From the desk of Pastor Ben

Receiving Greater Light – Part 1

“How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.         (Matthew 16:11-12)

Even though hearing and seeing Christ’s teaching at the highest levels — God’s words, a perfect example, and irrefutable miracles — the apostles still tended to operate on the physical level. After rowing to the other side of the lake and being hungry, they did not think of Jesus’ provision; they just thought of their own lack of provision. And typically, the Lord used this as an opportunity to instruct them.

This is a wonderful example of how believers should be disciples — one comes alongside and helps another interpret life’s difficulties, problems, and opportunities in light of God’s truth and His resources. Christians gain maturity by learning to live one day at a time and trusting in the Lord’s provisions.

At this time, Jesus knew His death would occur in just a few months, and He had much more for the apostles to learn. One day without bread — they had forgotten to bring some along — should have been of no consequence for the disciples. But like saints in every era, the apostles were pre-occupied with the temporal and and its concern for physical supplies. They needed, as do all who trust Christ, to have their spiritual vision extended and their spiritual attention span enlarged.

Ask Yourself:
How has your pre-occupation with the daily, routine matters of life blinded you to the greater activity of God happening around you? How can you work to keep your perspectives large and eternal, with so many responsibilities to perform, with so many people depending on you?