Sometimes We Think We Know Better

"Sometime We Think We Know Better than The Lord"
Mark 8:31-38

History is filled with examples of women and men who, by throwing away their lives, gained life eternal.

Late in the 4th Century there was a certain monk who had made up his mind to leave the world and to live all alone in prayer, meditation and fasting—so that he could save his soul.

That was his only goal.

But in doing this, he felt like there was something wrong or missing from his life.

One day as he rose from his knees in prayer, it suddenly dawned on him that his life was based on a selfish, not a selfless love for God.

Have you ever felt that way?

Have you ever wondered if your faith is here to serve your needs and interests only, or to serve the greater good of all people?

Well, this monk came to the conclusion that if he was going to really serve God he must serve others.

So he said “good-bye” to the desert and headed for the greatest city in the world—Rome.
There was still an arena in Rome; there were still the gladiator games—Christians were no longer being thrown to the lions, but instead, they had to fight and kill one another…and the crowds loved it!!!
This monk found his way to the arena.

There were 80,000 people there.
The chariot races were ending; and there was an excitement in the crowd as the Christians prepared to fight.

The fight was on and this monk was appalled!

People for which Christ died were killing each other to AMUSE the crowd.

So he leapt over the barrier and got between the two fighters…
…and for a moment…
…they stopped fighting.
“Let the games go on,” roared the crowd.

They pushed the monk aside, and again he got between the fighters.

The crowd hurled stones at the monk, and they urged the fighters to kill him and get him out of the way.
Then the commander of the games gave an order…
…the gladiator’s sword rose and flashed…
…and the monk lay dead!

Immediately the crowd was silent.

They were suddenly shocked that... [continues]

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