No Room To Receive

Mark 2:2 (KJV) And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

As I read that verse 3-things jumped out at me. Three things that I have seen but that have slowly faded away. The first thing was “many were gathered together” the second was “insomuch that there was no room to receive them” there were so many people in one place that they could not all fit in. The third thing I noticed was the reason for so many people to be in one place at the same time “he preached the word unto them.” As I have written in the past I was saved in 1973 and in those days I witnessed and being a part of many coming to Church for the Preaching of God’s Word so much so that the Church had extra chairs set out so that there was standing room only. After I asked the Lord to save me the first revival our Church had, this is what I saw. On a Monday night the crowd was about average. A young preacher by the name of Mike Hendon was preaching and by Friday night you couldn’t get in the Church. Evangelist Mike Hendon was preaching God’s Word and people were responding, getting right with God and getting saved. That was not the only time I saw such crowds coming to hear God’s Word preached. But 50 years later and here’s the sad story. Those who attend Church every week 20% those who attend Church almost every week 10% those who attend Church once a month 11%  those who seldom attend 26% and those who never attend 31%!!! Instead of our Churches being filled to hear God’s Word being preached other places are being filled to hear ………. This could be the reason for more crime, shootings, alcohol, drug use, divorce, rape, murder, theft, selfishness and much, much more? I don’t know, but it could be. The fear of God may be gone among the American people at the present time. But when the long suffering of a Gracious God expires fear will return.  

Psalms 100:3 (KJV) Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Understand and Know “it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;” We ain’t in charge! As much as we would like to think we are, we ain’t! “Know ye”

No Not An Option!

In an emergency when people need to get out of a building or theater or such, most will leave the same way they came in. By doing so many fall and then are trampled by others. Then there are those that when they enter look around for other ways of escape if something were to happen. This is the case here in Mark  Chapter 2. In verse 1 we read that Jesus is back in Capernaum and it was noised that he was in the house. It’s very possible this is  Simon’s house. In Mark 2:2 (KJV) And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he (Jesus) preached the word unto them. This preaching of the word drew such a crowd  that all could not get in. The house is full, there’s a crowd about the door, no one is getting in. Then all of a sudden we read this  Mark 2:3 (KJV) And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. Here come 4 men bringing someone who desperately needed help. When they arrived they saw a house that was jam packed. They looked at the entrance way and people were so crowded around the door that they were running into the yard. Now these 4 men could have said we can’t get in to get this man who was maybe their friend or family member help. It would be understandable for them to try again. But no! These 4 men have come for a purpose and that was to get this man who was sick of the palsy help. NO was not an option, can’t was not in their vocabulary and this was an emergency. They stopped and looked for other options. They quickly saw another way. If you take time and look, there’s always another way; don’t panic!

1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. If there’s a fire in the building, the best way of escape is not going to be the way you came in, don't panic already know or look for a way to escape. That’s exactly what these men did. 

Mark 2:4 (KJV) And when they could not come nigh unto him (Jesus)  for the press, they uncovered the roof where he (Jesus)  was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. Do what? They uncovered the roof, broke it up! For what? What was the reason these men came? To get this man help and no was not an option. Some people just stand around watching while others get the job done. Not long ago I was at the VA hospital in Atlanta waiting for my appointment. Sitting in that waiting room there must have been 50-60 ex-military. Then all of a sudden a man collapsed and hit the floor hard. Without any thought and without knowing who this man was there were other veterans at his aid immediately. As if they were in combat. Why? Because help was needed and no was not an option! 

Leaders Follow

 

If God’s against it, so am I !

Mark 1:35 (KJV) And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

After an evening of Diseases and devils, that I don’t know how long it lasted into the evening. But what I do know is that before sun break Jesus was up and headed to a place of exclusion to pray. Jesus has taught these first disciples about Doctrine and devils and now He is about to teach them the importance of Prayer. Another interesting point. Jesus gets up early and heads out to pray, then the next verse reads. Mark 1:36 (KJV) And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. Jesus did not wake these men up but these men followed Jesus on their own. Jesus chose men and His goal was to make leaders of them. I’m reminded of what Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said: "Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work." 

These men got up and followed Jesus not knowing where He was going. I’m seeing the leadership of these men falling into place. No one is going to make you get up and pray. But those who want to know more about Jesus will. I remember years ago one morning I drove to a preacher friend's home. He lived about 2 hours from my home. As I walked into Doctor Doyal Ricks home he took me to his study and we talked for a while. I was a young Pastor and he had been a Pastor for many years and now he was doing evangelistic work. After we had spent some time talking in his study he said to me I would like to take you to my solitary place. We went out his back door into a wooded area and up a hill and at the top of that small hill there was a place where he prayed. He told me about his prayer life on top of that hill and how many years he had been praying there.  Now I don’t remember much about that day of long ago, but that place of prayer is still very vivid within my mind. My friend went to heaven in 2005 but his friendship of many years and his impact on my life still lives on to this very day. 

So these men followed Jesus and when they found Him he was praying. Then they said unto Jesus there’s people wanting to see You! Mark 1:37 (KJV) And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. Jesus didn’t say Oh I must then get back so I can help them. No! Jesus is training men who will carry on the work. Jesus has taught these men about Doctrine, devils the importance of Prayer and now He is about to teach them the importance of Preaching. Mark 1:38 (KJV) And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. Why is this preaching so urgent and so important?  1 Corinthians 1:21 (KJV) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Could it be that Preaching heals us from all sin? Here’s what good preaching does.

