God’s Hope for Your Heart from Mark 7

JESUS IS YOUR PERSONAL DELIVERER

And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him.  And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue.  And 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 7:32-35)

Jesus had no desire to use this man as a spectacle.  He had a heart to rescue him in a personal way.

Jesus had plenty of opportunities for big, flashy healing services that would have spread His fame far and wide, but more often than not, He actually instructed people to say nothing about their healing to anyone.

Why is this?

First, Jesus knew it simply wasn’t time for His glorious unveiling.  Second, He knew that the people who came for the miracles weren’t necessarily interested in the mission.  I believe there’s a third reason, though.

Jesus healed (and still heals) because He loves people, not just good P.R.

When He healed this man, He did it privately, personally.  Perhaps the man had endured enough public ridicule for his condition that Jesus knew he needed some private restoration.  Maybe Jesus wanted the first sounds the man heard to be not the raucous amazement of the crowd, but the gentle reassurance of the Christ.

Whatever the specific reason and results, here’s the big idea; Jesus knew what the man needed in a personal way, and He met him right there.

He can do the same for you.

Maybe you’re in need of release or restoration right now.  Maybe you’re in need of healing or provision.

Whatever the individual need that you have, here’s the great promise; Jesus knows what you need in a personal way, and He wants to meet you in the specifics of your circumstance!

Put your trust in Him today, and as you do, may you be filled with hope as you receive this truth: Jesus is your personal deliverer.

-Pastor Phillip

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