Daily Devotions - Master of Life

Mark 3:20-35 (NIV)
Jesus Accused by His Family and by Teachers of the Law
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” 23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” 31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

 

What do you need to do with your life before Jesus can more fully be the Master of your life?

 

Lord, this past year has been a never-ending whirlwind of chaos and it has taken its toll. There is fear of intimidation and unwarranted accusations that could destroy people's reputations, careers, and lives. There is a coordinated effort from various groups, leaders, and media to be the master of people's lives by controlling what they think, say, and do. Jesus, You had chaos around You. You had people challenge you and come against You. Even Your own family said You were out of Your mind, and leaders were accusing You of having an evil spirit. But You did not let your family or the leaders intimidate You. You were not afraid of the cancel culture. You didn't allow the commotion to distract you from doing God's will. You boldly and calmly stood up to them because You knew that God was the only Master of Your Life. Their attitude of sin that regards good as evil and evil as good was blasphemy to the Holy Spirit. It was sinking to the point where they would not and could not repent to be forgiven. We recognize that same attitude of sin today and it grieves the Holy Spirit. Thank You that the New Testament assures us that the cross made a way so anyone who does repent and turns to You will be forgiven. I pray for repentant hearts for all people across this nation and the world.  Lord, help me to submit to my faith and trust in You and not to this culture. Lord I repent of any fear in my heart that keeps me from proclaiming Your truth. Let me turn off the news and open my Bible to hear directly from You. You have adopted me as Your child and I am a member of Your family. I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ stand together in Your strength and boldness to do Your will and not succumb to the threats of those who hate You. I pray for revival of the church and the world and let it start with a revival of my own heart and life. I worship you today as the bridegroom, my Lord, the Son of God, and true Master of my life. Amen