Tag: bible

Giving When You Are Spent (Mark 6:30-44 Devotion)

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Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. 33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 35 When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour [is] late. 36 “Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.” 37 But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them [something] to eat?” 38 But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in ranks, in hundreds and in fifties. 41 And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave [them] to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among [them] all. 42 So they all ate and were filled. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish. 44 Now those who had eaten the loaves were about five thousand men.

– Mark 6:30-44 (NKJV)

Life is busy. Most weeks we run on full throttle. I’m up early and in bed late. I feel like there isn’t enough time in the day. I’m an introvert and I crave those moments of finding an alone space and resetting. But more often than not there is someone, somewhere that needs something from me. If I’m not careful, it can lead to burnout. I’ve been near burnout before and it’s not fun.

So how do you minister to needy folks around you when you have met the limits of your capacity? You trust Jesus. Honestly, some of the most fruitful times of my life have been when I’ve had little to nothing left in the tank. It’s those moments when I have little to nothing to offer those around me that I realize my own dependance on Jesus.

The disciples sized up the situation and estimated that the crowd should go home. They didn’t have enough to feed themselves, much less the crowd. But that day they learned the lesson that little is much when it’s in the hands of Jesus. He took what little they had and fed a large crowd and there were lots of leftovers. It’s Jesus who makes the difference, we simply offer what little we have and he makes much of it.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Help us to be faithful in the small things so that we might witness you do big things. Take the small that we have to offer and use it for your kingdom and glory. Help us to recognize that we can do nothing on our own, but when we are submitted to you we will see you do great things. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Regret (Mark 6:21-29 Devotion)

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Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief [men] of Galilee. 22 And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give [it] to you.” 23 He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!” 25 Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; [yet], because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard [of it], they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.

– Mark 6:21-29 (NKJV)

There are so many “lessons” or “moral of the story” applications that we might take away from this passage. We could say, “Don’t make rash vows” or, “don’t give in to peer pressure.” But what do you think the gospel writer Mark want us to see in this passage (including yesterday’s portion)? This was in the context of Herod hearing about Jesus. Herod had believed that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. Herod had regretted beheading John the Baptist to begin with, but he felt like he was in a no win situation and gave in.

I wonder if in imagining that John had risen from the dead, that Herod had a little bit of hope that his mistake had been undone? Or perhaps he worried about greater judgement? If he was guilty of living a sinful lifestyle, what wrath might his execution of an innocent man of God unleash?

Whatever his thoughts, John hadn’t risen from the dead, but Jesus, whom John talked about would! Like John, Jesus would die, but unlike John, Jesus would rise again from the dead. That resurrection would change everything.

Like Herod, many of us have made rash vows, given into peer presser or lived in lifestyles of sin… there are things we wish we could take back or undo. While we can’t undo the wrong that we have done, Jesus has made a way for us to be forgiven. The resurrection of Jesus amplifies everything. There is a way to find repentance and forgiveness for the things we have done, or harden our hearts even further. The question is, what will we do with the one who was able to “undo” even death?

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. We are grateful that Jesus came and lives a sinless life and rose from the dead. We have hope today because of the resurrection. Give us grace to walk in the confidence and boldness that Jesus provides for all those who follow after him. May be boast in your ability to save us to the uttermost. Please guide us in your will and direction for our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Straddling the fence (Mark 6:14-20)

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Now King Herod heard [of Him], for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 18 Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he [was] a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

– Mark 6:14-20 (NKJV)

When John preached it brought a reverential fear to Herod but hate to Herodias. The same message landed different ways. Herodias’ heart was stone cold and the message didn’t effect her other than to generate a hatred in her heart for John. Herod on the other hand was in fear of John. Herod had a foot in both worlds. He tried to please his wife, but he also kept John alive despite her.

As we’ve been going through the Gospel of Mark, we are noting the ways that the words of Jesus and the call to repentance generate different responses. Here we see in Herod a man who is torn because he is living in sin yet, also has some respect for the word of God. He tried to straddle the fence between the word of God and his sinful lifestyle with Herodias.

As we see in tomorrow’s reading, there is no way that this set up could last. Speaking of the lust for wealth and a full commitment to God Jesus shares that, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). We may fool ourselves into thinking that we can compromise with wicked habits or lifestyles, but the truth is there is no room for compromise. The questions of application that we might ask ourselves today is this, “Have I fully committed to following Jesus? Is there something or someone holding me back from a full commitment? In order to not only hear the call of repentance, but to actually repent, what actions or steps do I need to take?”

