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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, November 4, 2008
HARDENED HEARTS
In the sixth chapter of Mark we read about the disciples amazing experience. They had been told by Christ to get in their ship and go to the other side, to a city named Bethsaida. However, in the process of being obedient they encountered difficulty. The wind was fierce and the waves were high and threatening.
About 3:00 A.M., Christ came walking on the water, and planned to go on by them to the other side. The disciples upon seeing an unclear figure became fearful. Jesus spoke words of comfort to them, calmed the sea and came into the ship with them. Upon seeing this example of His power they were full of wonder and amazement.
We might consider their reaction as normal---to be expected. But the sad reality is that their reaction was a sign of a hardened heart. "For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened." Mark 6:52
Just shortly before this experience they had seen Jesus fed over 5,000 people with just two fish and five small barley loaves. Now that was an amazing miracle! But you see, the disciples had already forgotten it.
I heard a sermon on this passage last night, and it caused be to do some thinking. How quickly do I forget what God has done for me in the past? How soon do I forget where I could have been if it were not for the mercy and grace of God?
Forgetfulness leads to a hard heart. In Psalm 106 we can read over and over how the children of Israel forgot God and His works on their behalf. They became unthankful, discontented and envious even to the point of committing idolatry.
When we notice a leaning towards discontentment, complaining and unthankfulness maybe we should take time to recount past blessings that we have experienced from the hand of our loving Lord. Stop and think about where you might be today if it were not for the grace of God in your life.
Try writing out a list of blessings including all those things we tend to take for granted like breathing, freedom, the Bible, family, nature, the laugh of a baby, the stars in the black velvet sky or a majestic colored sunset.
In reality, we should be in wonder and amazement every day that Jesus Christ, God Almighty would love you and I enough to sacrifice His blood on the cross for our sins. Just think of it: The Creator of the universe knows your name, loves you unconditionally and wants to have fellowship with you.
May our hearts stay soft, thankful and always in amazement over our Lord and His many works.
Has God done something unusual in your life lately? I would love to hear about it. Please take time to write and share with us on our guest book.|
- Sandy Hastings |
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