Many of us have a growing awareness of the need and desire to stand firm in the shaking, planting seeds for the future to grow. What can we endure and succeed under pressure? How can we bear fruit, and even be ever blessed, ever prosperous for the following generations? 

It is the one whose pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” always meditating in His true revelation. Those who love God won’t walk in step with the wicked. They won’t join their circle of mockers or share in their sinful ways. 

The godless want no part with those who walk in truth and choose a path to doom. They are as dust in the wind—blown away to destruction. God cannot defend them on the day of judgment.

Yet the One who hung on a tree for them—for us—is the Tree of Life. He died to invite us into life, forever with Him. We too will become like a flourishing tree, planted by God’s design, and able to stand firm. Deeply rooted by the brooks of joy—we never dry up or faint. We will bear fruit in every season of our lives (see Psalm 1).

Mark chapter 15 describes the mockery of ungodly men against Jesus while He hung on the Cross. The word for mockery used in these verses refers to the act of scornfully ridiculing or showing contempt toward God and His word. These actions were carried out by Roman soldiers, the citizens of Jerusalem, the leading priests and teachers of Jewish law, and the two men crucified with the Lord.

Mockery is all around us and is an easy trap to fall into. Mockery never reveals the truth of a matter and in the end, produces death. The mockery surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion confirmed two things: the truth about Jesus and the brokenness of the mocking people.

Yet under the assault of mockers—Jesus said: ‘Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” May we do the same, even with a sense of joy that our prayers will be heard and answered!