Word@Work 093 - Mark 8:14-16
Published: Tue, 04/01/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 8:14-16 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread." (NIV)
Despite the miraculous feeding of another 4,000 - 12 grown men were arguing because they had forgotten to take more than one loaf of bread with them on the boat - even though Jesus was with them in the boat!!
Jesus warns them (kept giving them orders) to be always on their guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod. But they totally misunderstand: they think that Jesus is joining in their discussion about bread. What Jesus really meant was that as a small amount of yeast affected the whole dough (made it taste nicer but it would go off very quickly), so the habit of religious and civic leaders who demanded a sign from Jesus - could easily infect the disciples too. What the Lord was wanting was for His men to trust Him. And a breadless moment was a great opportunity!
How easily do we forget past blessings? What needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer! The absence of immediate provision worries us, even more than the presence of our Saviour comforts us! We grumble when somebody else forgets what we need; we avoid responsibility for our own shortcomings; we forget God's past blessings; then we may even point the finger at the Lord! Why? Surely it is because we are still living as worldlings (even if we do it 'religiously'!). Surely it is time for repentance and a personal reformation of our lifestyle. So let's start by thanking the Lord that He is with us, will never leave us, nor forsake us! Then we can honour Him by asking for our needs. Then our worship is expressed as we simply trust Him to do so.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please forgive me for forgetting past mercies and previous blessings. Forgive me the habit of worry and blame, when You are right there beside me, at work and at home. Thank you that your powerful presence is with me right now, and that You promise never to leave me - this day or ever! Help me to trust you in my work and realationships today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Despite the miraculous feeding of another 4,000 - 12 grown men were arguing because they had forgotten to take more than one loaf of bread with them on the boat - even though Jesus was with them in the boat!!
Jesus warns them (kept giving them orders) to be always on their guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod. But they totally misunderstand: they think that Jesus is joining in their discussion about bread. What Jesus really meant was that as a small amount of yeast affected the whole dough (made it taste nicer but it would go off very quickly), so the habit of religious and civic leaders who demanded a sign from Jesus - could easily infect the disciples too. What the Lord was wanting was for His men to trust Him. And a breadless moment was a great opportunity!
How easily do we forget past blessings? What needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer! The absence of immediate provision worries us, even more than the presence of our Saviour comforts us! We grumble when somebody else forgets what we need; we avoid responsibility for our own shortcomings; we forget God's past blessings; then we may even point the finger at the Lord! Why? Surely it is because we are still living as worldlings (even if we do it 'religiously'!). Surely it is time for repentance and a personal reformation of our lifestyle. So let's start by thanking the Lord that He is with us, will never leave us, nor forsake us! Then we can honour Him by asking for our needs. Then our worship is expressed as we simply trust Him to do so.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please forgive me for forgetting past mercies and previous blessings. Forgive me the habit of worry and blame, when You are right there beside me, at work and at home. Thank you that your powerful presence is with me right now, and that You promise never to leave me - this day or ever! Help me to trust you in my work and realationships today. 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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