunnen we erin slagen de tegenstanders van God te weerstaan. Als we hetzelfde soort vertrouwen kunnen hebben als de apostel Paulus. Hij schreef:

31 Wat moeten we hier verder over zeggen? Als God vóór ons is, wie zal dan tegen ons zijn?+ (Romeinen 8:31)

Dus laten we uit de duisternis stappen, onze handen uitstrekken naar degenen die ook van Jezus en zijn God houden. Laten we onze krachten bundelen en de meeste aandacht besteden aan het leren over Jehovah en het dienen van Hem.

5 Laat mij in uw waarheid wandelen en leer mij,+ want u bent mijn God van redding. ו [waw]

De hele dag hoop ik op u .(Psalm 25:5)

+

Voorgaande

Alleenvoelend bang om met anderen te verbinden om te groeien in geloof

God liefhebben en Bekommeren om je medemensen

Christenen die het juiste hart hebben om anderen te roepen om naar God te komen

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Aanvullend

1. Welke eenzaamheid is meer eenzaam dan wantrouwen?
2. Neil Anderson en het juk van angst en depressie
3. Vermoeidheid van de ziel en geestelijke afzondering
4. Een verstoorde geest vormt een rusteloos kussen
5. Wandeling door de vallei van de schaduw van de dood
6. Angst, twijfel en cynisme laten wegvloeien
7. Ter verdediging van Twijfel
8. Twijfel doodt meer dromen dan mislukken
9. Indien Twijfel
10. Twijfelende aan de werkelijkheid, echtheid en de effectiviteit van Gods liefde
11. Hoop begint in het donker
12. De stilte is niet leeg maar vol antwoorden
13. Het treffen van tijd en toeval
14. Fundamentalisme en religie #6 Versplintering
15. Vrees hebben voor de juiste persoon
16. Schepper en Blogger God 7 Een Blog van een Boek 1 De Blogger geloven
17. God is een verhaal #1 Een sensationeel krantenkopje
18. God is een verhaal #2 Voorgangers niet gediend met een Enige God
19. 2019-2020-2021 Twee seizoenen vol veranderingen #4 Medewerking
20. Bijbel medicijn tegen depressie
21. Een persoon wordt alleen beperkt door de gedachten die hij kiest
22. Heb vertrouwen in je geloof … twijfel aan je twijfels
23. De uitdagingen van het leven mogen u niet verlammen
24. Trouw wanneer het meest nodig is
25. Optimisme is het geloof dat leidt tot succes
26. Jezus volgen bevrijdt van faalangst en prestatiedruk
27. Hoop
28. Hoop begint in het donker
29. Niet hoe je valt, wel hoe je opstaat
30. De balans vinden omdat Jezus ons zowel God als onze eigen ellende toont
31. Zit je in de put? Stop dan met graven!
32. Wie straalt, loopt nooit in het donker
33. Het is niet proberen maar vertrouwen
34. Geef je tranen aan God
35. Roependen en vertrouwenden worden niet beschaamd
36. De nacht is ver gevorderd 23 Studie 4 Nu actueel: Daad van geloof
37. Gedachte voor vandaag “Geloof in moeilijke tijden” (14 januari)
38. Geloof in Jezus Christus
39. Koninkrijk van God
40. Koninkrijk van Christus en Koninkrijk van God
41. Hoe leest u? Om het koninkrijk van God binnen te gaan
42. Prediking van het Koninkrijk
43. Koninkrijk Gods
44. Wereldwijde Koninkrijksregering
45. Gospel of Evangelie – het Goede Nieuws
46. Goede Nieuwsbrengers
47. Vergeten predikers van het Goede Nieuws
48. Verkondiger van het Koninkrijk van God

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Gerelateerd

1. Mindmap je door je leven
2. Over de leegte die ontstaat door corona
3. Hoe warm is jouw nest?
4. Donkere wolken boven de geloofsgemeenschap?
5. Religie
6. Kerkdiensten
7. Een kerkdienst zonder kerkgangers?
8. Kerkdienst thuis
9. Kerkdienst met poes
10. Als anderen niet langer meedoen en/of niet meer in God geloven: hoe houden we het dan vol om kerk te zijn?
11. Bijbelverkondigers zijn de traditionele complotdenkers. Jure Ambroz zegt dat onderzoek van de bijbel en het zoeken van God ‘nu nog kan’
12. Vertrouwen in goddelijke kracht
13. Het moe zijn moe
14. Een hemelse boodschap
15. Hoe moeten we in God geloven om door God te worden goedgekeurd?
16. Mijn Dierbare, ik plaats alles in Gods handen
17. Als we in alles op God vertrouwen, kunnen we de weg verkrijgen om te bewandelen
18. Vertrouw op God, we hebben een manier om een baan te vinden
19. Opgestaan, plaats vergaan…
20. ‘Krijgen we ze weer terug?’
21. Oordeel niet te makkelijk over mensen die nog niet naar de kerk komen

The no one or nothing in the darkness

When we look at our life, sometimes it can make us depressive, having us feel the “emptiness“, the missing of like-minded people.