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Search our hearts and see if there is any thing in us that does not please or honor you. Give us grace to let go of anything in our hearts that would compete with you. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Hospitality (Mark 6:7-13 Devotion)

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And He called the twelve to [Himself], and began to send them out two [by] two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. 8 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff–no bag, no bread, no copper in [their] money belts– 9 but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. 10 Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 11 “And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” 12 So they went out and preached that [people] should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed [them].

– Mark 6:7-13 (NKJV)

Jesus sent out the disciples two by two. Whenever we go into the world to share our faith there is great strength in numbers. There is accountability and encouragement. When we go at a task alone we might be tempted to back down or be timid in our approach. Or we might be too loud and get in our own way of ushing in the kingdom. There is significant value in having someone go with you.

The significant theme of this passage seems to be the acceptance or rejection of the disciples and the announcement of the kingdom. There is a heavy judgement laid on those who won’t receive the good news of Jesus. The disciples are to shake the dust off there feet as a sign of impending judgement of God on those places. But there is the blessing on the places where the disciples are able to minister, people are healed and demons are cast out. The kingdom of God spreads in the midst of the people.

This causes us to reflect on our own hearts and lives. If we picture ourselves as modern day disciples we see it could be good and encouraging to be linked to one another in sharing our faith. Also, I think we should examine our own hearts. Are we those who welcome and honor those who who share the good word about Jesus in our midst?

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you for commissioning the disciples to go out and proclaim your kingdom. Thank you that you still commission people to go today. We ask for your favor especially on those you have called to go to hard and unwelcoming places. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Surprised by Unbelief (Mark 6:1-6 Devotion)

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Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing [Him] were astonished, saying, “Where [did] this Man [get] these things? And what wisdom [is] this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed [them]. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

– Mark 6:1-6 (NKJV)

Mark 6 begins with the account of Jesus teaching in his home town. The people there recognize him and are amazed at his teaching. They knew that he had no real formal education and chose to reject him. They marveled at his works, but must have assumed that it was some sort of trick. They knew him too well. They knew his family. They knew that Joseph was a carpenter. They thought they had him all figured out, but they didn’t.

They missed the message, they missed the miracles, but most importantly the missed the Messiah because they were focused on familiar. They couldn’t see the forest for the trees. They threw the baby out with the bathwater. They were indignant because they thought they knew him. They thought he was a common man trying to be uncommon it never entered their minds that he could be the uncommon reaching out to the common.

Do we miss seeing what He would do in our lives because we have treated Him as common? The culture and sub-culture in which I live is in danger of missing Jesus because he has become common. We treat him like a genie or Santa Clause, we relegate him to the world of mystical cultural phenomenon, but really pay him little attention. Have we forgotten that He is God? have we forgotten that He is the only path to peace with God? Have we forgotten that it’s His kingdom?

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Help us to never dismiss your work as common. Let us be aware of your work in our lives and in the people around us. Remove every excuse from us. Please guide us in your will and direction. In Jesus Name, Amen.

From Twelve Years Ago Until Today (Mark 5:21-43 Devotion)

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Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So [Jesus] went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. 25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind [Him] in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in [her] body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” 35 While He was still speaking, [some] came from the ruler of the synagogue’s [house] who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” 40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those [who were] with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years [of age]. And they were overcome with great amazement. 43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that [something] should be given her to eat.

– Mark 5:21-43 (NKJV)

Twelve years ago, a baby girl was born to a prominent family. They watched her giggle and grow and were blessed by her presence every day. Her smiles brought beauty into the world and her personality brightened their day. Her daddy, Jairus, loved her very much. She was a big part of his world. But today she is a very sick little girl. Her bright smile has been replaced by a painful grimace. She hurts. Her tears and fever wet the pillow her head has been lying on. Her father knows that she needs immediate help. The local doctors say there is nothing they can do for her and she will most likely die soon. He’s been up pacing the village praying and hoping for a solution and then he sees Jesus. He has heard about this man and so he comes and falls down at his feet asking for his help.

Twelve years ago, another family across town was affected in another way. A woman began to bleed and couldn’t stop it. She went to all the doctors. None of them had answers. She tried folk remedies and medicines, nothing worked. Her issue was disgusting and made even her household chores impossible to do. She was weak. People didn’t understand her sickness and it caused her to be an outcast. Then she sees Jesus passing by and has heard of the people he has healed and so she cautiously plots to get close enough, just to touch him as he passes by.

