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I was talking with a friend who has lived in Colorado for only a few years. I, on the other hand, have been here since 1984. He asked me if I had been to Paint Mines near Calhan. Never been there. Never heard of it.

Paint Mines is off of Highway 24 at the tiny town of Calhan, population 795. We pass it every time we drive east, probably at least 50 times since 1984. There are no signs (that I’ve seen) directing you to the park, which is only 2 miles off the main road. It’s about 45 minutes from my house, so we’ll be going there soon.

What else is lurking right under my nose that I’m ignorant of? How open am I to new knowledge, new experiences, new people? For example, I’ve just learned that the fellow who discovered Frank Peretti and edited his blockbuster book This Present Darkness lives two houses from me!

Then Philip went to look for his friend, Nathanael, and told him, “We’ve found him! We’ve found the One we’ve been waiting for! It’s Jesus, son of Joseph from Nazareth, the Anointed One! He’s the One that Moses and the prophets prophesied would come!” Nathanael sneered, “Nazareth! What good thing could ever come from Nazareth?” Philip answered, “Come and let’s find out!” (John 1.45, 46, Passion Translation)

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One final word from the Mark 6 account of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth: and it is just that: a word.

He marveled because of their unbelief. (Mark 6.6, ESV, emphasis mine)

What’s fascinating is that this word marvel is only used twice about Jesus: here and in Matthew 8 (and Luke 7):

When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. (Matthew 8.5 – 10, ESV, emphasis mine)

One story is about a profound lack of faith from people who should have known better, and the other is about unusual faith from someone who was considered an “outsider.”

Which end of the faith/no faith spectrum am I on?

Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11.6, ESV)

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22.31, 32, ESV)

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Here’s another snippet of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth as recorded in Mark 6.

He was unable to do any great miracle in Nazareth, except to heal a few sick people by laying his hands upon them. (Mark 6.5, Passion Translation)

I’ve always this verse somewhat amusing. “No great miracle” except, well, heal a few sick people… I think healing a few sick people is pretty cool, but he could have done more. Why was he “unable”?

I was using the Gospel of Mark to teach some people how to have daily time with God, and one of them conjectured: “He couldn’t do many miracles there because no one asked!”

You do not have because you do not ask. (James 4.2, ESV)

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16.24, NIV)

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More on the adventures of Jesus in what turned out to be his last visit to Nazareth as recorded in Mark 6. Here’s what struck me:

Isn’t this Mary’s son, the carpenter, the brother of Jacob, Joseph, Judah, and Simon? And don’t his sisters all live here in Nazareth?” And they took offense at him. (Mark 6.3, Passion Translation)

Sometimes we reject people because we don’t know them. But in this case, Jesus was rejected because the people thought they did know him. We know this guy! We grew up with him! We remember when he was a teenager! We know his family!

I saw this attitude in spades when I was on church staff in Alabama. One young man joined the staff, and all people could talk about was what they remembered from his growing up years (when he wasn’t exactly a model child!). But how unfair is that? And how silly it was for the people of Nazareth to miss Jesus, Son of God, Messiah, because of past memories.

Can we hear from God through unexpected people? People that used to be (fill in the blank) young, immature, irresponsible,… (I’m not suggesting that Jesus was any of these negative things, but if it could happen even to him, how much more regular people!)

And there’s a flip side: Jesus did not let his hometown folks define him. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. (Mark 6.6, NLT) And, as I said, he never returned to Nazareth as far as we know.

So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5.16, 17, NLT)

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4.12, NLT)

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I’m fascinated by the short record of Jesus’ visit to Nazareth as recorded in Mark 6. Here’s how it starts:

Afterward, Jesus left Capernaum and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. On the Sabbath, he went to teach in the synagogue. Everyone who heard his teaching was overwhelmed with astonishment. They said among themselves, “What incredible wisdom has been given to him! Where did he receive such profound insights? And what mighty miracles flow through his hands! Isn’t this Mary’s son, the carpenter, the brother of Jacob, Joseph, Judah, and Simon? And don’t his sisters all live here in Nazareth?” And they took offense at him. (Mark 6.1 – 3, Passion Translation)

Today, let’s think just about “What incredible wisdom has been given to him! Where did he receive such profound insights?” Answer: Jesus received his wisdom and insights the same way we could: by meditating on the Word and listening for the voice of the Spirit.

I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. (Psalm 119.99, ESV)

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16.13 – 15, ESV)

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Thinking about yesterday’s story of Jesus calming the storm, the main lesson is the one on faith he taught the disciples:

Jesus reprimanded the disciples: “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?” (Mark 4.40, MSG)

Why did he reprimand them for their lack of faith? It’s simple, he told them they were going to the other side–not go out into the middle of the lake and drown!

