Today’s Bible Reading: Judges 16, Psalm 89:1-18, Mark 7:24-37, 1 Corinthians 12:14-31 Mark 7:24-37: Jesus is under increasing pressure, even not being able to be hidden in a house. The needy press in to see him. A Gentile comes, and Jesus first puts her off with what seems like a harsh expression, but has the effect of raising with her the faith to which he responds. “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” There is a right kind of importunate prayer that seeks God’s blessing after initial apparent resistance—see the parable of the persistent widow. Then he comes across a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Jesus acts what he is about to do because the man is deaf and cannot otherwise understand—touches his ears and his tongue indicating he is about to heal him. He then dramatically looks up to heaven and speaks, “Be opened.” And the man is completely healed. This healing astonishes them (Isaiah 29:18). Jesus is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.]]>