Psalm 103:2 (KJV) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psalm 103:3 (KJV)  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Psalm 103:4 (KJV)  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; yesterday I visited with my friend his time here may be short; who knows but God.  He told me I’m ready, no regrets. 

Satisfied Knowing Nothing

So far we have been watching or reading about 4-men that Jesus called to leave the fishing business and follow Him. Simon, his brother Andrew, James and his brother John. They left what they knew and followed Jesus into the unknown. Everyone will not do that, but for those who do, the blessing will be unforgettable. These four men already have seen and heard more than they ever dreamed in such a short time, and it’s just beginning. First Jesus takes these 4-men to the synagogue/church and teaches them about how important Doctrine is. Then Jesus exposes Devils and now these 4-men are going to see many heal of Diseases and cast out more devils. I’m always amazed how my Bible reads. Jesus has just healed Simon’s mother n law of some type of sickness. The news got out and that evening  after the sun had set there were people with  Diseases and devils and not just a few. 

Mark 1:32 (KJV) And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 

Mark 1:33 (KJV) And all the city was gathered together at the door.

Here’s what I found interesting “he healed many” “and cast out many devils”

Mark 1:34 (KJV) And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.   

Here’s what I found interesting: “he healed many” “and cast out many devils” Many??? There were more than “‘¡MANY!” “they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils” Apparently some were happy with their Disease and others were happy with their demons.  Reminds me of the day I’m living in! Too many are happy with their problems. Oh they will never tell you that, But if there are two opportunities, going out to do drugs or bar hopping with your so-called friends; or going to get help with their problem. They will choose to go out with their friends and get help next week. Help was right there in front of these hurting people; many got help but not all. All had the same opportunity but not all took advantage of the opportunity. That’s the way it is today people are dying with the hope they will go to heaven. But they really don’t know. They know a lot about other things. But they put off learning about how they can know where they are going after death grabs them. Too many are Satisfied knowing nothing!

What Do You Think?

Mark 1:21 Jesus is teaching Doctrine in the synagogue. Those that were there hearing Him were astonished. Then in verse 23 we read this..

Mark 1:23 (KJV) And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

We read about their synagogue and it’s not how many that were in attendance. It’s not about we are going to have to build a bigger building. Oh no, it is about what is in every synagogue, church, place of worship. You’ll find this in every synagogue, church and place of worship. You may ask what? “a man with an unclean spirit”   First Jesus teaches Doctrine then Jesus exposes Devils. This type of people blend in nicely and they are not easily noticed. But the bottom line is always the same: destroy, hinder the work of God. You see this man had an unclean spirit and Jesus got rid of it so there would be no disturbance in the Worship. Devils don’t like Doctrine. I was 24 years old when I started working in what they called a bus ministry. I had never heard of such, but I had been saved less than a year. Well after a while I was the only one working in the bus ministry. I started going into the hood and talking with parents and convinced them to let me pick up their children and take them to Church. It wasn’t long before I had a bus load. Then all of a sudden someone in the Church began to complain about how these kids were dressed , what color they were and where they were coming from. No where will you read where Jesus ever refused anyone. Those with leprosy, those with problems who no one would have anything to do with, Jesus did! You know that He is still helping those who others have given up on.  Here’s the main thing  Luke 19:10 (KJV) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Seek and to save that which is lost. Not that which is clean and well dressed; and the rght color, not that which has never drank alcohol, used drugs, had an affair, used bad language. Oh no, none of that, Jesus came to SAVE the LOST. Could it be an unclean spirit that says differently? I think so, What do you think?

Do You Know?

Do you remember what Jesus told Simon and his brother Andrew? Mark 1:17 (KJV) And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. Jesus said “I will make you to become.”    Remember Simon, his brother Andrew, James and his brother John had left the fishing business to follow Jesus. Aristotle said, "He who cannot be a good follower, cannot be a good leader." Let’s look at the first thing Jesus taught these men in becoming. Mark 1:21 (KJV) And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. The first place Jesus took these men in becoming fishers of men was to the synagogue. What was the purpose for going there? To be taught! Can’t learn if you aren’t first taught. First they were taught “DOCTRINE”  Mark 1:22 (KJV) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. Doctrine is important because it summarizes God’s word, guarantees the health of God’s church, and bears fruit in the lives of God’s people. Remember what Jesus is doing “I will make you to become fishers of men.” For the purpose of bearing fruit. One might say that Jesus was brainwashing these men. No! Jesus was transforming these men by teaching them Doctrine. One of the biggest failures in Churches today is they rarely teach Doctrine. But on a Sunday to Sunday basis how many people who say they are heaven bound even go to a Church?  Church attendance of Americans 2022. There are 20% who go every week, 10% who go almost every week, about 11% who go once a month, 26% who say they seldom go, and 30% who say they never go. We are reaping the fruits of barely attending Church.  Gallup reported “US church membership was 73% when Gallup first measured it in 1937 and remained near 70% for the next six decades, before beginning a steady decline around the turn of the 21st century.” Membership numbers dropped to 50% by 2018. Could this be one of the reasons we as a country are losing ground? Judges 17:6 (KJV) In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. In 1969 the Isley Brothers came out with a song named “It’s Your Thing. “It’s your thing do what you want to do.” Those were the first words of the song. The first place Jesus took those men was the House of the Lord and began to teach them Doctrine. Do you know Doctrine?