Daily Worship

Seeking clarity

September 09, 2015 0 0

Mark 4: 10-13

When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories. He told them, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight. These are people—

Whose eyes are open but don’t see a thing,
Whose ears are open but don’t understand a word,
Who avoid making an about-face and getting forgiven.”

13 He continued, “Do you see how this story works? All my stories work this way."

Mark 4: 10-13. It’s hard to admit our ignorance. With questions in our heads we may remain silent, afraid to ask  in case we look stupid. With Jesus, some plucked up the courage to ask for help to understand. Their belief in him gave them the conviction that what was said was important but they hadn’t got it. If you think that you are the only one that doesn’t get it and that everybody else does you feel isolated and withdrawn. But usually when somebody asks ‘the idiot question’, others will be relieved. There is no disgrace in seeking clarity especially from someone we respect and who we want to please. Jesus was frustrated though and it showed.  He had a sudden anxiety that his previous teaching in parables had gone right over their heads. There was clearly more to do.  We can understand because they didn’t.

PRAYER

Lord, where I have missed or avoided your word help me to admit it.  
Where I have been afraid to voice my doubts or to question what I don’t understand, 
give me the courage to speak out. 
When I have been impatient with another who seems to be slow,
give me patience and understanding.  

Thank you Lord, for those who ask questions and for those who have helped to answer mine. 
In my times of doubt or confusion, may I always turn to you, confident in your love and truth. 

Here is a paradox. 
Jesus communicates in a way that was deliberately difficult so that some would not understand. 
Is that really what he meant?