Upper Loft Meditation - Mark 12

“Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as yourself.’” (MSG) Mark 12:29-31

Picture this situation, you are a religious scholar back during the time of Jesus. You have studied theology and can explain its intricate details. You are weary with how most scholars argue over minor issues. And now you’ve come to Jesus to ask him to give you the big picture.

Jesus responded to that religious scholar and to all people by combining parts of the often-repeated Shema Israel (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and the last part of the much less quoted command: “Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God.” (Leviticus 19:18).

In today’s world, we are faced with many difficult decisions. Consider an issue you’ve been puzzling over, a decision you need to make, or an approach you need to take with a difficult person. It is helpful to consider the simple but majestic big picture response that Jesus provides. We feed ourselves, we clothe ourselves, we give ourselves a place to live - that’s love.  God’s big picture is to get us to show that love to others.

Picture Jesus saying this to you, “Love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy… Love others as well as you love yourself.”  Don’t take this as a scolding or punishment, but as the best and wisest thing any person could do.

Upper Loft Meditation - Hebrews 12

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2

For some, the issue of the day is the absolute priority of starting the race. Sitting and watching others is not an option. But, for most of us it is now all about running and finishing the race. This passage is an exhortation on how to run the race of faith. It ends with a very fitting conclusion.

1. Jesus has run before us and has finished the race. He has cleared the way making it possible for us to also finish the race and enter into God’s presence for eternity. “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Heb 1:3b).
2. He has taken His position “at the right hand of the throne of God” to exercise power and authority over all creation. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” (Phil 2:9-10)
3. Jesus now intercedes with the Father on our behalf. “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Heb 7:25)  Jesus is praying for us as we run the race. He knows what we need as we strive to endure and finish the race to the glory of the Father.

When we will cross the finish line we do not know. But when we do cross the finish line we will be in the very presence of the One who organized the race. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)