Read Mark 8:14-21
I’m Sorry That I Frustrate You.
Jesus warns of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod, meaning, that their understanding of him was wrong and would contaminate all who listen to them. Just as bad yeast can ruin the whole batch of bread so their teachings would destroy the soul of those who listen to them. The Pharisees were bound by the law and saw a Messiah that would build a kingdom only on Earth, and freeing them from Roman rule. Herod, was focused solely on political power and authority, dominating over others. But Christ, the Messiah, was all about saving our souls from the penalty of sin. It was about a love relationship between him and us for eternity.
The disciples thought Jesus was talking about bread and how they had forgotten to take some with them. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding because he could see they were focused on the fact that they forgot bread versus the spiritual implication Jesus was trying to make.
And the fact that they were thinking Jesus was talking about how they forgot the bread, even frustrated Jesus all the more because Jesus is our provider. He reminded them of how he was able to feed and take care of thousands upon thousands of people with enough food, not just once but twice. He rebuked them for forgetting how God worked in the past which should remind us that he’ll work for us again today and in our future.
How often do we look at our circumstances and forget the spiritual implications of our situation. We become so focused on what we can see that we forget the spiritual aspect is under the control of our Lord and Savior. We don’t want to lose focus on what God is saying and start listening to bad advice that is destructive to our soul.
And how often do we forget how God intervenes into our lives and we praise him and thank him, but then another trial comes along and we quickly forget the Miracles he did before. God wants us to trust him again in our new circumstances.
Lord forgive me of my hardened heart that is so wrapped up in what I can see that I lose focus of you. Help me see the spiritual implications and trust you through each and every new challenge that comes my way.
