SOAP 04/07/2015; Mark 9:41

Today's reading: Mark 9

S) "⁴¹ For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward."

Mark 9:41 (NASB)

O) There is a distinction being made between a believer and a follower. Believers may like Jesus, may even do work in His name, but they lack a real relationship with him. This is why Jesus said elsewhere, that there will be some who did miracles in His name, but He didn't know them. In the verse above, the disciples are encouraged that they will receive the support of other believers, because they themselves are followers. The important thing is that the disciple will not always know the distinction of that support. They can know that they themselves are a follower, a disciple, but because Jesus would not be with them forever, "following" Him would not longer be a physical, obvious thing. Nevertheless, support for their ministry would still be coming from believers (at least).


A) The most important thing is that I am understanding the distinction within myself. I have been a believer as long as I can remember, but I have not always been a follower. As it is now, I submit myself to Jesus as His disciple, and I trust that I will continue to receive support and encouragement from others as I follow and serve Jesus. I do not necessarily need to concern myself with determining whether or not other believers are following Him as I am (with exceptions, like with personal ministry/counseling situations). On the flip-side, there have been many, many times when I have wished I could avail myself to some form of ministry or another (like missions, or high school ministry). I need to remember that, while I cannot always do the work, I can always support the work. It should be my joy to offer financial support, encouragement, and prayer to every form of ministry that advances the kingdom of God.


P) Father, Your ways are deep, and there is much that I still don't know. There is an ocean of unknowns for the drop that I do understand, I am sure. But, even in the knowledge that I don't know, there is some revelation of Your ways, Your character, Your heart. You clearly want me focused less on the statuses of others, and more on my own status with You. If I am called (or when I am called) to more personal, intimate ministries, where the hearts of men are exposed, help me to encourage and love people with patience, wisdom, and compassion. Help me support the ministry and work of others, faithfully giving, praying, and encouraging. Open my eyes and ears, to know where You want me to serve, however involved that looks. Be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.