Hardness of Hearts

Mk. 6:51

And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

 

The disciples of Jesus had just seen Jesus perform the miracle of feeding 5,000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish. Not only were they all rested and nourished, but they had 12 baskets of broken pieces of bread and fish leftover. What did they think? Were they in awe of Jesus' great power? Did they realize who Jesus really was? Shortly after this Jesus sent His disciples to the shore to secure a boat and cross over to the other side while he went up on the mountain to pray. Later, Jesus saw that the rowing was painfully difficult causing His disciples to struggle. So Jesus walked out to them, yes He walked on the water. When they saw Him, they thought He was a ghost so they cried out in terror. Immediately Jesus spoke to them saying, Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid. Should those words have reassured their hearts? Should they have noticed that anyone who could walk on water could also ensure their safety? Jesus got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased! Whoa! Another big miracle! What was their response? They were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. How heartbreaking to be a witness to these great miracles and still have their hearts hardened. They had not yet realized Jesus was the Son of God. How easy it is for the human heart to hang on to the flesh and resist the power of Jesus.

 

Paul later addressed this same issue in Heb. 10. The difference being that we have seen the crucified and risen Jesus. We have the complete word of God at our ready access, and sadly many [who claim to be] Christians have a hardened heart to the things of God. Their relationship with Him has been reduced to a duty without any fervor.  For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? It is wisdom on our part to examine our lives carefully. Have we trampled underfoot the Son of God profaning His blood? Have we outraged the Spirit of Grace? Serious thoughts! We need to take a good, hard look and confess and repent. 

 

Father,

This morning I come to You in openness asking that You reveal any hardness of heart. Open my eyes. Give me an overwhelming desire for You.  Enlarge my heart!

In His name,

Amen