Dig deep & remember

Mark 8:18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?

A great multitude had been following Christ listening to his preaching. They had seemingly came unprepared and were without food, again. Only a short time ago Christ had miraculously provided the meal for the five thousand, blessing the boys bread and fish that the baskets never ran out in serving. Christ again had compassion on the needs of this crowd, and to the disciples disbelief he performed the same miracle again to four thousand, from only seven loaves of bread and a few fish. When he left the crowd then he was approached by the Pharisees again demanding a sign; they were never satisfied. Christ warned the disciples to not be like them; to not demand a sign or rely on the miracles; believe on what you have already heard & seen.

It has been a time of reflection this week for me again in preparation of my testimony today. This reflection brings both pain and joy. I look back at how much of my life I wasted in outright rebellion against God. I look back at the great sins I committed; the damages I did to myself, those around me, and all of them committed against my God. These reflections should bring about the pain, and the pain is a good thing for it humbles us in the understanding of the grace of God. How hard it is for us to forgive others once, yet how many countless times has He forgiven us in the past, present, and future? This understanding of our lostness in sin brings a greater understanding of His sacrifice. Matthew 18:11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

When the Lord is speaking in the book of Revelation to the church at Sardis, that church is known as the dead church. Only a few have kept the faith; the others remain idle or content in their religion. They appeared to be holy, but yet they were dead on the inside; they were playing the part of a Christian, but inside they were dead. That happens to so many of us who come to rest in our religion; Christ condemns it. Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. He warns them to remember what they have heard and experienced in their lives as a child of His. A time of reflection should bring about a humble heart in the realization of how lost we are in our sin. This should tug our hearts to a renewed thanksgiving and attitude of service to the One who delivered us from sin. Dig deep, and remember where you were before He pursued you. He picked you up out of the pit of Hell, forgave you eternally, and presented you to his Father. Thank you Jesus!