I find the contrast of these people interesting. One is a child, the other an adult. One has had her condition for a long time, the other seems very sudden. One comes from a prominent family, the other seems to be an outcast. One has an advocate, a father who comes on her behalf, the other just simply seeks to touch Jesus as he passes by… but what do they have in common? They have a need and they come in faith that Jesus can do something about it… and he does! He does! He does more than we can ever think or imagine. He does more than we had ever hoped. He stops to speak to the bashful outcast and assures her of her healing. He goes to the little girl and brings her back from the clutches of death! He answers both exactly where there needs arise and blesses them with healing… the touching moment that brought tears to my eyes reading this morning is that he calls the woman, “Daughter.” She was loved too!

What Jesus has done in just a few minutes in this small town is to give us all a glimpse of the jubilation, peace, and security that is found in the Kingdom of God. I hope this passage provokes your heart to worship today and longing for the presence of God where all these worries are put to rest.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. We are grateful for how you worked in the lives of these two daughters. We are grateful for the life you bring to hopeless situations. We are grateful for your kingdom and pray for it to come in it’s fullness and we seek for your will to be done. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Go and Tell! (Mark 5:1-20 Devotion)

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Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 who had [his] dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. 7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” 8 For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” 9 Then He asked him, “What [is] your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name [is] Legion; for we are many.” 10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. 11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. 12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” 13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. 14 So those who fed the swine fled, and they told [it] in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. 15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one [who had been] demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him [who had been] demon-possessed, and about the swine. 17 Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. 18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

– Mark 5:1-20 (NKJV)

Jesus does an incredible work and sets this man free from demonic possession, but the people of that region are scared in an unhealthy way. They want Jesus to leave them and go. They are reacting differently than how he was received in most places after a miracle. In those places, Jesus did an incredible work and told the person who was healed “don’t tell anyone.” And then he left the place because it had gotten too crowded.

Yet here, Jesus seems to have crossed the lake for an encounter with just a handful of people. The reaction from the small group gathered here is different. There is only one man pressing in around Jesus and in this instance it is the man who had had the demons cast out of him. Seemingly he is ready to lay aside everything and follow Jesus. To some extent, he probably feels like he needs a fresh start. Maybe he is scared of going back to old habits or maybe he is ashamed of what the townsfolk must think of him. He has every reason to leave and follow Jesus.

But what does Jesus tell him to do? Go home and tell what Jesus has done for him to the people there! He has a testimony to share and the people who knew him before and see him now will know that something has happened. They need to see the gracious power of God at work in this man’s life. Also, they have encouraged Jesus to leave because they are afraid and so Jesus commissions this man to go and be a real and present reminder of the power that he has to transform lives.

We may not have a long and storied history of horrific demon possession, like this man did, but for those who have had an encounter with Jesus, we do have a testimony to share. There are people who won’t gather in or press into an organized religious event, but they’ll listen to a friend or family member share about what God has done in their life. We are all called to “Go” somewhere. Some go to the ends of the earth, others simply go home and share what God has done. So where are you going and who are you telling about what Jesus has done for you?

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you for your amazing grace to save sinners like me. Thank you for the transforming work your word has on our hearts. I pray that we would be a witness for you today. Wherever we are, where ever we go, let us be telling people about what you have done in our lives. Give us courage and boldness today. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

The Kind of Fear That Frees You (Mark 4:35-41 Devotion)

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On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How [is it] that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

– Mark 4:35-41 (NKJV)

It was a terrible thunder storm. We were stuck on a sandbar sheltering under our aluminum canoes in a creek surrounded by tall trees! I have never been in the middle of such a storm before or since. People were huddled around us on that small little sandbar trying to escape the storm. Some of them were literally crying in fear. The electricity was in the air around us… Yet, I remember a peace like no other. I went from canoe to canoe and talked with folks the best I could. I shared the hope I had in Christ and the hope they could have too. You might ask, what gave me peace in that moment and I would tell you, not what, but who. The who is Jesus. I knew where I stood with God and was ready to die. Sure I was scared of death, but I was confident in Jesus to see me through the storm.

