Another Day

(Disclaimer: This is not an article written for the public, but is my notes used for preaching. It has been posted here for a particular personal reason. Thank you)

Mark 7:24-30

Purpose in Dealing with the Human Heart

Previously, we have considered the principle lesson on defilement and impurity of the heart because of sin. In the midst of all the healings and all the glamour which people were heaping upon Jesus Christ, this was the main interlude which the gospel writer wants us to take note of; Jesus Christ came to deal with the sinful heart of man (v.1-23). It is for that reason that He went to the region of Tyre and Sidon (these are Gentile cities – most likely He went to one of the cities at the border of the region) and wanted no one to know of it. Too many people are looking for the salvation of their own physical desires and pleasures rather than the spiritual condition that they are locked in (chained to). The Jewish people would not have looked for Him in the Gentile regions as to be in the cities were to be ‘defiled’ by them (according to their own thinking). This would be sufficient of a respite for Jesus and His disciples to be away from the accusative eyes of the Pharisees and Scribes.

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It is painful at times, but sometimes we find ourselves uttering the words of the Psalmist:

Psalms 77:7-9  ”Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?  (8)  Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?  (9)  Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”

Living in our sin-corrupted flesh is spiritual agony when we are brought to remember the holiness of God’s being and standards. The weight of guilt and the crushing blows of sin assailing our conscience can be so powerful that we cry out like the psalmist and query God: will it be forever? Will there never be restoration from God? Has everything promised to His people failed on account of our imperfection and worthlessness? Is there no grace left for me?

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Sorry for the lack of updates. I have been extremely busy with work and study.

Calvin has been on my mind for the past few weeks, but more so for this week; I will be giving a paper on Calvin’s ministry and lessons we can learn from him next week (on Tuesday in fact).

I have to admit that Jean Cauvin’s (John Calvin) life is truly a challenging one to ministers of the Word. It is interesting to note that he had no formal theological education. He was educated in the arts (pre-requisite for theological studies) but later on finished with a law degree (change due to family problems).

I will put some other interesting tidbits about him when I have the time