When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,
but he warned them not to make him known.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,
but he warned them not to make him known.
Perhaps there is no contradiction between that first sentence and the second because those who followed the Lord into hiding were also ignored by the hostile authorities who opposed Jesus. They didn't care where the needy went so long as they weren't bothering them.
In any case, those who follow the Lord can expect, along with occasional hostility, an apathetic indifference from the world at large. Most of our life is properly lived quietly and privately, without social media. Most of God's great works go unremarked and uncelebrated except by those who recognize them. Spectacular escapes from slavery happened frequently in Egypt when the captives only had to disappear into the desert. Virgin conceptions happen all the time, according to some reports, when the child's father refuses to come forward and the young lady will not name him. An empty tomb may be peculiar but it's not earth-shattering.
The eye of faith sees, recognizes and understands the work of God. The ear of faith knows God's voice and listens. The faithful sense God's presence and worship him night and day. And they offer their love like the garden's little flowers who are content that the Lord passed by -- and was pleased.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.