Saturday July 23, 2016

Be Opened!

-MARK 7:31-37

Key Verse:

"And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened" (Mark 7:34).

One of the most inspiring plays written in recent years is "The Miracle Worker, " which tells the story of Anne Sullivan and her efforts to teach young Helen Keller. Helen had been born without sight, speech or hearing. It was a thrilling scene when awareness finally came to Helen as Anne Sullivan placed Helen's hands against objects then signed words into Helen's open palm. The miracle of touch brought the miracle of communication. In our gospel lesson today, we find Jesus healing a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment by the Sea of Galilee in a region that was filled with mostly non-Jewish people. And even in this area where people don't exactly know all the details about Jesus, they know that He is powerful and able to do miracles. And looking up to heaven, He sighed and said, "Ephphatha, " that is, "Be opened". Jesus cured him and the man began to speak plainly. He even went on to speak boldly about what Jesus had done for him. Many people are a thousand times worse than this poor deaf and dumb man. They have ears to receive God's word, but blatantly refused to listen. But those who hear God's Word gladly will receive His mercy. God has shown us no other way by which we can come into heaven than through His precious Word.

Thought for the day: Be always prompt to listen and obey; and slow to speak and be impulsive.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 CHRONICLES 18 - 21