Heralds Digest

“And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭8:24-25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.8.24-25.nkjv Just as Jesus decided for a walkout instead of the outright grating of the demanded healing touch, a blind walk along some strange experiences of life is usually unfamiliar. Instead, an urgent change of condition is always preferred to close companionships, in moments of trials and temptation. “Do you really care that we perish?”; “Why do you tarry before the situation get out of hands?”; “Where are you when this tragedy struck?”, etc, are sample of the myriads of unanswered questions in times of calamity. Whereas, God often preferred our close companionship to a quick change in our condition. For the blind man, the walkout with Jesus enabled a mutual communication, assessment of the quality of sight, and the privilege of another touch. Thereafter...

“So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭8:21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.8.21.nkjv The scriptures speak of embracing contentment after the provision of food and clothing; and it underscores the fact that the inability of any man to provide food on the table is a significant threat. Yet, this type of threat is limited to the sustenance of the body. Unfortunately, it is possible for man’s life to be devoted to the pursue of food security at the expense of his soul’s security. “Then He charged them (His disciples), saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”” Just as the leaven of the Pharisees (social engagement) and the leaven of Herod (political relevance) appear to be life’s answers to the problem of insecurity in life, they have the tendency of killing the passion for holiness, truth and heaven. Little wonder, it is difficult for the disciples to understand simple spiritual digest when their minds are em...

“But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.8.12.nkjv The pursuit of the will of God is simply the denial of self. It is absolutely impossible for anyone to pursue the pleasing of self and God at the same time. When the Pharisees came to Jesus in search of a sign from heaven, He knew their mission was compelled by an inner struggle against the revealed will of God. God the Father from heaven, and in the presence of the Spirit, had expressly and publicly testified of Jesus Christ on earth as the only begotten Son. The Son Himself had in the presence of the Pharisees performed great signs, miracles and wonders by looking up to heaven. Like the Gideon of old, when a man is sincerely not convinced that the God of heaven is the one speaking, God can patiently accommodate requests for more evidences until perfect conviction i...

“He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭8:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.8.5.nkjv The simple and straightforward response of the disciples to the question of Jesus Christ shows the relevance of progressive partners towards breakthrough in the ministry and life’s projects. Having engaged the multitude in a marathon session of ministration in the wilderness for three days, Jesus felt bad for not planning the feeding of the multitude along with the teaching schedules. And at such emergency situation, the disciples had the liberty to engage the Master in a blame game. Obviously, effective collaboration is all that is needed for solving the practical problems in life, and not necessarily our expensive contributions. And they said, “Seven”. When a man is blessed with progressive partners, everything that’s needed for making consistent progress in life is always available.

“Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭7:34-35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.7.34-35.nkjv Trust and confidence in relationships are built on experiences of result-oriented engagements. Those who have struggled to produce results in their life’s professional, career, family, academic engagements know pretty well the trauma of living with disrespect. When Jesus was requested to put His hands on the dumb and deaf man, He knew the expectation of the multitude is not limited to just a casual touch and laboratory experimentation with no tangible change in the plight of the deprived man. Yet, Jesus conducted the physical experiment apparently because that was the only window that connect with the lively sense of the anxious man in need of faith to believe. Human engagements in life’s projects at home, workplaces and in...

“And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.” Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭7:28-29‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.7.28-29.nkjv The concept of predestination appears to build its confidence in a flesh-based fellowship or relationship. When Jesus said to the Syro-Phoenician woman “Let the children be filled first...”, He apparently tested her possible conviction on the fact that the fate of everyone in life has been pre-destined; or depend ultimately on his background and family affiliation. Obviously, privileges and opportunities in life are not evenly distributed. But while many people are easily discouraged at any given exposure to unfair treatment in life, the courage of this woman teaches that fruitful fellowship will readily nullify the concept of predestination. Little wonder that Jesus said “For this saying go your way; th...

“So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭7:18-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.7.18-19.nkjv The sacredness of the heart for undiluted fellowship with God is emphasized in the Master’s response to the disciples. While the Scribes and the Pharisees put the sacred emphasis on what the body consumes, they released their hearts to entertain divers fellowship vice like evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. It is instructive to note that God is equally concerned about the quality of what the body consumes; but a flamboyant body hygiene at the expense of the sacredness of the heart for fellowship with God is condemned. Anyone can afford to shift blame for what come...