Anger and Grief Over Hard Hearts 10/29

Anger and Grief Over Hard Hearts

Before Jesus healed the man, He looked around at the entire gathering. Mark’s gospel tells us Jesus felt both anger and grief. His anger was a righteous response to their hard hearts. His grief was a deep sorrow over their stubborn pride. They were so committed to their rules that they were blind to a miracle of mercy happening before their eyes.

Jesus was angered by their distortion of God’s law. He was grieved that they valued their interpretation over a person’s well-being. They were protecting their system while neglecting compassion. This danger is not confined to ancient synagogues. We can defend a truth fiercely while disobeying God’s command to love.

You might champion a righteous cause yet speak harshly to your family. You might demand reverence in church but spread a rumor in the parking lot. God calls for consistency in our obedience. He wants our whole life under His Word. In what area of your life is there a gap between what you defend and how you live?

“And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.” (Mark 3:5)

Prayer: Ask the Lord to show you any inconsistency between your professed beliefs and your daily actions.

Challenge: Choose one relationship where your actions have not matched your beliefs. Initiate a conversation to make it right

To listen to the sermon that corresponds with this devotion, click the link: https://www.mbcpb.org/media