Word@Work 086 - Mark 7:24-26
Published: Wed, 03/19/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 7:24-26 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. (NIV)
Jesus now relocates from Galilee to the Mediterranean coastal post of Tyre. It appears that He came specially for this one notable encounter, before returning to His home region. But He never sought popularity, unlike some religious leaders. Jesus was simply following His Father's timetable, to arrive at the cross at just the right moment (and along the way to demonstrate the amazing character of God) - while training up the future leaders of the church. But even though He did not seek recognition, those with a hunger for God to act in their lives, saw in Jesus all they were looking for.
An uncontrollable child was brought by a woman who would have been despised by respectable Jews. She was a Gentile, and her demonised child would have reflected badly on her. Yet, she knew that there was no other hope and that Jesus, if He would stoop to hear her, was fully able to exorcise the demon. She has no religious credentials: but she had a great need and a clear faith - she knew that Jesus has the power to act effectively.
Such simple faith may not be as rare as we think - it is just that the presence of Jesus may be so masked under a religious camouflage, that He may be invisible ... even in the church! The authentic presence of Jesus in His believers, should release pained cries for help from the needy. If they see Jesus in us, they will risk vulnerability to find an answer to their life. We should be expecting these encounters, and be ready to share the Gospel, and introduce them to our Saviour. Even at work!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for Your power that is ready and willing to deal with the works of darkness. Help me to be aware that some people are looking for Jesus ... may they find Him with me. And help me to be ready to share His love and speak the truth of His Gospel, whenever the occasion demands. In Jesus'Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus now relocates from Galilee to the Mediterranean coastal post of Tyre. It appears that He came specially for this one notable encounter, before returning to His home region. But He never sought popularity, unlike some religious leaders. Jesus was simply following His Father's timetable, to arrive at the cross at just the right moment (and along the way to demonstrate the amazing character of God) - while training up the future leaders of the church. But even though He did not seek recognition, those with a hunger for God to act in their lives, saw in Jesus all they were looking for.
An uncontrollable child was brought by a woman who would have been despised by respectable Jews. She was a Gentile, and her demonised child would have reflected badly on her. Yet, she knew that there was no other hope and that Jesus, if He would stoop to hear her, was fully able to exorcise the demon. She has no religious credentials: but she had a great need and a clear faith - she knew that Jesus has the power to act effectively.
Such simple faith may not be as rare as we think - it is just that the presence of Jesus may be so masked under a religious camouflage, that He may be invisible ... even in the church! The authentic presence of Jesus in His believers, should release pained cries for help from the needy. If they see Jesus in us, they will risk vulnerability to find an answer to their life. We should be expecting these encounters, and be ready to share the Gospel, and introduce them to our Saviour. Even at work!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for Your power that is ready and willing to deal with the works of darkness. Help me to be aware that some people are looking for Jesus ... may they find Him with me. And help me to be ready to share His love and speak the truth of His Gospel, whenever the occasion demands. In Jesus'Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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