Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
TUESDAY, August 18 (William Porcher DuBose)
Mark 11:27-12:12. By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority?
The religious authorities are upset. Jesus has been healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, forgiving sins, and teaching about what God desired-total love of God and neighbor. Maybe that was permissible. But now he has turned the very profitable Temple economic system on its ear. Those who believed they had all the authority now want to know who authorized Jesus to do all this. Jesus calls their bluff by asking if they believe that God is still active in their present day and age. Either way they answer, they will come up short. If they say "Yes," then why aren't they rejoicing in his ministry? If they say "No," they have relegated God to the past tense.
It's still a good question--not the authority question, but the question about whether God is still active in our day and age. Is God leading us to new understandings, presenting us with new opportunities to use the minds and gifts given us to heal a broken world and bring wholeness to God's children? Ultimately God has all the authority. Jesus shows us how to use it.
PRAY for the Diocese of Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Ps [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]; 2 Samuel 18:9-18; Acts 23:12-24
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Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
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