Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion covers Mark 7:31-38 which is the story of Jesus healing the man who was deaf and spoke with difficulty.  We will focus on verse 37. 

 

^“37  They were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well;  He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”  Mark 7:37.

 

 

What if Jesus said:  “I don’t have time to bother with lesser miracles like making the mute to speak.  I only specialize in making the deaf to hear.  It is sufficient to show My position, authority, and power as the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of the World to only heal the deaf.”???  Could we really blame Him?  Aren’t such excuses and “specializations” common to man? 

 

In contrast to these tendencies in man, Jesus took the time to heal both problems of this man.   “They were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well;  He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”  Mark 7:37. 

 

We are called not only to be followers of Christ, but also to be imitators of Christ.  “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;”  Ephesians 5:1  See also 1 Corinthians 11:1 and 1 Thessalonians 1:6. 

 

But, we are not just called to be imitators of Christ as if God waits with His arms folded to see if we can achieve such status through our own will, wisdom, and strength.  God conforms us to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Romans 8:29.

 

We also receive power.  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13  (Emphasis added.)

 

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:48

 

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
         And in His law he meditates day and night. 
 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
         Which yields its fruit in its season
         And its leaf does not wither;
         And in whatever he does, he prospers.”  Psalm 1:2-3.  (Emphasis added.)

 

We know that we have different gifts and different strengths.  Certain things are more difficult for us to do well.  But, that fact does not provide an excuse for us to not do those difficult certain things or to do those difficult certain things poorly.  We may need to read the Bible more for encouragement and pray more and spend more time and more effort in order to do those certain things well which are more difficult for us. 

 

In fact, we may show Christ in us better to others when they see that, despite our weaknesses, we do those things well through God’s grace.  “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness ”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9. 

 

In conclusion,  “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.  …  Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”  Colossians 3:17, 23-24.