Good morning:
“Who says? You’re not the boss!” It’s likely that every brother or sister has heard that from a sibling and likewise has said it themselves. It’s not limited to childhood. People of every age have a natural resistance to anyone telling them what to do. That creates tension between siblings, friends, employers and employees, husbands and wives.
By nature we want to follow our own desires without any interference from anyone, not even from God. Paul sums it up in Romans 8:7: “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” That puts every human being at odds with the holy God. Remember Pharaoh’s proud boast: “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him?” (Ex. 5:2).
However, mankind’s defiance doesn’t alter the fact that God is still the ultimate authority. The day will come when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. For the unbeliever it will be a confession made in terror and dread of what’s to come. For the believer, it will be a joyous expression of faith and hope become reality.
May we not complain or question the Lord’s authority or those whom He has placed over us for our good. Instead, may we gratefully acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Let’s praise Him for humbling Himself and taking our sins upon Himself that we might have forgiveness and peace with God. Whether reading our Bible at home or gathering at church, may we eagerly pray, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”
Tomorrow’s sermon text (Mark 1:21-28) takes us back to the synagogue at Capernaum and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. In His words and actions we see His complete authority over all things, even over the power of Satan.
In Jesus’ name,
Pastor
The Sunday school children will open second service.
The quarterly voters meeting will be held after second service.
