relationships (Mark 8:14-26) Growing Closer in Stages

(Mark 8:14-38)

14 And the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them. 15 And He was giving orders to them, saying, “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet comprehend or understand? Do you still have your heart hardened? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember, 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 “When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they said to Him, “Seven.” 21 And He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought a man who was blind to Jesus and begged Him to touch him. 23 Taking the man who was blind by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting in his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, for I see them like trees, walking around.” 25 Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. 26 And He sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Jesus told the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees (spiritual leaders and teachers) and the leaven of Herod (government). Those in leadership and power can manipulate people into believing almost anything, which can gain a vast momentum and following.  But the propaganda being taught and puffed up, doesn't have any substance of truth, and at the root of it - is evil.

This discussion was followed by the only two-stage physical healing in the Gospels. Jesus wanted to get the point across that sometimes we are spiritually healed in stages.  As our faith is a journey in a personal relationship with the Lord, it is along the way that we learn, understand and mature in our faith and connection with God. Just like the disciples, who had begun "to see", but not very clearly.

It is often the case that we begin our Christian walk with only thinking about the obvious, like how God is going to physically provide for us.  As we strive in obedience and witness miracles in our lives, we will begin to see how God provides spiritually, at such a deeper and more meaningful level.  Yet, it is so easy to regress by explaining away and forgetting about the miracles and experiences, and getting caught up in the physical.  

I'm certainly not saying that we should chase after "experiences" or miracles, but to remain entrenched in our faith, trust, obedience and relationship with the Lord!  So, as I'm getting older, I'm praying more and more that the Lord will continue to "heal" my heart, mind, soul, eyes and ears!  You know, as I remember to pray this!!!