On Being Dull

Mark 8:14-21

Jesus had just fed the 5000 men and also another 4000. He had healed many and yet the Pharisees asked for a sign from heaven. Even His own disciples who were witness to all that He had done were being “dull” – seeing but without understanding what was happening around them. When He warned them about the “yeast of the Pharisees”, they thought he was referring to the fact that they had only one loaf of bread amongst them. And Jesus, in exasperation, said: Do you not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?

How many times have we been like the disciples? He has manifest His power and grace in our lives so many times in the past, and we are witnesses to the fulfilment of His promises. Despite all these, we sigh in despair and worry. We are afraid.

Lord, make me SEE with my eyes and HEAR with my ears. Soften my HEART; make me understand that You alone are God. You are in control and in You alone I rest.

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Come Away with God

Mark 6:30-32 "The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them: "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."

The disciples had just come back driving out demons and healing the sick. They were exhilarated for sure over the new power that they had; they were, after all, just simple folk, yet here they were being followed by thousands. Jesus knew what was going on in their heads and hearts. They were tired and hungry also so Jesus told them in verse 31 what to do. It was like He was putting up His hands and telling them, "Whoa! Wait a minute!"

His prescription applies to us today. We get caught up with all the things we have to do. We feel heady when we succeed. We move at such a hurried pace that at times we forget to eat. Jesus tells us--

1. Come with Me
2. by yourselves
3. to a quiet place
4. and get some rest

In another verse (Matthew 11:28), Jesus tells us, "Come to me all who labor and I will give you rest." it is in Jesus where we can find rest for our souls but we need to do something first. We are told to COME. There is an intention in this word, our will complying with His will.

While Bible study, fellowship with believers and worship services are wonderful, we must find times to be BY OURSELVES with Jesus. A one-on-one time is intimate and develops our relationship with Him. It deepens our understanding of His love for us.

We won't be able to hear Him over the din and distractions of the world. We need to seek Him out in a QUIET PLACE where we can fully focus on Him. Its like having a date with your spouse -- you usually choose a place that is quiet when you just want to talk.

REST, the kid that refreshes the soul and gives peace, can only come from Jesus. He tells us, "BE STILL and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) When the full impact of the knowledge of WHO He is is realized, how can we NOT surrender our willfulness? But our humanness still makes us doubt, worry and struggle. REST can only be found in Christ. We only need to allow ourselves to go when he says "Come with me...".

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That "Certain Man"

Matthew 26:17-19

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" He replied, "Go into the city to a CERTAIN MAN and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'" So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

I have read this story many times over and it was only recently it struck me: Who was this unnamed CERTAIN MAN who readily allowed his house to be used by Jesus? Did he know who Jesus was? Was he already a believer? Why was he never mentioned by name, yet Jesus specifically wanted to celebrate the Passover in his house? And, this CERTAIN MAN immediately complied!

May I be like that certain man who immediately obeys Jesus, allowing Him to use me, my talents and resources for His purpose, never seeking recognition from others. Unnamed, unheralded, unrecognized, this certain man did something important -- he opened his home to Jesus. May I do the same!

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