Let’s take a quick visit to the disciples, who are in a boat as a storm hits. Jesus is on the shore and upon seeing them in trouble, He walks towards them. They are terrified as they think they are seeing a ghost.
These twelve men, who are with him on a regular basis see Him, YET they don’t recognize him. They had just witnessed a mass feeding, the miracle of provision and healings. Scripture tells us they still did not understand. In Mark 6:52 explains further, “Their hearts were too hard to take it in.”
As we continue in this same chapter, we are told that once hitting land, the crowd of people came and Mark shares this tidbit …”The people recognized Jesus AT ONCE” (verse 54).
The ones who were with Him 24/7 failed to recognize Him while the crowd recognizes Him at once? How is that?
I cannot help but wonder if knowledge of Him often gets in the way of our seeing and experiencing Him. I have a sticky note on my desk for months now that simply says …
Knowledge ≠Relationship.
Familiarity can be such an enemy to intimacy. We become casual and lazy. Our hearts must stay soft and pliable, receptive to His Spirit if we are going to recognize Jesus.
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27, NLT)
May we not forget the object of our faith, and to simply love him. May our hearts desire to see Him and know Him, rather than just know about Him and miss Him completely.
Tender and responsive hearts.
That’s what we need.
And …
He can give us a new heart.
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Everyday Jesus .
Hi Joanne … I jumped over to visit you from Betsy’s … and your posts so align for me today! I’m thinking spiritual heart transplants … that’s what we need.
Lord, make my heart constantly pliable, soft, gentle. And out from that place, may my words speak life …
That’s exactly what He provides! He’s the Great Physician 🙂
familiarity is not same as intimacy!
You know I draw in these words with deep sense of self examination.
Thank you for the prayer too.
Sweet Blessings to you friend.
I appreciate what God is doing through you.
Thank you, Ifeoma. May we not become casual with our walk. Blessings to you!
“May we not forget the object of our faith, and to simply love him.” Yes, yes, yes…
Eyes fixed on Him, Lisa. Every day. All of our days. Blessings!