Word@Work 043 - Mark 4:9 & 13
Published: Fri, 01/18/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 4:9 & 13 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 13 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? (NIV)
Deafness can be a big problem. It gets in the way of relationship, confuses business and prevents critical warnings that could save our lives. Spiritually, the same is true. In an age of multiple TV and internet channels, we all have to choose where we will tune in. Jesus knew that His hearers weren't on the right wavelength and even the disciples didn't get it.
Information, by itself, provides no answer or solution - indeed the plethora of internet data and multiple business emails often just cause confusion. If we are to understand a proposal or analyse an account, we need to focus on it exclusively. Even then we may need assistance. In spiritual matters, we always need help! No matter how novice or experienced a Christian, we cannot know the mind of God unless God Himself explains what He means.
That was the task of Jesus to His trainee apostles. Today, it is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives - to explain the mind of Christ, so that we can serve Him productively. Do not be surprised if family, friends and colleagues cannot understand what is patently obvious to you: they too need the Spirit of God to speak to them, explaining what Jesus is saying. And it is a good prayer to ask God that He will do just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the way in which You have explained to me who You are and what I should do. Please continue! May I never be so arrogant as to think I can know Your mind apart from Your Holy Spirit's help. Please work in my friends and family so that they too will understand what Your Word means. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Deafness can be a big problem. It gets in the way of relationship, confuses business and prevents critical warnings that could save our lives. Spiritually, the same is true. In an age of multiple TV and internet channels, we all have to choose where we will tune in. Jesus knew that His hearers weren't on the right wavelength and even the disciples didn't get it.
Information, by itself, provides no answer or solution - indeed the plethora of internet data and multiple business emails often just cause confusion. If we are to understand a proposal or analyse an account, we need to focus on it exclusively. Even then we may need assistance. In spiritual matters, we always need help! No matter how novice or experienced a Christian, we cannot know the mind of God unless God Himself explains what He means.
That was the task of Jesus to His trainee apostles. Today, it is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives - to explain the mind of Christ, so that we can serve Him productively. Do not be surprised if family, friends and colleagues cannot understand what is patently obvious to you: they too need the Spirit of God to speak to them, explaining what Jesus is saying. And it is a good prayer to ask God that He will do just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the way in which You have explained to me who You are and what I should do. Please continue! May I never be so arrogant as to think I can know Your mind apart from Your Holy Spirit's help. Please work in my friends and family so that they too will understand what Your Word means. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
W@W043 | Word@Work 2002, 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on