Mark 7 is about three different stories/scenarios of 'shut tight' situations. These are situations that require a massive, superior power of intervention for necessary change. In all three instances, Jesus reveals that HE has the power to change impossibly difficult situations effortlessly. Jesus reveals that the challenge isn't the situation, but faith in God is.
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Scenario One: - The Laws Of God
(Open Your Heart)
The Pharisees condemned the disciples of disobedience to the laws of God. But Jesus rebukes them not just for disobedience but amelioration. They rearranged the law and approved it, nullifying God's authority.
The Pharisees made the laws the issue. Plus, they did not consult God before changing the laws to suit themselves. Jesus revealed that God's intent was man's heart condition towards him and each other. The laws were made as a guideline. They are a path setout for us based on the 'conviction' of our hearts. Jesus came to earth to explain the significance of the laws. Jesus opened up our understanding of God's view. His compassion gave the laws (the skeleton) God's original intent - flesh. HE demonstrated that obedience to the laws should be driven by compassion for God. Obeying the laws without conviction is abominable unto God.
These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7 They worship me in vain, teaching human rules as if they were doctrines.
God is interested in people who desire to serve and please HIM innocently. Pride is a very subtle and dangerous weapon. We need to stay humble. Our God and Father is extremely jealous. HE will not share HIS praise with anyone else.
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Scenario Two: - The Greek Syrian Phoenician Woman
(Open Your Arms)
God told the Israelites that they belonged to HIM. Everyone one knew and saw that based on the countless victories Israel endured amidst their enemies. Over the years, all the other nations feared, hated, and or rejected Israel. Israel was set apart by God, and God protected and provided for them. They alone were HIS responsibility. Jesus was the first Jewish leader who offered an outsider the same opportunity as the Israelites. HE listened to her story and afterwards granted her request and healed her daughter. It's as if HE engrafted her. She understood that she was an outsider, yet she confronted God. Instead of turning her away, HE accepted her and improved her situation.
26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
28 “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
29 Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
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Scenario Three: - The Deaf and Mute Man
(Open Your Eyes)
See what the Lord has done, is doing. Jesus touched lives. HE healed many people of all their diseases. In this case HE touched a man and caused him to be able to hear and speak simultaneously.
33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue.
34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”).
35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.
Jesus traveled all throughout the cities and towns exhibiting the love of God for people. HIS challenge to us was and is to first open our hearts to God. Then open our arms to others. Jesus demonstrates HIS love towards us by touching lives and souls; healing diseases and casting out demons. HE did for us what we couldn't/ can't do for ourselves. Jesus is a healer. HE restores completely. There is nothing that HE cannot fix. Jesus reconciles us to the Father. Romans 5. Seeing HIS actions towards us and others should lead us to hear/ listen to the 'Word Of God' and in turn share it with others. John 15. It is the word of God that has the power to change our hearts and minds. But we first need to feed our souls with the right kind of nutrition. For if we truly love God, then we will keep HIS commandments. Our hearts need to be like fertile soil where the seed of God's word can take root. Matthew 13.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Ephphatha! This is God's cry to us today. Hear the heart of the Lord and go share it with others. Jesus did not come to earth to do away with the law. The first two commandments are to love God first, and then love others next. For how can we love a God whom we cannot see if we can't love our fellow men that we do see. 1 John 4. God's call to mankind is always to walk in obedience to the precepts of HIS word. For faith find its roots in the soil of HIS word. Romans 10. The more we spend time in the word of God is the more that HE will reveal HIS heart to us with the assistance of the Holy Spirit who understands the nature of God, and gives us revelation. John 16. We need God's help to serve God well. We cannot succeed without HIS power and intervention. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. We have the power to overcome because HIS divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through our knowledge of HIM who called us by HIS own glory and goodness. We were born to thrive and dominate. So DOMINATE!
TESTIMONY: Misused or Misunderstood? Defending the New Testament with the Old | Case For Messiah
God's word is the oxygen our spirits need to thrive in and dominate the world we live in!