How many of us do not build upon many aspirations, hopes, dreams and expectations?

Our head tolls from the many questions we have going one ear in and one ear out. And every moment we try to look to the right or to the left it is like we are getting hit by a boxing glove.

Noticing it looks like we are alone with our faith in Jesus and the coming Kingdom, we sometimes feel abandoned. Though we should know God does not abandon us, like He did not abandon Jesus. But Jesus also had a moment to despair and was calling onto his heavenly Father crying unto HIm, why He had left him.

46 About the ninth hour, Jesus called out with a loud voice, saying: “Eʹli, Eʹli, laʹma sa·bach·thaʹni?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”+ (Matthew 27:46)

Like Jesus crying out from the wooden stake, we also have moments that we want to cry to God. Yes, it might happen to any believer that he or she questions God’s presence. It is understandable that we can have such moments that we have doubts about ourselves, about our faith, about God.

It is in such moments of doubt, in moments of fear and despair, that we are invited by our Creator and Sustainer to seek hope. He has given us His Word to give us daily food, to be able to go step by step and day by day. That Word of God we can take it up every moment of the day. It is God’s Love letter to us. From that great Book of books, we should be able to receive strength and hope. Hope comes from our trust that even when we don’t feel like God is present, God will show up for us. Often when we feel most abandoned, hurt and broken, we shall come to remember those moments as the ones where Jehovah God has shown up most powerfully for us. Those are the moments that shape our life and our faith.

Like Jehovah God had not forsaken Jesus, He shall not leave alone those who love Him.

28 For Jehovah loves justice, And he will not abandon his loyal ones.+ ע [Ayin]They will always be guarded;+ But the descendants of the wicked will be done away with.+ (Psalm 37:28)

Even when God might be with us, we can have that feeling to be just on our own with our faith, being surrounded by a majority who does not want to know about God or the Biblical Truth.

Constantly we seem to be confronted with an emptiness that draws us into the darkness. Sometimes it feels like we are a “no one”, or a “nothing”.
Without being someone and without having someone around us, we remain unfulfilled and incomplete. Our instinct wants us to mix with others. We are not made to be alone.

This primal instinct to be something is what drives our efforts towards avoiding being nothing.

The threat of which is the root to losing ourselves to the distraction of everything, when we lose hope of ever being something…to someone…but not just anyone. {Elusive peace…}

When we get older, this seems a bigger problem, than when we were young. Then comes a time when we want to scan our life and want to see what we established. How much effort we put in things and into what it resulted. What is clinging to our memory? What do we find worthwhile to remember?

Around us we see so many people who seem to be more successful than us. They can get a lot of listening ears, eager to hear their philosophies which give people only a shade of what they would love to see. Though we do know they can not offer that comfort or assurance that we love to offer people, because we live by our hope in Jesus Christ. Constantly we are confronted by those people who find that their way is the best way. But what they do not see is that what we want them to come to see: the way that seems right for so many men its end is the way of death.

12 There is a way that seems right to a man,+ But in the end it leads to death.+ (Proverbs 14:12)

We live in that world full of vanity, where man even thinks he can play for god and create whatever he wants.

20 For the creation was subjected to futility,+ not by its own will, but through the one who subjected it, on the basis of hope+ (Romans 8:20)

We would love to show those who think they can do it without God, that it is better to come under the wings of God. There is namely an alternative to the ultimate conclusion of doom and the futility of human philosophy.

23 For the wages sin pays is death,+ but the gift God gives is everlasting life+ by Christ Jesus our Lord.+ (Romans 6:23)

In this world, we do even have to struggle against those who say they are Christian but do not want to recognise who Jesus is and how important it is to I believe in him who God called His beloved son.

25 Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life.+ The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; 26 and everyone who is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all.+ Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

6 Jesus said to him: “I am the way+ and the truth+ and the life.+ No one comes to the Father except through me.+  (John 14:6)

Constantly we are confronted with those stubborn people who do not believe that Jesus existed, or who think that Jesus is God, instead of believing in the God of Jesus and accepting that Jesus is the way to God and not to himself.That unbelief makes us so sad, and when you stand there surrounded by so many unbelievers, it can feel so lonely, so dark in a world that offers so much but oh so little. Coming closer to the end times it worries us also so much, certainly when we see more lies encircling peoples heads. Fake news seems to have won the battle for attention.Though we should find the strength to continue calling people to come to follow the real Christ, the Jewish Nazarene Jeshua, the son of David and son of God. Continuing on our path to God, we should find comfort in the fact that there shall not be so many who shall believe in Jesus and do their best to stay on the right track, and that shall be able to enter the small gate to the Kingdom of God. We should see and follow that light in the world, which is given by God.

8 12 Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying: “I am the light of the world.+ Whoever follows me will by no means walk in darkness, but will possess the light+ of life.”  (John 8:12)

13 “Go in through the narrow gate,+ because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.+ (Matthew 7:14-15)

We, when feeling down, should remember that the apostles and other first followers of Christ, also were just with a few who were not liked by the majority. They also had often to struggle. They also could find strength by knowing they could get to encounter many tribulations, but always would there be a way out, and the gate to God’s Kingdom, which would be much better than any kingdom here on earth.

