Mark was a follower of Jesus and a travelling companion of Paul. His is probably the first and certainly the shortest gospel. It is fast paced. In it we see Jesus going about his life’s work, teaching, choosing his apostles, healing and performing various miracles. Mark wastes no time. Neither does Jesus at this point.
Jesus returns to his hometown. People here know his family. They remember him as a kid. They are “underwhelmed,” but he knows that all he has done has been done in the name of God. So, when he sends out the twelve who will carry on his work, he knows they will also experience dismission, derision and doubt. He advises them to just move on.
You are reading this devotion on our 57th wedding anniversary (God willing). Most ventures start with those involved having hopes, dreams and intentions of doing certain things. We do our best with what we have been given, our time, our talents and our possessions. Whatever gifts, our time will run out.
For our prayer I leave you with words from Paul to the Colossians…
Lord, help us continue to live our lives in you, rooted and built up in you, and established in the faith we were taught. Amen. (from Colossians 2:6-7) —