...with authority...

With the popular credo these days clearly displayed (Question Authority), I thought we might question, well the questioning of authority:
My thought process goes something like this (see if you don't agree with me here)

1. I take in all kinds of opinions throughout the day (friends, teachers, parents, etc...)
2. I filter all of those through what I see in culture and society ever day since I can remember: "do all these people really want what's best for me?"
3. Then I come to this conclusion - "nope...they can't possibly know what's best or even want that for me, therefore I will question them every time."
4. Steps 1-3 are repeated every time I come to the Bible and hear directives, rebuke, or challenging statements given...and I conclude: "Certainly God does not know what is best for me, therefore I will question Him every time it does not suit me."

Mark 1:27 "Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. 'What sort of new teaching is this?' they asked excitedly. 'It has SUCH AUTHORITY! Even the evil spirits obey his orders!'"

Food for thought -

Parents...

If you are a parent (or plan to become one) consider the following:
What is my role as a parent? Better yet think of the illustration of sheep.
Sheep are helpless, left to their own devices they will not seek food, protection or shelter. They will passively stand by and watch as their fellow sheep get mauled by a predator. The Bible, however teaches that Jesus IS the Good Shepherd and that the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).The verses in I Peter 2:24-25 are most helpful here:
1. Jesus bore our sins - children need to know it is not theirs to bear
2. He bore our sin so we might die to it - helping our children "die" to sin means always connecting sin to the Gospel (where there is great hope) not just our expectations as parents.
3. Live to righteousness - do our children see in us a joy in living for Christ or a white-knuckle, stick-it-out-to-eternity type of resolve...this determines, in large part, what they make of Jesus growing up.
4. His death heals - there is great comfort in the wounds of Christ...for Hebrews 9:22 tells us that unless he bled an died we cannot live (or be forgiven).
5. Good Shepherd - Our joy, as parents, in returning daily to our Shepherd and Overseer is of great communicated value to our children. Shepherds are not forceful, but gentle and calculating.
I value any comments - click the comment button and leave your thoughts