Week 4: Day 1

Intro: Hey and welcome to Orbit, I’m Lauren Windle, a journalist, author and public speaker and I’m going to give you a short reflection to help you put God at the centre of your life today.

Bible: Today's reading comes from Mark chapter 6, and we’re kicking off with the very start with verses 1-3:

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offence at him.

Thoughts: This is Jesus, having already made an impact in the surrounding areas, heading back to his home and being rejected by those in his hometown. Because they knew little enough about him, to assumed they knew everything about him. And so they disregarded him.

In one commentary I read, it said: “They couldn’t see Him clearly through their own sin.” And that has stuck with me. There is something about sin. The moment that you make that choice can feel like a release. You’ve finally stopped resisting your mates and decided to do whatever it is you know you shouldn’t. When you do it means you don’t have to keep fighting it. You don’t have to be that perfect Christian, we all slip up – so you can too quite frankly. It feels good to give in.

Fun fact about me, I’m seven and a half years clean and sober from a drug and alcohol addiction. So I know what it’s like to give in to something you know is bad for you. I know what it’s like to prioritise the short-term good feeling over long term fulfilment. It’s fair to say, I know what it’s like to be so deep in my own bad decisions, that I can’t see Jesus clearly.

What I’ve realised is that instant feeling of relief goes very quickly and what you’re left with is increasing darkness, increasing disconnection and a deep sense of dissatisfaction. What’s most scary is that the more you make the decision to turn to short term fixes or what feels good in the moment, the further from Jesus you get.

Later on in that passage from Mark it says that Jesus couldn’t do any miracles in his home town because of their unbelief. I know Jesus well enough to know that he has got some incredible things lined up in your life. You won’t even be able to pray for what he’s planning for you, because you can’t imagine that such incredible blessing could exist. It doesn’t mean it won’t be hard, because pain will come. But you will be held and blessed in many, many ways.

If, however, you disconnect, if you write him off, if you get too deep in your own will and short-term fun that you can’t see him clearly. You will inhibit his work in your life. Don’t shut out the miracles that are waiting for you.

Pray: Jesus, I know little about you but I want to know more. I don’t want to rest on my own assumptions. Help me to actively choose you over sin so that I can always see you clearly. I thank you that you plan to take care of me, not abandon me, and give me hope for the future. I welcome those miracles and your guidance in my life. Amen

Silence: There's now just a few moments of silence for you to pray, reflect on these ideas, or simply sit and be still.

Action: As you know on Orbit there’s a little challenge to help you put this passage into action in your life. Here's today's:

This is a tough one. When I talk about sin, I know there will be plenty of ways we all fall short. Everyone tells white lies or picks unhealthy distractions over Godly pursuits from time to time. I’m not perfect and neither are you. But there will be one thing, one sin, something that is playing on your mind and causing you unrest. I want you to name it, I want you to call it out and I want you to tell one other person about it and ask them to pray with you. Your youth leader or pastor would be ideal but it could also be a trusted friend from church. Naming things and brining them into the light is takes their power away. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed, and don’t let that thing eat away at you in private.

Outro: That's all for Orbit today. Check back in tomorrow and we’ll be back with another reflection.