Late that day he said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.” (Mark 4.35, MSG)

He was a little more gentle with Jairus after his daughter died, and Jesus was on his way to raise her from the dead:

Do not be afraid; only believe. (Mark 5.36, NKJV)

That’s always our choice, isn’t it? Fear or faith?

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4.18, 19, ESV)

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9.24, ESV)

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Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4.39, NKJV)

It’s a familiar story: Jesus says to his disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side.” (Mark 4.35) Then they get out into the lake and it gets really tough:

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. (Mark 4.37)

I think this is a Satanic attack because when he gets to the other side, he casts demons out of a man (See Mark 5.1 – 20), which ultimately leads to the good news about Jesus being spread to many people. It’s also a fiercer storm than even these professional fisherman are used to.

What got my attention this time was the tone of “Peace, be still.” We used to sing a marvelous song about this story, written in 1874 by Mary Baker. You can read her story and the words of the song here. When we sang it in church as I was growing up, one style was to end with a peaceful feel. We got quieter approaching the end:

It was lovely. But I don’t think it captures the mood of the actual event. Jesus was in a battle for his life, and I think he yelled:

PEACE! BE STILL!!

I’m going to try to remember this when in my next chaotic situation or even when my own thoughts are out of control. And whispering the words might not work. Rebukes are not usually done quietly! (I’m not advocating we try this in the middle of a riot, but who knows? I can yell at myself, however!)

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 42.11, NKJV)

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The headline on the full-page ad for luxury properties ranging from $3-5 million to well over $20 million was simple:

For those seeking an exceptional life

Really? If I’m seeking an exceptional life, I can find it by buying one (or more!) of these properties? The obvious question is: if these dream homes really fulfilled their promise of an exceptional life, why are the owners selling?

There is a lovely property right in our area, in fact, I pass it when I take my granddaughter to school after her weekly overnight. It was ranked #2 in Wall Street Journal’s featured homes in 2018. The owners went on and on about how wonderful it is and how much they enjoyed living there. But they have moved to Wyoming and the property is for sale. Apparently, it didn’t quite satisfy, so on to the next one.

I’ve written before, I get no “points” for not buying a house I can’t afford anyway or for criticizing those who can afford to buy one. I am responsible to use the money God has given me wisely.

I am also responsible to find meaning and purpose, “the exceptional life,” but I won’t find it in my house or other possessions.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1.9 – 11, ESV)

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. (Philippians 1.27, ESV)

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. (Philippians 3.12 – 15, MSG)

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. (Revelation 3.17, 18, NIV)

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Last week I had some time scheduled with my good friend Mathias, whom I met while on a mission trip to Kalimpong, India. Mathias is a pastor and also has a worldwide ministry with scattered Nepali people. I mentioned him a few months ago writing about “Things take as long as they take.” Mathias was visiting our city, and the plan was that I would pick him up at 10:30 and deliver him to his next meeting around 12:15. When we arrived for that meeting, the people said that they had him scheduled for the next day! So he went to my lunch appointment with me, and we had a great time. 

Through it all, just as when we were in Kalimpong, Mathias never got upset. If I had been visiting from out of country, I would expect my host to manage my schedule more accurately than that. Mathias, because of his long relationship with God, resulting in childlike trust, has the attitude that “God directs my day.”

I’ve been meditating on the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5.22, 23:

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  (ESV)

Thinking about Mathias and our scrambled scheduled last week, I might have to exercise the fruit of self-control in a situation like that and come across calm and understanding. I think that Mathias experienced the fruit of joy, patience, kindness, and gentleness instead. He didn’t need self-control to appear calm. He was calm!

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3.12 – 15, ESV)

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A few weeks ago, I wrote about finishing strong, thinking about King David’s adultery and murder after he had written so many glowing things about God earlier in his life. I concluded that we needed to stay with the spiritual disciplines.

Upon reflection, I think the disciplines are only part of the solution. David’s failure happened when he didn’t go into battle. 

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 11.1, NIV)

“When kings go off to war, David…remained in Jerusalem.”

The old Navigators used to say to aging staff: “The battle doesn’t need you; you need the battle!”

There’s wisdom in that. Let’s stay engaged! The excellent secular book Younger Next Year is mostly about eating and exercising smartly to function well as you age. But it ends with this helpful advice:

Our advice is simple. Forget retiring to an easy chair, with the remote. That’s crazy. Work hard at the rest of your life, but do it your own way. Get into good shape. Then go out and take some chances. Get to know new people. Work hard at relationships, and get involved in your community or some projects. (Chapter 21)

As believers, we have the best project of all to be involved with!

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. (Psalm 71.17, 18, ESV)