This article aims at helping us understand that there is more to what we have or who we are. For that purpose, we’ll use Mark 1:35-39 and Philippians 3:12-16 as our scriptural foundation.

Before, I’d encourage you to review my past reflections in this series, “God has called you to more:” 1)Called to Abundant Life, 2)Facing the Dark to Reach the Light, and 3)You Are Not Your Sin.

Now, have the above scriptures ready for our reflection through this post.

 

 

 

Jesus and “there is more”

 

 

 

For this section, read again Mark 1:35-39.

Mark is a very interesting writer unlike the other Gospel authors (Matthew, Luke, and John). First of all, the book of Mark is shorter than the others. It’s like Mark wanted to quickly get to the primary reason why Jesus came to us: the cross (death) and resurrection.

Another thing about the Gospel of Mark is that he presents Jesus as the Healer, Teacher, and Prophet. These roles Christ came to play, according to Mark, are what the disciples will also play following Jesus’ ascension into heaven (see Mark 16).

Already in chapter 1, we see it with the healing of the sick, including Peter’s Mother-in-law who was healed from a fever.

The word spreads so fast, and it’s like people from all over are now bringing the sick to Jesus who heals them all.

Imagine hanging out with a friend who can heal people from all forms of illness just with a touch or saying a couple of words!

In our world today, I assume Peter would have had like millions of followers on Instagram just by posting pictures of how Jesus was healing the sick.

The following day, early in the morning, Jesus goes to a desolate place for some time of prayer. But, people have also brought more sick people at Peter’s house so that Jesus can heal them.

When Peter finds Jesus, he tells him that people want him and he should come back to the house to continue healing the sick.

Here is Jesus’ reply to Peter:

And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Mark 1:38.

Healing the sick was only a sign of God’s power through Christ. But, the ultimate mission Jesus came to accomplish was bigger than physical, and mental healing.

The mission was to be on the cross and pay the ultimate price for the redemption of all humans.

Let’s take a look at what Paul thinks of “there is more.”

 

 

 

Paul and “there is more”

 

 

 

For this section, start by reading Philippians 3:12-16.

Paul builds on what Christ came to do for all humankind. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has made us his own through faith.

As a result, Paul makes it his personal goal to also make it his own (see verse 12). He goes on to say that he hasn’t made it yet, but he keeps pressing on.

Paul shares how he presses on (see verse 13), first, he does it by choosing to forget what lies behind.

Let me expand on this a little bit more.

What lies behind  does not only have to do with our past, but also what we have now and who we are today. The reason I’m saying this is that the present is the result of our past.

Choosing to be content with what we have and who we are today is holding onto what lies behind.

Paul, instead, strains forward to what lies ahead (see verse 13). That’s the second step about how he presses on.

Now, the question is: “how do I know what lies ahead?”

If you look at verse 14, for Paul, what lies ahead is the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, which is the ultimate goal for us all.

But, how it translates into our daily living today, that’s where we all struggle. Isn’t it?

Paul goes on, however, to say that if you don’t see it, God will reveal it to you. That’s it!

What you and I have to do is like what Jesus used to do. He often withdrew from the people, the miracles, healings, and other signs of God’s power, to recenter himself on the real mission.

And, he did it through prayer. This spiritual discipline will develop spiritual listening and discerning skills. You will hear God’s voice, easily distinguish God’s voice from all the other voices, and keep your eyes on the move of the Holy Spirit in you and around you.

 

 

 

Bringing it altogether

Our accomplishments, possessions, present lives can blind us and sometimes make us forget there is more to what we have or who we are. To get a glimpse of what’s beyond what we see and have, we need to shift our eyes from what lies behind to what lies ahead, which God reveals to us.