Familiarity with the ‘Holy’ (Part 4)

Today’s Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, April 9 2019

Today’s Text: Mark 6:1-6

Key Verse: Mark 6:3 (ESV): “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.”

So far in this devotional series we’ve looked at Old Testament examples, today, let us look at a Jesus’ story from the New Testament. We have heard how “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” We have also read, “A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” These two scriptures reveal how limiting and destructive the familiarity sin or familiar spirit is—unfortunately, it is not usually perceived as destructive. It is subtle.

There are many ways Jesus was despised because of the people’s familiarity with Him. First, carpentry was a humble trade in Jesus days, so, the comment, “is not this the carpenter,” casts aspersion on his dignity and dishonors His vocation. Secondly, they deliberately despised and ignored His genealogy as a "Son of David" by calling Him "the son of Mary" as opposed to the son of Joseph. Their comments were not just degrading and malicious but they insinuated illegitimacy. All because of familiarity with the “Holy.”

Don’t let familiarity rob you of divine blessing and revelation. As you relate with God’s people, ministry and ministers, identify and deal with root issues that may rob you of healthy boundaries. Be sensitive even in your close relationships, so that you are not robbed of your blessing by this subtle enemy called familiarity.

Quote for the Day: “Familiarity is the mother of blasphemy; but you must always bear in mind that, according to Jesus, in Matthew 12:31, blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me not to despise your grace and men, that you have strategically positioned in my life as your great blessings to me. Amen.

With all my Love and Prayer,

Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),

2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,

Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA

Email: reachingout@hopeforallnations.org

BBMme: E3F988D2

[Today’s Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA. Feel free to use it in your family altar and personal quiet times; and to contact us for further enquiry, help and partnership.]

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