You never know how you are going to react in a situation like that until you are in it. I am grateful that on that day, all my confidence was in the Lord. The truth is that sometimes we become familiar with God and we forget just how great He is. We forget that he has the power to calm the wind and the waves in his voice. We forget that even in a storm we are safer with him.

The disciples in this account are afraid of the wrong thing and they don’t know it. They are afraid of a storm. Don’t get me wrong, storms are scary. But you have to notice in the English we get an interesting juxtaposition in the language here and I think we should lean into it because it helps us see a principle… Mainly that we need to order our fears. We will be afraid of losing our life unless we properly know and respect God. Jesus reminds us to bring our fears in order in Luke chapter 12:

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

Luke 12:4-5 (NKJV)

We may go through some scary situations in life. We may find ourselves afraid, but let us not forget to look to Jesus. He is the one through whom we find the confidence to face the storm. He is the one whom we should really honor and respect. We may feel like the storm is set to do us in, but our real and righteous fear doesn’t belong to the storm, it belongs to the one who saved the disciples from this storm and the only one who can save us from our sins.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Help us to order our fears today. When we honor you in our lives, the other things fall into place. Though storms come and the winds blow and we go through scary situations in life, we trust in you to be our strength and our peace. Give us wisdom to always seek you in the storm. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

How Do You Receive The Word of God (Mark 4:26-34 Devotion)

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And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 “and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 “For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 “But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 “[It is] like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 “but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” 33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear [it]. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples..”

– Mark 4:26-34: (NKJV)

I was at a public school and I heard a student read a gospel presentation to a group of his peers. It wasn’t a conversation. It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t deep. He just simply read what amounted to a gospel tract. As far as presentations go, I had selfishly in my heart already judged it to be one of the worst ones I’ve ever seen… but do you know what? Two students gave their lives to the Lord that day!

What happened? While presentation is important, when it comes to the gospel there are a few more important elements at play. One is, as we have been talking through the parable of the soils, the receptivity of people to the word of God. A ready heart and the truth of the gospel, even in small doses, goes a lot further than how well or poor we might judge the gospel to be presented. The second is never underestimate the power that is in the seed (Word of God) that will come out in the soil of our lives under the right conditions.

Jesus continues with these garden metaphors and I’m glad He does because he shows us that the power is in the word of God and ready hearts. As we go out sharing God’s word this week we need to pray for ready hearts to receive the gospel and share God’s word with confidence. If we share and someone doesn’t receive the gospel, the defect is not with the seed, it’s with the soil.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you for the confidence we can have to share your word. We are grateful that the power for fruitfulness comes from your word at work in our lives. We pray for receptive hearts both for ourselves and others. Please guide us in your will and direction for our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ears To Hear! (Mark 4:21-25 Devotion)

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Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 “For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 “For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

– Mark 4:21-25 (NKJV)

This is the second time Jesus has shared the words, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” He intends of the disciples to “get it.” It’s one thing to be told something and it’s another thing to hear it. He has told them truths encapsulated in parables. It is now up to them to “get it” and now go do something with what they have been told.

They need to cultivate their hearts to receive the word. They are being given a light and there will come a time when they need to shine it. Some things will be secret for now, but they won’t stay a secret, the world will know. The question is, what will they do with what they have seen and heard?

The more we respond in faith to what we have heard from Jesus, the more we can expect to hear and understand. If we don’t respond in faith, but rather pretend we haven’t heard Jesus or we ignore what he is saying, the less we will understand and know of his word. Jesus is placing responsibility at the feet of the disciples and those who have heard him to put his words into practice. He isn’t sharing theory, entertainment, education, or mere rhetoric. He is sharing the words of life and the more you grasp it, the more there is to grasp… but take heed, if you ignore what he has said, you won’t derive any benefit from what little you do have.

This if helping us further understand the parable of the soils we have just read; Treasure the word, let it penetrate your heart, remove distractions, and in due season it will bloom… harden your heart and what little you have… Satan will come and snatch it away. When you receive the word into your heart, it is doing a work that is hidden or can’t be seen, but it won’t be hidden for long as the seed sprouts, the work God is doing will come into the day light. Do you have ears to hear? Will you cultivate your heart to receive God’s word today?

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you for your word. I humbly ask that we all come ready to hear your word today and give it the room it deserves in our heart to grow. We pray that you would take your word and produce an abundant harvest in our lives. Use us for your kingdom and your glory. Please guide us in your will. In Jesus Name, Amen.