Day 16 | March 19 | Mark 7:24-37 By: Kasey Johnson

Some of my favorite Bible stories involve Jesus healing someone. The man in our story was deaf and mute – but not blind. He saw everything Jesus was doing and I’m guessing there were times he questioned the necessity behind Jesus’ approach.

Let’s reflect on the steps Jesus took so we might be ready for the healing, redemptive power of Jesus to do a new work in our life, too.

Jesus took him aside. Sometimes Jesus needs us to step away from the chaos and spend time with him. Being intentional about being alone with our Creator allows our hearts to accept his healing touch.

Put his fingers in the man’s ears. Wouldn’t it be great if we could plug our ears and silence Satan’s lies and the noisiness of this world? While we don’t want to live disconnected from a hurting world, sometimes we need to step aside and focus on God alone. Isaiah 30:21 assures us that God’s voice will show us which way to go.

He spit and touched the man’s tongue. While spit is not a super fun topic, biblical commentators believe Jesus spit on his fingers to moisten the man’s tongue and loosen whatever was keeping his tongue tied. Is Jesus trying to help you break free from something that is tying you down?
He said “be opened”. This man was getting ready to speak for the first time and I believe Jesus knew what a blessing and temptation this ability would be. Colossians 4:6 challenges us to have conversations that are filled with grace. As a church, may we strive to keep an open heart, a tamed tongue (James 3:2-5), and listening ears.

When we endure difficulties or face tough choices, sometimes we need to spend time in prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to loosen any ties that bind us and help us hear the truth of God’s love and protection. During this season of study and reflection, may each of us discover the healing power of the Holy Spirit as we seek to hear his voice and speak his love into our community.