Today’s Reading:
Mark 8: 14-21
“And he charged them saying, take heed. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” (Mark 8:15)
Beware as a word has been used in several places though in most cases other words accompany it like Beware of danger, and Beware of Dogs among others. Whenever the word is used, it means one should be extra careful, be on the lookout, keep your eyes open, be at alert, and be watchful. It suggests something dangerous that may cause harm or injury. The popular saying; to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Beware suggests being fully armed for any danger, to be prepared to fight in case anything poses a threat to one’s life. It is a serious warning that must be taken to strictly or else calamity may strike. So when one is asked to beware. A wise person should ask, beware of what? How do I guide against what you asked me to beware of? It takes wisdom to decipher the message being passed across through the word beware. So many in life have been told to beware and they still fall prey to the danger. May that not be your portion in Jesus' name.
In our text, in verse 15, Jesus repeated the words twice ‘Take heed’, and ‘Beware’. It shows the importance of how strong the warning is. The leaven or yeast (It is the nature of yeast to spread throughout the bread and until they become inseparable) of the Pharisees was their legalistic attitudes and teaching of religious regulations that they laid on the consciences of sincere believers to perform. The leaven of Herod was the evil of political intimidation to submit to what was contrary to God’s will. The influence of either the Pharisees or Herod would destroy the freedom of belief that Jesus was bringing to set the captives free from sin. One should be cautious, therefore, not to allow his environment to determine or affect his beliefs concerning the truth revealed by God. God’s truth is not determined by either cultural or political events or situations. We must believe and obey God’s will regardless of the environment in which we live.
JAMES ALADE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Give me wisdom Lord to know when to flee and to wait in the journey of life in Jesus' name.
May I not be deaf to divine warning per time in Jesus' name.
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