Jesus Sighed

Daily Reading:  Mark 7

Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”  And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. (Mark 7.34-35, NIV)

Devotional Thought: In today’s chapter, Mark 7, we read about Jesus healing a deaf man who also had a speech impediment.  I like what Jesus did:

·       Looked up to heaven.  If we get our focus right, everything else will be right.  Like King Jehoshaphat said when faced with insurmountable odds: “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you!” (2 Chronicles 20.12)

·       Sighed.  When I read that, I think, “Even Jesus felt overwhelmed at times.”  Your life, or the life of a friend, may be "sigh-worthy."  Go ahead and sigh!  Jesus did.

·       Said “Ephphatha” (Be opened).  Don’t stop with a sigh, though.  Speak authoritatively to the problem.  Just like John and Peter in Acts 3.6: “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” When we speak our faith, we build our faith!

I like what happened to the deaf man, too!

·       His ears were opened.  Jesus did that.  Oh, how many need this miracle of hearing spiritually!  Pray for those who do not know Jesus, that God would “open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 26.18).

·       His tongue was released.  Again, Jesus did it.  Our tongues need to be released to praise God.  What is holding you back from testifying?  Fear is defeated in the name of Jesus!

·       He spoke plainly.  The deaf man had to do that.  The possibility was not enough.  He needed to speak, and he needed to speak plainly.  Only when we give glory to God, will people be "overwhelmed with amazement" (v. 36).

Prayer: I long for your touch, O Lord.  I need you to "take me aside" - as you did the deaf and mute man - and speak to me words of healing and hope.  Open my spiritual ears and release my tongue, so that I might speak plainly of your glory.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 5.7-12

7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.

8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.

9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.

10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.

12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.