“So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?””

Mark 8:21 NKJV

Odd verse for Christmas right? Bear with me.

I was verse mapping Mark 8:21 the day Daisy asked me to write, and I feel like Christmas is the beginning of the story.

Jesus came to Earth on a mission and as He left Earth He gave us one. I feel like sometimes He asks me…..

“How is it you don’t understand?”

Some of you know I have a pretty extensive sports background so again bear with me 🤷🏼‍♀️.

Most sports have a playbook of some sorts. A player is expected to study the plays and understand not only their part, but how all the parts fit together to work effectively. The player should memorize it, schedule time to discuss it with the coach and analyze it from all angles. But….. knowing the plays is not the mission. Knowing your role is not the mission. Those are expectations you have to meet in order to be a good team player. The play book is a tool to win the game. Winning the game is the mission.

We have to understand our mission. As Christians we can get so caught up in studying, memorizing and having a quiet time with Jesus that we never get to the mission. We absolutely need to do those things, but they aren’t the end, they are the means.

In Matthew 28:19-20 (memory verse material) He tells us to make disciples and teach them what He taught. In Acts 1:8 He tells His disciples (that’s us now) that once they receive the power of the Holy Spirit they/we will be His witnesses.

Jesus’ time on Earth began at Christmas and ended with the ultimate victory when He went to the cross and rose from the dead! He did so much. You can sense the urgency once He started His ministry. I feel like I’m wasting valuable time. Maybe it’s because I’m getting old, but I want that urgency.

Lord stir us up 🙏🏻