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Advent Devotional for Saturday, December 3
Mark 11:27-33
Some of us who are following paths of leadership in ministry or who are already in roles of ministry may have been asked by others, both acquaintances or those who dislike us, this question numerous times. The reason we are asked? Well, inquiring minds just need to know! The question may be asked directly to us, but more than likely inquiries are made behind our backs. But we don’t have to worry or bow down to pressure, especially when we see how Jesus handles the probing.
Jesus, in being asked this question by the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders stood firm. When confronted with, “And who gave you authority to do this?” Jesus challenges the intellect of his confronters by responding, “John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?”
When those who “knew” everything about the Torah and the laws and proper customs of how religious folk should act and behave couldn’t answer Jesus, well, Jesus maintained a boundary. He did not placate those who were pushing for an answer. In fact, he refused to tell them by what authority he was permitted to continue doing his ministry.
It is refreshing to see that we do not have to feel duty-bound to answer questions about the authority given to us by God, when others are demanding that information.
God of steadfastness, please remind me that there are boundaries to help shelter my heart and personal space when others may be pressuring me into giving them what they want, when they want it. Amen.
Eric Gates
MDiv Student
For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
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