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The First Proclamation
Please read 1 Kings 11/29-32; 12/19 prayerfully.
Prayerful Awareness
Prophet Ahijah tore the new garment he was wearing into twelve pieces and gave ten pieces to Jeroboam who was with him. This is in compliance with the word of God. “I am about to tear the kingdom from Solomon’s hands to give you ten tribes. Only one tribe shall be left to him for the sake of my servant David and Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel. For Solomon has forsaken me and worshipped other gods. Unlike his father David, he has not walked in my ways to do what is right before me and to keep my commandments and decisions.” Soon after he became king after the death of his father David, the Lord had given him a discerning mind such as no one has had before nor anyone after him shall ever have. Even without his asking, he was also given wealth and fame and no king shall be his equal during his life time. He will also be given long life if he keeps God’s commands and statutes as his father did. (vs. 3:13, 14). Solomon had many foreign wives and in his old age he was led astray by them and served other gods and did what displeased the Lord. (vs. 4, 6).
The Gospel Proclamation
Please read Mark 7/31-37 meditatively.
Gaze on Jesus
The people wanted Jesus to lay hands on a deaf and dumb man whom they brought to Him. They considered this to be a way of invoking divine power but for Jesus it was not necessary to do so. By His gesture He showed that He had within Himself, within His human person, all the health that people need and He communicated this to the sick man. Jesus took the man apart from the people, put His fingers into his ears and touched his tongue with spittle and looking up to heaven Jesus groaned and uttered the words to him “Ephphatha” which means be opened. The man was healed and began to speak clearly. What made Jesus to groan before he spoke the words of healing? Because the man before Him is an impressive symbol of those who have eyes and ears but neither see nor hear. The people who brought the deaf and dumb man to Jesus are also the same. Jesus can order the people not to speak about what they had seen and experienced but how can they resist the urge to share the most remarkable experience of their lives? As for Jesus He will never turn away anyone who comes to Him for relief even if He has to set aside other commitments. At the same time He does not wish to be given all the thanks and honour which should be given to the Father in heaven. God Himself, in Jesus, has come down to cure humankind. Because this work would be very long and painful, it was necessary to provide some visible signs to help people believe in this almost imperceptible healing.
Prayer Starter
When you feel all hope is gone
When you are standing all alone
He will hear your faintest cry
Jesus is present to heal.
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