The cost of Gilgal

Joshua 5:2-8
Gilgal is not only the place of memorial and remembrance but a place that also has a cost. When we have followed Jehovah and have been brought through Jordan and have placed down the marker so all can see we have to acknowledge that there will also be a cost to this following. Here in Joshua the cost was circumcision, this gives us an illustration of how God wants to define us as followers of Him. This is not about a physical act but all about a spiritual undertaking, something that God had instigated back in Deuteronomy 30:6 "circumcise the heart". The word circumcise literally means to cut off or cut around. What God is saying is I want to set you apart, the miracle of salvation will inevitably involve a cost and will certainly involve a process where by we are required to place ourselves in a position that God can perform the act of circumcision, a cost that some may find to great but for those who capitulate the reward is great, there is is no gain without pain. For God to be able to reign supreme and for Him to be able to work out His salvation in and through us we have to be willing to allow Him to wound us, to bring us low and then sustain us in that desperate place so that in His time He can raise us up so that we can be a witness to His salvation. The cost of Gilgal adds wait to the memorial of Gilgal.

Mark 1 Session 3

I am still contemplating Mark chapter 1. What I find fascinating is that John points to Jesus and when Jesus arrives in the wilderness to be baptised by John there is this kind of recognition between them both that seems to say this is it. This is the moment in history that the world has been waiting for. John preaches repentance and Mark records that when John was put in prison Jesus preaches repentance.

What I have also been thinking about is how that it appears that those who where demon possessed seemed to know that Jesus was the Son of God. I was thinking about this and challenged by the question do I know that Jesus is the Son of God? and if so what kind of a response does that require? I am still thinking about the response not the fact that Jesus is the Son of God!!

It was also fascinating to see how people followed Jesus when he called them. Why does it appear to be so easy, just to leave your boat, your nets and your father in the boat doing all the work (well I suppose that bits easy). To leave all that you know and follow someone who you hardly know? I was also thinking did James and John have their father's approval, if they did that throws up all kinds of questions and responses. Their father could have been gracious and just said "you go I believe that this man Jesus is who he says he is and therefore you need to be part of this" or he could have said "don't be so foolish and leave what will provide you with security for your families". What ever the father's response what we know is that the two impetuous men left all and followed Jesus. The language used implies that they never returned to fishing.

Today's blog seems to be more questions than answers. May God bless you as you contemplate these questions. I am still contemplating1!!