I’m thinking of the demands made on me. People call for
information, or a favor, or the use of my skills. Sometimes I deliver, but not
always. Sometimes the demands flatter me, or annoy me, but Jesus never felt
that way. He always delivered because He never relied on Himself.
And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” (Mark 7:34)
As today’s devotional reading says of this verse, sinful
people are not always quick to look up. Too often I sigh and look within, or
down or to the earth and the things of this world, or to other people. Jesus
sighed, but He looked outward and up to heaven, up to His Father. He did the
same on many occasions, such as when He fed the multitudes.
And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. (Mark 6:41)
Another example of this attitude comes from King David, whom
God called a man after His own heart. While David made mistakes, he always
turned toward the Lord and demonstrated the same attitude as Jesus did.
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. (Psalm 5:3)
Others also set an example for me in this, such as my husband
who is quick to look up with a humble and thankful heart.
Putting these thoughts together, I know that an attitude
of looking up is part of what it means to be like Jesus. Even as God, He was also
fully human and demonstrated to His people how we should live as servants of
the Most High. When people make demands on me, or when anything happens, I also
need to be quick to look up.
Lord, I know the reason for looking up. This is how to acknowledge
You as the source of all good things, as the One who takes care of me. Thank You.
Always keep my eyes and heart looking in Your direction, for I realize that I need
You to be able to do even that.
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