Mark 3:21 (KJV)
And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

I have a very dear friend who recently became ill. He has always been strong, healthy and ever ready to be a help to others, so when this illness hit him, much against his will, his friends and family immediately begged him to slow down, rest and let someone help him for a change.

This is a noble and wise action toward my friend. It helps me understand what was the heart of the friends of Jesus. They meant well. They wanted His best. But it also demonstrates their lack of faith. They had not yet:

• come to believe Jesus is who He claimed or 
• come to understand and embrace the reason He came to us

My friend’s health demands he slow down. But that is not His desire. He would rather live full throttle for Christ until he reaches heaven.    This, of course, is not the desire of his friends and family. I do not know to whom I could go for counsel and encouragement if he were gone.

In Jesus’ case it is more than my desire as opposed to His. Salvation for me (and for His friends for that matter) depends on His accomplishing what He came to do even if His friends would rather not let Him pay that price.

When His mother came to believe, she could quietly, though I am sure painfully, witness as Her firstborn child gave His life to take away the sins of the world.

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

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Mark 3:21 (KJV) Salvation Depends On It

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