SCRIPTURE: Mark 4:10-12
I used to think that Jesus told stories to keep close-minded people from understanding.
It seems that way from v.12, and how it uses Isaiah 6:9-10.
But now I am realizing that instead of keeping people from understanding, stories are actually more effective at penetrating closed minds.
You can’t argue a person out of their beliefs, but often a story, like a Trojan horse, sneaks in while their is down.
The secret of the kingdom can be given to anyone, if they are open to it.
Jesus is using down-to-earth, memorable stories so that they might understand.
‘They are close-minded, like Isaiah describes, if they weren’t they would turn and be forgiven… So that is why I use stories instead.’
This is not a passage that reveals God’s predestinating some to believe (giving the secret only to a few), but one that reveals how God accommodates us in our weakness and close-minds to help us repent.
I have also noticed how people will often be impacted more by an illustration, a video clip, or a children’s message, than by my fine teaching.
It’s as if we have become closed to sermonizing (without realizing it), that God needs to use ‘story’ like a Trojan horse, to penetrate our heart and minds too.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I’ve heard the message so many times, I don’t think I really heart it anymore. Send me a powerful story that can lodge Your truth into my heart and mind.
Hey Tony, just wanted to say thanks for your faithful partnership in this blog. Even when I miss some days, I am thankful and encouraged by your comments.
Observation/Application
Parables were a part of Christ’s ‘show and tell’ ministry. It was His way to teach the people so that they would understand. He was the Master Teacher. Yet, as in all ‘students’ taught, they are present but do not see or hear. Their choice. Physically present in class but not engaged in spirit. They are elsewhere. So too it is with God’s people. Not all are ‘in’ even though they are part of the following. They are a part of the ‘crowd’ following – carried by what is happening – the moment.
Remember the fickle mob – praising God on His entry to Jerusalem and yet three days later calling for His crucifixion? Am I in or out?
Prayer:
Open my heart Lord that I may see You each day anew. Give me the eyes that see and the ears that hear so that I am a doer in Your kingdom, engrafted into the true vine.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
I am looking, I am listening
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Help me to know Your will (repeat)
The right word to say,
the best move to make
Who’s in need of a helping hand
For Your perfect ways are worthy of praise
I delight just to do Your plan
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
I am looking, I am listening
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Help me to know Your will (repeat to beginning)
Help me to know Your will
Help me to know Your will