Today’s reading is Mark 7:1-8:38.

The healing of the blind man in two stages has often puzzled me. Jesus clearly had the power to heal the man in one shot. Why go through this two step process? The only reason I can see is as an object lesson for the apostles who continually had trouble seeing and understanding Jesus.

They had just had trouble seeing how Jesus would feed the 4000 despite having experienced the feeding of the 5000. They had just had trouble understanding Jesus when He spoke of the leaven of the Pharisees. With the blind man of Mark 8:22-26, Jesus let’s the disciples know they will see and understand in time. They are like this blind man. They are beginning to get a broad outline of Jesus and His teaching. In time, they will come to see clearly. They will grow.

This comforts me. I often feel like I only have a broad outline of what Jesus and HIs teaching are all about. That’s okay. I’m growing. As I continue in Christ, I will understand more and more. That is what being in Christ is all about: Growth. I don’t have to be perfect today. I don’t have to know everything today. Jesus is still working on me. He will conform me to His image as I continue in Him (cf. Romans 8:28-30).

Thus, my goal today is not to be absolutely perfect. My goal is to stay in Christ and draw closer to Him. He will perfect me in His time.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What did you get out of today’s reading?