Disappointment

I have spent the better part of the last 40 years attempting to dodge disappointment. It has been difficult as I am a guy who has FOMO (fear of missing out). I have come to the understanding that I cannot, no matter how hard I try, be in two places at one time. FaceTime helps but alas it is not the same. I hate missing out on fun especially for something that is not. I don’t believe I am alone in this.

Disappointment is a part of life. Some of us have experienced it more than others. It is often the result of too high of expectations like those of Clark Griswold but not always. It is just a fact that if you live long enough disappointments will come. One of the worst feelings I’ve ever had is hearing the words “I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed.” Brutal. I believe the writer of the Gospel of Mark also known as John Mark was no stranger to disappointing people. This is the same John Mark that is believed to have deserted Paul and Barnabas on their 1st Missionary Journey in Acts 13:13 around 45 A.D. He was at least part of the reason that dynamic duo went their separate ways on the second trip in Acts 15. It makes sense that John Mark spent a portion of his Gospel, possibly written in the 60’s A.D., discussing some of the reactions to Jesus that must have disappointed the Son of God. Those around Jesus responded to him with fear (Mark 4:41, 5:15), scoffing (Mark 5:40) and outright rejection (Mark 6:3, 52; 7:6-8, 28-29; 8:12). Add in that his cousin John the Immerser is beheaded in Mark 6:27 and it is easy to see that even the Messiah dealt with disappointments and crushing blows both emotionally and physically.

What was Jesus’ response? He continued to be the sower of the Good News he so eloquently describes in the parable in 4:13-25. Jesus is the response to all of those different types of ground described in the parable found there. He even gives a good definition of “disappointment” in verse 19

“but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”

How could Jesus continue to press on? He took time for himself. It is recorded throughout the Gospels that he would leave the crowd and spend time in prayer. He prepared for the inevitable times of disappointment by reaffirming his foundation. Later when asked why his disciples could not heal a boy who had been brought to them. Jesus replies with this can only be done with “prayer” and some translations add “fasting”. I refer to these as premeditated preparation. We often wait until we are in the moment of despair to turn to God. I’m not saying that he won’t hear us but I am saying there is something to be said for the time we’ve invested prior to the disappointment or any emotion or circumstance. As James says in his epistle

“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (1:21)”

There is another role described in this parable, “Satan”. Satan in Hebrew can simply be translated “The Accuser”. Satan is an equal opportunity accuser. He will accuse anyone and he loves to accuse God of being the sole reason behind your disappointment in this life. He did it in the garden way back in Genesis and he will do it to you. The sad truth is that he doesn’t even need to be present. We often take on that role ourselves. We accuse everyone around us and if that isn't enough we even accuse ourselves. So the challenge of this article is to answer which role will you play today? Jesus calls us to be sower of the “Good News” in the face of disappointment while Satan would like for you to assist him in removing other’s hope. Who are you?

Travis