Born that man no more may die.As we read your Word, teach us your way, O Lord, that we may walk in your truth. Amen.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
(Matthew 1:22-23, Luke 2:8-14, John 1:14, Matthew 12:38-40, Psalm 86:11)
Scripture Reading - Mark 8:11-26 (ESV)
The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread.
And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not 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 take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
God of Truth, we ask for your protection from false teachings. Help us to test all spirits to see whether they come from you, may we know a false prophet when we encounter one. Thank you for showing us how to test all teachings - every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. (1 John 4:1-4)
Jesus, we confess that there are spiritual truths which we still do not understand. Even though you have faithfully revealed yourself and the Father's will to us, we are susceptible to hardening of the heart. Thank you for patiently reminding us of all you have done in our lives.
Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! We confess that you are restoring all things to yourself. For your Word says,
After this I will return,God of all grace, give us spiritual vision so that we may see clearly how you are restoring our neighbors, co-workers, and family members. For you, who has called us to your eternal glory in Christ, will yourself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. To you be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:9-11
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,
that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old. (Acts 15:12-20)
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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