Despite efforts to create equality in all avenues of life, not much has changed. While there will always be exceptions to the rule, breaking into new circles, finding a job or getting a promotion is still based upon who you know, not what you know. Trying to advance to new heights takes an incredible talent, luck or supernatural intervention. However, every so often someone new arrives on the scene causing the masses to ask, “who’s the new guy?”
The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law, Mark 1:22.
Early in the first century, Jesus had the odds stacked against him. His birthplace of Bethlehem and residence in Nazareth was a negative, inspiring doubts from even potential disciples, “what good can come from Nazareth?” Nonetheless, Jesus continued to follow God’s will, gathering a team of twelve disciples before introducing himself to the world. This wait ended in Mark 1:21-28. Without an Ivy League Degree or Seminary training, Jesus taught with an authority never seen before or since. Following a Sabbath in Capernaum, the legend of Jesus was born.
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him,” Mark 1:27.
The religious leaders of the day were baffled by the insight Jesus possessed. The words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2 highlight the fact that God’s wisdom is a mystery, hidden from the intelligent in this world. Subsequently, the only training requirement necessary to tap into this spiritual realm is keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. Regardless of your age, background and knowledge, the Spirit will provide the answers you need in life. Yet, an invisible force, the sinful nature stands in your way of accessing fruits of the Spirit. Since with God all things are possible, perhaps people will become attractive to your own relationship with God by wondering, “who’s the new guy or girl?”
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 