Cutting Room Floor - October 19, 2022

Posted by Jason Cook on October 19, 2022

Fam,

This Week I want to share a few quotes, some exposition, and a hymn that I really enjoyed but couldn’t get to. Let’s dive in!

 

When ‘No’ is the best ‘Yes’

 

“Jesus already taught that following your heart is a path that leads to death, not life. ‘For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.’ We have to learn to say a profound “no” to some of our deepest longings. Proverbs 14:12 states this point with crystal clarity: ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.’ The world constantly pursues the things that seem right to them. You get ahead by getting more stuff—saying yes to what you want all the time. Self-denial seems like the path of loss, not gain. But let’s say that you are so wildly successful in your quest to say yes to yourself that you end up gaining the whole world. Is it worth it to gain the world and lose your soul (Mark 8:36)?” - Jason Meyer, Mark For You

 

Being “Satan”

 

Satan derives from the Hebrew word of the same pronunciation, meaning literally “an adversary”. Jesus seizes Peter’s rebuke and turns it on him; “he rebuked (Gk. epitiman) Peter, ‘Out of my sight, Satan!’ he said.” Jesus’ concept of Messiah is not satanic, as Peter suspects; but Peter’s attempt to avert him from it is. According to Matt 4:10, Jesus rebuked Satan in the wilderness in the same words with which he rebukes Peter here. The sharp reprimand of Peter recalls and intensifies the earlier reprimand of the disciples in 8:14–21. The greater severity of the second reprimand suggests that a near-truth is more dangerous than an obvious error, since a partial truth is more believable. When disciples play God rather than follow Jesus, they inevitably become satanic. Jesus and Peter, God and humanity, as Ralph Martin says, “are at ‘cross’ purposes, since at the heart of the discussion is the cross. For Peter, the indication that the Son of man will die is unthinkable. For Jesus, it is inevitable.” - Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark

 

A Hymn For The Journey - It Is Well With My Soul

 

While writing, I frequently saw the places in my own life where I often attempt to coax Jesus into taking a short cut, thereby playing Satan. As I considered these ways, and felt the condemnation that came with it, the Holy Spirit reminded me of this verse and it was a balm to my soul. I pray it is for you as well:

 

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come

Let this blest assurance control

That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate

And has shed His own blood for my soul

 

This Sunday we will be taking a look at the Rich, Young, Ruler. Can’t wait to be with you!

 

Pastor Jason

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