Written by Mark Driskill:
Read Mark 1:40-45
Is our passion for Jesus hindering his work? The Leper came kneeling before the great physician begging to be healed. What an awesome thing it must have been for the poor leper to watch as his skin regenerate right before his eyes! Then Jesus directs him, “Don’t talk to anyone about this. But go directly to the priest and let him confirm what has happened.” This healing, no doubt was intended to be a sign to the priests, not only of
the lepers cleansing- admitting him back into fellowship in the community- but also of Jesus’ power. This was the Lord’s kingdom strategy. It was how he wanted to use this miracle in the former Leper’s life. But, understandably, the Leper could not contain himself and went to everyone, spreading the word. The result was, “Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places.” You see while we can all understand the passion and excitement of the leper, he ended up doing more harm to his Lord than good. If he had followed Jesus’ plan things would have been better for the Lord and his work.
Passion is good but when it replaces obedience the result is usually a step backward for the kingdom. I think this happens often today. In our church culture there are those for whom passion has become a higher virtue than obedience. We love to weep and wail at concerts about our “romance” with Jesus. We love to gush about how in love with Jesus we are. In some cases the “love affair” many claim to have with the Lord almost sounds more like neurosis than commitment. No offense intended to anyone but sometimes it seems a little sick the way some sing about Jesus as if he were a boyfriend rather than a savior. But in the end where does it lead? When all the swaying and pining away is finished are the sick being healed and the hungry fed? Are the widows and orphans being cared for? Is it possible in some cases that we are using passion as a diversion from God’s work? Are we using passion as a way to hide from the brokenness around us? Our king did not say, “If you love me you will romance me.” He said, “If you love me you will obey my commands.”
Sometimes we can become so passionate about our passion that we have the same effect the Leper had on his community. Jesus couldn’t get in to town. Sometimes we so baffle the world with our passion for passion that he can’t get a word in edge wise. The world is so preoccupied with our super spiritual romancing of Jesus that they cannot hear a word from the Lord. We must remember that, just as in the story today, Jesus has a kingdom strategy for our lives. If we will place our zeal at his disposal rather than running our own way, he will do greater things than we can imagine.
Challenge: Show your zeal for the Lord today by asking the Lord what He wants you to do with your blessings. Then do it.
Mark Driskill and his wife Mary are homeschooling community ministers in Breathitt County Kentucky. They have four children. They co pastor Emmanuel fellowship Church, serve as Camp Pastors at Bethel Mennonite Camp, and Mark Teaches at Oakdale Christian Academy. Mark is web minister for Begotten by the Word , a ministry of Helping Hands Christian Resources. Once a month he preaches on the local radio station through the “Lion of Judah” program.
Mark also preaches in youth rallies and revivals upon request at no charge. Their vision is to see true spiritual awakening come to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and to the nation.
Contact information:
Email: driskill@hilbillymail.com
Facebook: Mark Driskill
Address: PO Box 1159 Jackson KY.
