He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. Mark 7:36 NABRE
Jesus continues to travel around the upper region, heading by way of the Sea of Galilee to the Decapolis, an area to the east of the sea. When He is there people bring Him a person who cannot hear or speak properly. Praying Jesus opens the ears and removes the man’s speech impediment, curing the man completely. Jesus speaks to the man and his friends, ordering them not to speak about this healing to anyone. But the more He orders the more they proclaimed what has happened. It is interesting language for Jesus, giving an order. We don’t see Jesus ordering anyone to follow God’s commands, or ordering people to follow the Beatitudes. Jesus provides, and recommends the following of His entire message to live life to the fullest and be our best. Yet in this case Jesus gives an order. Maybe order is not the same in the day of Jesus, it might be more like a request, because though Jesus orders them to be quiet there is no consequence for their speaking.
We often think of God as vengeful and ready to punish us as our sins demand. But when a direct order is not followed, Jesus doesn’t respond at all, and He doesn’t ask God to respond on His behalf. Throughout the gospel of Jesus we read Him speaking a message to convince people to do what He recommends. It is through following Jesus’ message that life is better. We think God wants to make rules and reward us if they are followed. But God in fact wants us to live our best life and suggest ways that is possible. It is up to us to follow God’s advice. There is no worthiness system when it comes to God, we are loved and held in God’s loving arms, always.
God wants us to live our best life and suggest ways that is possible. It is up to us to follow God's advice. There is no worthiness system when it comes to God, we are loved and held in God's loving arms, always. Click To TweetDo you see God as judge and jury waiting to condemn us? Can you be connived God wants us our best, no matter how we behave?
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