Mark 8:1-10:12

I have experienced personal physical healing in my life, I have seen healing take place when I have prayed at least on one occasion and I have prayed a thousand prayers for healing that I never saw take place. I am fairly certain that the gift of faith, healing or miracles are not for me. I am fascinated though with how Jesus demonstrates so much wonder when He heals, He is so personal, so life-changing.

They arrived at Bethsaida. Some people brought a sightless man and begged Jesus to give him a healing touch. Taking him by the hand, he led him out of the village. He put spit in the man’s eyes, laid hands on him, and asked, “Do you see anything?”

He looked up. “I see men. They look like walking trees.” So Jesus laid hands on his eyes again. The man looked hard and realized that he had recovered perfect sight, saw everything in bright, twenty-twenty focus. – Mark 8:22-25 MSG

I have read many times how Jesus rebukes weakness of faith and how He honours faith. Here are some takeaways that I want to follow in my life.

• I love how the blind man is willing to allow Jesus to lead him – I mean it was a walk out of the village. I need to give my life to Jesus and let Him lead me – it can only mean good things
• People asked for sight and Jesus gave it. I need to keep going with my praying faith believing full well that Jesus can keep pace with it
• The confidence of the people and the blind man, whatever their expectations were, received. I want to give my confidence to Jesus knowing that I will receive what I need as opposed to what I want.
• The healing is always perfect and the method is always creative. I cannot forget that I will receive perfect gifts to my imperfect faith.

It is my faith that honours Jesus, and therefore Jesus will honour it. I know that even though my prayers may not have seen healing, the fact that I prayed in faith means that I was not dishonouring Him. I cannot tell Jesus how, why and when. Jesus will heal and I know that He will because I believe in Him. He knows the best method and I trust Him without reservation.

Father, forgive me when there are moments of doubts of my own relationship with You because a prayer of faith produced no results when it comes to healing. Thank You that You have given me the opportunity of praying for so many and I know that somewhere in their lives You were present because of that prayer. I look forward to continuing to pray for others to be healed and trust You to be the one who knows the how, why and when.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

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Ezekiel 9-12

I have to admit that today’s reading speaks loudly into why it is good to read through the whole Bible in a year. I had forgotten so many things, but especially one thing – the mark.

Kill old men and women, young men and women, mothers and children. But don’t lay a hand on anyone with the mark. Start at my Temple. – Ezekiel 9:6 MSG

There was a cleansing going on and only those with a mark were redeemed.

“In the sanctuary God should have been most honored, but there He was most dishonored and provoked, and there His holiness would most fully and certainly be vindicated.” – Feinberg

The reason for the cleansing was because the persistent sin presumed on God’s patience and grace and it definitely dishonoured His holiness. As with Sodom and Gomorrah, God honoured the fact that some remained faithful to Him. On them He placed a mark similar to the blood splattered over the door post on the last plague that fell on Egypt – the punishment of death would passover.

This entire experience is about their relationship with God. In fact, Ezekiel creates a step by step view of the presence of God leaving the people. It is quite fascinating to know that when He leaves there is always time to repent. Why do I let pride keep me from waiting so long?

Step #1

The Glory of the God of Israel ascended from his usual place above the cherubim-angels, moved to the threshold of the Temple, and called to the man with the writing case who was dressed in linen.

Then the Glory of God ascended from the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the Temple. The cloud filled the Temple. Court and Temple were both filled with the blazing presence of the Glory of God.  – Ezekiel 9:3; 10:4 MSG

The honour and glory and presence of God – moved to the threshold of the Temple.

Step #2

Then the Glory of God left the Temple entrance and hovered over the cherubim. I watched as the cherubim spread their wings and left the ground, the wheels right with them. They stopped at the entrance of the east gate of the Temple. The Glory of the God of Israel was above them. – Ezekiel 10:18-19 MSG

The honour and glory and presence of God – left the Temple entrance and hovered over the cherubim.

Step #3

Then the cherubim spread their wings, with the wheels beside them and the Glory of the God of Israel hovering over them. The Glory of God ascended from within the city and rested on the mountain to the east of the city. – Ezekiel 11:22-23 MSG

The honour and glory and presence of God – ascended…and rested on the mountain to the east of the city.

What kind of person should I avoid being like if I do not want the presence of God leaving me?

Father, I cannot miss this, I cannot miss You taking steps away from me and not be able to notice them. I am like David, praying, “take not Your Holy Spirit from me.”

Erwin (evanlaar1922)