Today's encouragement comes from Mark 1:21 & 22—verses which describe Christ's ministry:
"Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath [Jesus] entered the synagogue and taught. And they were astonished at His teach-ing, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."Jesus, being a faithful covenanted churchman, is found here (above) in the synagogue on the old Sabbath Day. He is teaching. What makes Christ's message unique is the authority He demonstrated. The Messiah actually be-lieved what He was saying, knew it was from God, and was willing to proclaim the gospel boldly and unashamedly.
Most people (either openly or secretly) hate this kind of preaching and teach-ing. Many will simply not tolerate it. Let us be different; and sincerely *desire* what Christ and His true messengers bring to us—whether it makes us feel good, or bad.
[Puritan quote of the day: "When a people play fast and loose with God, breaking their solemn vows and obligations—whether sacramental or any other—this is a God-provoking sin.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "Com-fort for the Church"]
