February 12, 2026 -Know the Son of God

Psalms 43:1-5

Mark 3:1-35

Exodus 35:1-35

Exodus 36:1-38

Bible in a Year Through Song - Day 43 of 365

Mark 3:11 NIV

[11] Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”

Demons knew Jesus is the Son of God. These impure spirits weren't saved by that knowledge, but they were compelled to obey. Jesus exhibited power that only God can wield. But the Jewish leadership were so determined not to believe in Him that they would say that Satan has that power.

Mark 3:22-26 NIV

[22] And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” [23] So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? [24] If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. [25] If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. [26] And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come.

I had always thought of these verses just as Jesus pointing out that Satan wouldn't do something to stop what he had caused or allowed or ordered to happen. But today it feels like it's more. It sounds like an admonition of the Jewish leadership. When I read this, I think that the teachers of the law are a house divided against itself. They speak that they believe in God and are looking to the coming of the Messiah, but when He comes, they call Him evil and accuse Him of being possessed by the evil one instead. Instead, they should be recognizing the power of God in their presence. They are functioning in direct opposition of the God they profess to serve. But I guess considering God's sovereignty they can't really oppose Him unless He allows it.

Exodus 35:22 NIV

[22] All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.

As believers in Christ we need to remember that He is the same God who created all things and who led the Israelites out of Egypt and brought them into the promised land. God who gave the instructions of how to build the tabernacle. And all the people responded in generous obedience. The tithe was given first then on top of that they continued to give. As a believer in Jesus Christ, we are to give a least a 10th of what we have back to God. Back then their crops and flocks were their assets so I can see that ten percent of our monetary income is a good place to start. Everyone has their own opinions as to what counts toward the tithe. Since it is a matter of the heart more than a matter of the action I won't argue for feelings. I don't think that it is the same kind of mandate as it was in Moses time. We should give not out of obligation but out of a heart a love and trust for Jesus. I think the reason it was given as a rule that they must follow back then was to help us understand today that we are to show our faith in Him with our actions. Trusting God to provide our needs to the point that we would give to Him before we would pay for our rent is an act of faith. Just as the sacrificial requirements were to establish the need for blood to be shed in sacrifice so that Jesus' death could be understood as an atoning sacrifice for all time, the tithe requirement gives us an understanding that a heart surrendered to God can give with confidence that He will provide. It is to be a reflection of our heart and our heart is where our faith is founded. We can know Jesus as the Son of God but if we don't put our faith in Him and ask Him to come in and change our heart and trust Him and His teaching then we are no different than the impure spirits who also recognized Him. I know it sounds harsh, but I see it supported throughout scripture that knowing who Jesus is and believing it to be true is not enough, and just because it is difficult doesn't make it untrue.

Exodus 35:25-26 NIV

[25] Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen. [26] And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair.

I know there are a good number of people out there who believe that giving of their time and talent is a part of tithing. Maybe they are right and it is seen as such in God's eyes because it is what is in their heart. For me in my heart I believe there is a financial tithe that should be some kind of sacrifice and then there is offerings and service. The Israelites tithed, AND they gave above that for the building of the temple, AND they gave their talent and time in service to the temple. This was to be able to meet a need of the time. There are times in our churches as well where there may be a need that needs to be met. We are to give our time, talent and resources to meet those needs in addition to our regular giving. And a church filled with believers will not have a problem seeing those needs met because the heart of a true believer will be moved to give as the Lord prompts. I am grateful to see that our church has shown time and time again to step up when called on for the extra giving.

Exodus 36:4-7 NIV

[4] So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing [5] and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.” [6] Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, [7] because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

However, it would be a great statement of faith if the giving continued above and beyond the need to the point that the church could say, "We have too many people who are willing to mow grass", "We have more than enough money to pave the parking lot, or put on a new roof.", "We don't need any additional connect group leaders", "We have a waiting list of worthy candidates for Eldership." "We have too much food for our youth programs."

If you know that Jesus is the Son of God but don't trust in His power to cast out evil spirits, heal the sick, and provide for your needs, then examine your heart. Ask Him to speak to your heart and reveal Himself to you in a way that will strengthen your faith, that you might surrender control of those things that you are holding onto and be willing to give it all to Him if He asks. A church full of surrendered believers should have so much blessing and abundance that it overflows into the world around us and people will not be able to help but see Jesus through its people.