(Mark 7) The Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day watched Him closely trying to trip Him, for many rules and traditions were piled on top of what was law given to Moses, for the people, by God but now was so far from what God intended it no longer served the many but the few and God was taken out of the equation. What was meant to point people’s hearts towards God so they may be reminded of a Creator who loved them now pointed their wallets towards religious teachers and leaders who horded riches for themselves while telling the people they could never be as good as they were, all along hiding their own failures so that they might continue in this destruction of man’s soul. Paul said this…
(2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLT) “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul never revealed to the people what this “thorn in the flesh” was, some say it could not have been sin because of the importance of Paul’s roll in the Christian faith and I am not here to tell you it was but sickness or disease just doesn’t seem to cut it. For it makes Paul out to be more than what God says about the human race and our great need of a Savior. Listen I don’t think we should go around showing off our scars. Sometimes we need the help of a close friend who will keep the confidence you share and not everyone is to know these things but all should know of your need for Jesus and that is exactly what religion kept people from doing. The Pharisees tried with all their might to be someone they were not and completely failed therefore, they kept hidden the desires of their own hearts because it betrayed them. That’s why Jesus went on to say in the same chapter, “It’s not what goes into your body the defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
God, help me first to be honest with myself knowing all too well of my own need of the Savior You provided in Your Son Jesus Christ. Secondly, to be honest with others about my weakness and what Jesus has done in this broken life I call mine. Lord, may You be glorified and worshipped for who you really are! No other One is like You! Break through the clouds of my heart so that I may see you, so that I may see the Son. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive all glory and honor!
