Mark Marshall

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…did not give up their affection for him.

Josephus Testimoniom about Jesus

“About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man [if indeed one ought to call him a man.] For he was one who wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. [He was the Christ.]

When Pilate, upon hearing him accused by men of the highest standing amongst us, had condemned him to be crucified, those who had in the first place come to love him did not give up their affection for him.

[On the third day he appeared to them restored to life, for the prophets of God had prophesied these and countless other marvelous things about him.] And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.”

I’m doing a new study at the moment, and came across this. I read it years ago, but last night it really struck a chord in my spirit. I love the description Josephus gave of the disciples. What a testimony of grace. He perfectly described Jesus according to tradition and those who are aquainted with Him. So therefore it must have been an accurate description of the disciples. His thoughts of all of the things he could have written about he chose two things.

1. Those who loved him in the first place did not lose their affection for him!

2. The tribe of Christians did not disappear!

As I was meditating today on this very thought I couldn’t help to think how incredible it would be to put on my tombstone. Here lies Mark; The one who never lost his affection for him! I can only say I’m 35 years into this relationship, and I think it’s going to work out!

May we as the believers never disappear. It is a miracle that they did not loose their affection for Him. I mean I see people everyday who once burned with love’s flame, just flickering. I would desire a reviving, but we would only wish to see a sign or external manifestation to further our experience. No, I am afraid that if your experience does not ensure endurance and longevity it was not a deep enough work. I would be all in on a revival that dealt with the heart. A fire that burns self and all defense mechanisms away and leaving a life without limitation and form.

I don’t know how people do not see that the fruit of Good AND Evil grow on the same TREE! I can’t for the life of me understand why this is so foreign. I mean one and the same!

But in seriousness in light of all that is going on in our world and space of time I can’t think of a better focus. Nothing that is going on has distracted me from my passion, and or purpose in God. It has caused me great concern, and a heavy heart. When I read this last night it just really ministered to me. This is what I’m aiming for and passionate about.

For me it’s like any good coach would tell you; You have to finish strong. That my friends is what God wants us to do.