A Page from A. Page: Spiritual Block: The Naked Man in Mark

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Spiritual Block: The Naked Man in Mark

I've heard several arguments and statements that the Bible is an old book of legend and myths. I believe along the same viewpoint as Lee Strobel, C.S. Lewis, R.C. Sproul and other very smart guys--it just doesn't read like a lie!

I don't intend here to cover everything, but I've been following my own advice on the spiritual block and reading through the Gospels. I landed on a verse in Mark that just doesn't read like a lie.

"A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus when they seized him, he fled, naked, leaving his garment behind." Mk 14:51-52

I have read some authors' views indicating this showing the tense urgency of the moment, or spiritualizing as he left his old covering behind to be naked and transparent before God, and some others; but as I heard this tonight, I thought something very different. I thought guys sitting around Mark, recounting events from that dreadful night--only in light of the resurrection. When ultimately, there is good news, the hilarious is easier to remember.

I envision, Thadaeus talking to James of Alphaeus:

"Hey, James, do you remember that crazy dude who only had on a bed sheet in the garden when Jesus was taken into custody? "

"Oh man, that was crazy, CRAZY, man!"

"You remember, Peter cut that poor guys ear off, and then this guy took off and lost his sheet!"

"Yeah, running in his 'birthday suit' through the garden! Man, if it hadn't been so heavy a night, what a riot!"

"Hey, Mark, what are you writing there? Man, you've gotta include this! That was hilarious!"

Mark: "Well, I'm not sure how I'll work it in, but you're right...gotta include it, Man!"

You see, this just doesn't read like a lie. Maybe I'm just a little off-center, but I think it could have gone down like this...I really do.

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Spiritual Block

Upon the precipice of being poured out like a drink offering, Paul wrote about the course he had run for Timothy personally and for generations of Christians throughout the history of the church. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." NAS

Bring pen and paper to a daily meeting with God this week. Pray in the Spirit and listen patiently for His leading. He may be waiting for you to quiet down and so may seem a while in answering. He may answer with conviction of the heart immediately in prayer. He may drop love notes through others or events throughout the day to let you know He's thinking of you and leading you. He may speak through pain to help you grow, or through joy to raise your spirit. He knows what you need more than you, so be open especially in focused prayer, but also throughout the coming week, praying through these areas. Be open to writing down thoughts, convictions, events as they happen and compile them for a Sunday night recap with the Holy Spirit. Lay your thoughts upon your Bible in prayer and work on a journey check up session with Him. What fights has your heart been in--good and bad? What good fights lay ahead for your heart?

What course have you taken with and without the Spirit? Where has He been leading? Where does He lead you now? Follow His steps.

Where have you been faithful? If you've made it through this post and are looking to engage in the exercise, you have a measure of faith. Don't sell yourself short or long...don't sell yourself anything. Wait on the Spirit to tug at your faith to see areas He would like you to grow and areas bringing joy to His Spirit.

Ask God. He loves giving good things to His children. What glorious requests to ask for His Spirit to be alive and active within your heart, to take your feet with His to others who need Him, to live in the security with His promises, His truth...love, hope and faith.

Soli Deo Gloria

In Christ, Andy

Writer's Block!

November 16, 2012
Writing exercises can often jog the pen when it seems dry.

What's your favorite sport? Tell me about a dramatic game with an active voice. Yardage, velocity, power, precision and backspin are all popular and often necessary subjects in sports. While describing running yards or serve speed or slugging percentage, describe in active voice what you saw--or what you see in your imaginary game. "Defensive tackle Page flopped on a Colts' cut block, and then used the center to spring into the backfield, wrapping the quarterback for a loss of 8 yards."or"Defensive tackle Page got an 8-yard sack."While journalism preaches efficiency and lean writing, I'm saying, 'have fun!' Let the reader have some fun, too. Get into the real details and description of the action. I love sports and reading about them, so feel free to leave something you've written about an exciting game--real or imaginary!

In Christ, Andy