Is This Not The Carpenter's Son?

    Jesus had traveled all over the region of Galilee and had been
greatly received.  The crowds had flocked to him in such numbers that
he and his disciples oftentimes didn't even have time to eat.  They
were a down trodden people, but through the miracles of Jesus, they
were beginning to find hope.  To believe that God really did care
about their situation.

    Jesus had performed miracles right and left even to the point of
raising the dead and casting demons exceeding two thousand in number
from a man.  A man so crazy that he would break even chains that he
was bound with.  All Miracles that left little doubt that God was with
him.  Then he decided to go home.

    After arriving in his own country, he went into the synagogue on
the Sabbath day with his disciples so that he could teach.  A
surprise, however, awaited him as the peoples response was anything
but good.  Looking in the sixth chapter of Mark, we read in verse two
that the people were really astonished that God was actually using him
to perform these miracles.  And then in verse three, they said, "Is
this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses,
Judas, and Simon?  And are not his sisters here with us?' And they
were offended at him."

    Because the peoples attitudes were so negative, Jesus could not do
any great miracles in the same area where the people lived who knew
him the best.  He was no doubt grieved, but he realized what was going
on.  In verse 4, he said, ".....A prophet is not without honor except
in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."

    It is oftentimes the same today as the ones that should know what
is on our hearts are the very same ones who give us the most
difficulty.  In starting my own ministry, I often had to buck the well
meaning advice of family and friends to do what I knew God would have
me to.  I do rejoice in the fact that eventually they came around to
see that what I was doing was right but it was a struggle.

    I am not saying this to give them a hard time as I too have been
guilty of the same, but I want to encourage others who may be having
difficulty now, to persevere, to continue on, to keep doing what you
know is the will of God for your life.  Don't let others discourage
you with their "sound" advice.  Once you know what his will is, then
jump in the middle of it.  You may make some mistakes, but if your
heart is right, He will see you through it.  It'll work.

Frank Cooke