DAY 53

LABELS

Numbers 3 & 4 and Mark 3:20-35

Labels: we all use them. In fact they are quite helpful. They often capture in one word concepts and more. They can also be dangerous and hurtful.

In Numbers we see some labels. They are family names, but they will also serve as labels to identify who is responsible for which parts of service to the Lord.

Now maybe you are getting a bit worn down with the Old Testament. Maybe you have peeked ahead wondering how long this will go on. If you did “peek ahead” then you know that we will be reading some more about laws, history, and yes numbers. All (the numbers, the law, and the history) are important as they continue to shape our understanding of God and what God desires for his people. There are going to be some days where God has to lay before us “pieces and parts” of what He is building – a Holy People.

The labels in the Book of Numbers can be laborious, but today in the Gospel we come across the other type of label: the one meant to hurt. It is in this context of labels that I want to look at the words of Mark 30:29, “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness.” I don’t know about you, but they give me pause. If you want an even stronger version read Matthew 12:32. Does Jesus mean if I blaspheme the Holy Spirit, and then later say I am sorry it is too late?

I want us to think about when we feel threatened and when we get angry. In those moments we often label people with uncomplimentary names. We see it when what was an apparent peaceful protest turns ugly. You know the scene. One group is marching carrying banners and then there are others on the side of road, and often they are on the other side of the issue. One group (and it usually doesn’t matter which) begin to jeer at the other. Words are exchanged; mean words. Disparaging labels are flung, and at times violence erupts.

Why? Because the issue is important to those involved. So important that they feel threatened if the other side wins their point of view, and so they attack.

Think of the scene in Mark 3:20-35. Jesus has been healing people. He is teaching. He is working outside the construct of the religious of the day. And he is being noticed; “…scribes came down from Jerusalem…” The real religious heavy’s have arrived!

It is clear they feel threatened. They verbally attack Jesus; they assign the label. “You are of Satan!” Jesus doesn’t respond in the typical manner that people on the “other side” often do. Jesus uses logic. He basically says, “OK, let’s work with your assumption that I am from Satan. If I am, and I am doing good works, then Satan’s house has been divided and Satan’s house will soon therefore be destroyed.” Touché!

What is their response? They do not say, “Gee you are right, we are sorry, please forgive us.” No they, like the mob scene I described earlier will only yell louder and dig their heels in deeper.” They, feeling threatened and in their anger, have painted themselves into the corner. The labels and the accusations will continue and escalate to the point where they will yell “Crucify Him!”

The scene Jesus is in the middle of we know well. We know what it is like to become so entrenched in a position that we will not yield. The patient who decides the life-saving doctor is really a sadistic murderer will never submit to the treatment is one example. We all have moments of blindness and sometimes those “moments” last for years.

Jesus’ point here is not about the momentary blindness that we later repent of, but rather the “shake-your-fist-at-God” blindness that some people will not let go of. If you dig in your heels, shaking your fist at God, and say something to the effect of “I don’t care that you are God, I judge you are not!” Well then, God grants you your heart’s desire, eternity apart from Him. And isn’t that really Hell; a world where God is absent.

So let us take heart. Let us know that when we turn to the Lord in repentance that He is quick to forgive, remembering not our sins, but rather showing mercy. Step #1 is made very clear by Jesus today – turn to the Lord and acknowledge that He is indeed Almighty God. When we do, we have begun down the right path.