[H]e said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Mark 2:23-28

[H]e said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:25-27

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 2:23-28, looking at the second of three divisions, starting with vv25-27.  Excerpts from the commentary for vv25-27: 

• With regard to Jesus' reference to David in the text, the commentary shares that "God did not want them to starve. God was primarily concerned with caring for His servant David, the anointed king of Israel. Scripture nowhere condemns their actions."
• "The Sabbath was made to bless man, not man to bless the Sabbath. The Sabbath was made for man’s enjoyment, not man for the Sabbath’s significance. Jesus’ liberating vision of the Sabbath frees us from legalistic constraints instead of binding us with unbearable burdens."
• We are referred to Colossians 2:16-17 and the commentary shares: "[t]he Lord’s Day, indeed every day, is a blessing that lifts us up, not a burden that weighs us down."    

It's not just worship that is an expression of our love for God, obedience to God in all things is love of God and it's not burdensome.  Our obedience to God and our desire to please Him is a natural response to how much He loves us as He has not just sacrificed His life for us, but His rich blessings for us never stop flowing. See 1 John 5:3 where John writes "[f]or this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."  Ultimately, God wants us to offer our bodies - our lives - as a living sacrifice as our worship - see Romans 12:1.  In all that we do, do it all for the glory of God - 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves - You also pour out mercies without end every single morning, You are SO good!  Thank You Jesus!  You are worthy of all praise, honor, glory and worship!  I am not deserving of how You love and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.