Daily Devotions


Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Mark 8:11–26
The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.

Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?” They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?” And the man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.” (NRSV)


Reflection
Today we celebrate the gift of sight. Now before you begin to ask about those who physically cannot see, it is spiritual sight I would like to embrace in this moment.

While some take for granted the ability to open their eyes daily, there are others who are unable to enjoy the beautiful array of colors and images of our world. Yet Jesus warns us about having physical sight but being spiritually blind.

Our spiritual sight is strengthened as we learn to trust in God and walk in Jesus’ footsteps. We must be intentional about our prayer life, with our actions unto others, our public Christian ministry, and our faith. We learn to see with the heart of Christ by staying connected to him!

Let us open our hearts as we are reminded that as we receive Jesus and believe in God’s ability to work within our world we gain power to see and understand the will of God.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, open our eyes that we may come to know you more each day. We confess that at times we have closed our eyes in attempts to escape chaos. We have denied some people access to wealth, health, and happiness by making their tears, their pain, and their presence invisible. We have doubted your power to heal our circumstances, and therefore we have been blind to the signs and miracles you continue to pour out before us. Forgive us, Lord, and renew our faith, that we may be fearless and courageous as we proclaim your wonder-working power. Touch our hearts, that we may boldly reach towards justice and declare truth in a world where many do not know you and amidst the evils that attempt to steal, kill, and destroy. Restore our sight this day, we pray. Amen.

Written by Jasclyn Coney, Youth Discipleship Coordinator

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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