- Keep your faith – When Jesus touches you and nothing happens
“They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” (Mark 8:22-23)
When Jesus touched the blind man by the hand, was the person healed? He was not healed yet though Jesus already touched him. Therefore, trust in the Lord and do not lean on our own understanding. God’s ways are not always as what we expect.
Isn’t faith needed when nothing happens? When we are tested, don’t lose our faith. Choose to believe without even seeing it! Keeping faith is never wrong, but doubt and unbelief are wrong. Without faith, we cannot please God. - Keep your Faith – Even when progress is slow
“He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” (Mark 8:24)
At first the blind man could see, but not clearly. Do not rush to call a progress as a miracle, but celebrate each milestone. Give the glory to the Lord. The miracle of the five loaves and two fish was started by thanksgiving, and then feeding the 5,000 happened. - Keep your Faith – After the miracle happens and don’t return to your old life
"Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly." Mark 8:25
Why did Jesus have to put His hands again and then the man was completely healed? It is perhaps to encourage and strengthen people like us whose faith is doubtful and imperfect.
“Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.” (Mark 8:26)
After we receive a miracle, don’t return to our old life like what nine out of ten lepers healed did. They eventually return to their old lives. Being healed doesn’t always lead to repentance. Therefore, do not set your eyes on what Jesus can do for us, but on Him as a person.
Love the Lord not because He can heal us, and don’t hate God when He hasn’t healed us. Keep your faith and let us not return to the old life in the darkness of sin.
Excerpted from Ps. Philip Mantofa's Sermon, 23 May 2020, Youtube & Instagram Live
https://youtu.be/7ji5e6AcjxA
