A journey of the unexpected

 

My journey with Jesus has hit some difficult moments. Reading in Mark 7, He denounced the religious critics as hypocrites. He explained that extreme tradition keeping suppressed the commands of God. To the people, He then explained the deeper problem of the human heart. Instead of affirming the people, He laid bare the common reality of sin in the mind and often pondered in the heart, leading to sinful behaviour. He said " all these vile things come from within: they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God".

 I encourage you to read the list, to recognise the problem; to renounce them as sin; to repent and seek forgiveness. Our God, through Jesus Christ the Lord, can and does forgive. Ours is to walk in the light, not claiming privacy, but openness.

"If we are living in the light of God's presence, as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus Christ  His Son cleanses us from every sin".  (1 John 1: 7).

When Jesus visits the city of Tyre,  the encounter with the Gentile woman is puzzling. He seems to ignore her, until she takes low ground . Then, when she expresses her unworthiness, His response is superlative.

"Good answer, and because you have answered so well, I have healed your daughter."  Mark 7.29

Most of us are unworthy Gentiles. His mercy and grace is not added to our best behaviour. It is freely granted when we admit our need and unworthiness.

The next miracle overcomes a different problem. A man who cannot hear Jesus nor speak to Him.  The mercy of the Saviour again prevails and the people are amazed.

"Everything He does is wonderful , He even heals those who are deaf and mute" Mark 7.37

May you too be amazed at the character and kindness of God's perfect servant.

johnmckee@internode.on.net