22 There they strengthened the disciples,+ encouraging them to remain in the faith and saying: “We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.”+ (Acts 14:22)

18 “And if the righteous man is being saved with difficulty, what will happen to the ungodly man and the sinner?”+ (1 Peter 4:18)

All those who believe that Jesus is the son of God and the way to life, let them strengthen each other. Let us all be conscious that the road leading off into destruction is a road taken by the majority. When not being part of that majority we should not worry so much, because we should know there is Someone Who wants to carry us over the swamps and deserts of this world.

Let us not get the sand of the desert in our eyes by the many false teachings which encircle this materialist world. Instead of being a little grain of sand let us stick together as a lump of earth and join hands as sowers of productive seed.

44 It is sown a physical body; it is raised up a spiritual body.+ If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual one. (1 Corinthians 15:44)

Let our voice keep going through the air and into the darkness so that somewhere a person might see the little spark of light.

We always should be aware of the importance of our own free choice. We always shall have to come to decide which way to go, the broad way of the world or the small way of God.

The question comes down to who will I believe. Will I trust the world that can give no guarantees and an uncertain future?

Or will I trust the sent one from God who proved himself by paying for my sins on the stake, dying in my place, and then arose from the dead in victory just as he said he would (Matthew 17:23, 20:19, 28:5-6)?

He too felt at moments on his own. He, too, had to trust his God. He put his own will aside for doing the Will of his heavenly Father.

Are you prepared to put your own will aside to do the Will of God?

Are you willing to go into the desert, like Jesus did, to talk about God and to spread the Good News of the coming Kingdom of God?

When reading the Scriptures we shall become aware that Jehovah God is really the only One Whom we fully can trust. By the knowledge that He is trustworthy and faithful, we should get more trust in Him and allow HIm to take away our fear and sad, depressive mood. With Him in our heart, we shall not be disappointed.

5 To you they cried out, and they were saved; They trusted in you, and they were not disappointed.*+ (Psalm 22:5)

When feeling depressed or down because it looks like we can not reach people, let us  put on a spiritual kind of armour that comes only from God because we are engaged in a spiritual struggle rather than a physical one.

10 Finally, go on acquiring power+ in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. 11 Put on the complete suit of armor+ from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil;+ 12 because we have a struggle,+ not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces+ in the heavenly places.+ 13 For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God,+ so that you may be able to resist* in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

When we accept Jehovah’s help and rely on Him completely, we can succeed in opposing the adversaries of God. When we can have the same kind of confidence that the apostle Paul had. He wrote:

“If God is for us, who will be against us?” (Rom. 8:31)

So, let us step out of the darkness, stretch out our hands to those who also love Jesus and his God. Let us join forces and focus most of our attention on learning about Jehovah and serving Him.

 5 Cause me to walk in your truth and teach me,+ For you are my God of salvation. ו [Waw]

In you I hope all day long. ז [Zayin]

(Ps. 25:5)

+

Preceding

When feeling alone, afraid to connect with others in order to grow in faith

The Nazarene master teacher learning people how they should behave

As Christ’s slaves doing the Will of God in gratitude

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Additional reading

1. Lonely so lonely
2. Fear, struggles, sadness, bad feelings and depression
3. This was my reward
4. Trouble in my brain
5. Walking through the valley of the shadow of death
6. A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow
7. What loneliness is more lonely than distrust?
8. In defence of Doubt
9. A person is limited only by the thoughts that he chooses
10. Life’s challenges may not paralyse you
11. Faithfulness when most necessary
12. He Becomes a Fool Through His Endless Desire
13. Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement
14. A Million Ways To Live: Al Muhyi (The One Who Gives Life)
15. He who beams never walks in the dark
16. Confidence
17. Hope begins in the dark
18. It is not try but trust
19. Give your tears to God
20. Crying and trusting ones do not get disappointed
21. A Living Faith #1 Substance of things hoped for
22. Jesus son of God or God the son
23. The Prophets Inquire into and Testify About Salvation
24. A new decade, To open the eyes to get a right view
25. Gospel or Good News
26. Good News Breakers
27. Bringing Good News into the world
28. Preaching of the Kingdom

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Related

1. The Void In Us
2. Lonely… Empty… Why ?
3. “Empty”
4. Emptiness
5. Emptiness “The space in time experienced as Emptiness is the predicate for Inspiration.
6. An emptiness inside of me
7. Abandoned…
8. Why have you abandoned me?
9. Lent 22 ~ Burn and Beam Always
10. Ache
11. Do you think Loneliness and Emptiness are two same words?
12. When I Get Lost in My Loneliness
13. Treatments for Depression
14. A Conversation with Lama Shenpen about Emptiness and the Heart Sutra
15. Emptiness Versus Hope
16. A Moment’s Worth of Peace