Today, I am focused upon the word—MARK.  This word holds many connotations but let me first focus upon the denotation of the word.  According to the dictionary,

• The Old English definition records the word “mark”—as “a small area on a surface having a different color from its surroundings, typically one caused by accident or damage,” as in a “mark” across someone’s face.
• The slang definition records the word “mark”—as “an object of derision, scorn, manipulation,” as in he was an easy mark for criticism or he was the intended victim of a swindler and hustler.
• The Shakespearean definition records the word “mark”—as “an importance; prominence,” as in a fellow of no mark nor likelihood or a matter unworthy mark.
• The Bible definition records the word “mark”—to mean “god of war” and “warlike.” Mark is a common biblical name, after the evangelist who authored the second Gospel in the New Testament of the Bible.
• In the original Hebrew and Greek, the definition records the term “mark”—to signify as a “target or an object of assault.”  Traditionally, this tern is a manly name with roots found in Latin and Swedish, and the term can also mean “polite, shining, or warring, or even hammer.”

Have we left the “mark” of Jesus upon our journey in this world?

Do others know that we stand with Jesus?  That Jesus is our everything?  That if a line were drawn upon the ground, we would “mark our spot” near Jesus?

MARK—Truly it is an important word, one that we need to focus upon as we walk forward during this Holy Week.  In the second gospel, denoted by the author’s name, “Mark, the apostle of Jesus,” we find several Scripture that reveal to us the importance of “marking” our place as Believers, leaving our “mark” upon this earthly life we have been given to live, and making a “mark” so others see Jesus through us.

SEE WITH ME GOD’S HOLY WORD.

The apostle Mark walked with Jesus & we can learn so much from his accounts. 

Mark was there in the boat on the Sea of Galilee, when Jesus sent them away so Jesus could pray.  Mark was there when the storm arose, when a figure, who they thought was a ghost, came walking across the top of the sea.  Mark was there.

We should record the many times God has helped us through a trial.  Yes, keep a prayer journal, keep a notebook, keep the details written down to record the way Jesus stepped into our boat and helped us not fear, not be so afraid, when Jesus totally astonished us with His presence.  “Mark” His Word—Jesus is the peacemaker and He is the promise keeper & unchanging & forever faithful!

Mark was there, walking out of the temple with Jesus, when Jesus was speaking to the disciples of the things to come, and when Jesus said so many things to help them gain insight.  One parable Jesus spoke:

Nothing in this life is permanent; Jesus tells us Himself how all things will pass away from our eyes.  Jesus also assured His disciples, as He assures us that His Word will never pass away.  God’s Truth IS God’s TRUTH!  His promises never expire or become outdated.  Our HOPE is ETERNAL.   The Word of God & the words of Jesus should be upon our hearts and on our lips to all we meet.  “Mark” His words; Jesus will come again!

Mark was there at the Lord’s Supper and on the Mount of Olives, and in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus bowed to pray—the night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, where Jesus spoke aloud as He prayed—

Prayerful honesty with Jesus confirms that God invites us to open our souls, to lift up our hearts, and to pray, honestly seeking Him, holding nothing back.  What keeps us from praying to our Father—in honesty?  “MARK” His words; that is how He instructs us that we should pray!

MARK(ING) Our Place—Have We?