“Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly” (Mark 7:33-34).
Very physical and very real — this is the way Jesus chose to do this healing. What was it that was in the way and why was it done this way? Everything Jesus does is intentional. The Lord will walk with us and work with us in the way we need for things to be done and will do so for His reasons. Everything Jesus did was unique for the person with whom He was dealing. Is it not the same for each one of us?
Lord, in this world, I tend to think in terms of sameness, but I often do not see that this is true in Your dealing with individuals in the Gospel. You dealt with each individual and often acted upon them in different ways. Help me to understand that it should be the same with those around me. Each person is unique and an individual. Help me to meet others as the individuals that You have made them to be.
Lord Jesus, I have looked at You and wanted to sit in a class as You teach me, but You walk alongside me and teach me every day. There are many lessons You have taught me and many more I need to learn. Help me to live into the life You have given me so that I may learn and become more like You according to Your leading. Guide me in the way You know I need to go. Amen.
