"And he took him aside. . . " Mark 7:33
When Jesus came one day to the seacoast of Galilee, they brought unto Him one that was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, beseeching our Lord to heal him. Jesus did as they requested, but not until He had taken the man aside from the multitude. There He touched first his ears, and then his tongue.
Many are the lessons for us in the this brief account. Often before the Lord can work His miracle He has to call us aside from the hurry and restless activity of the work-a-day world. First He would touch our ears that we might hear His loving voice of guidance and assurance, for He knows that only then can our tongue be properly loosed to speak His praises, and plainly tell others of His grace. Do not be restless therefore when the Lord isolates you for awhile through sickness or circumstance; just be certain He is seeking to bestow a rich blessing upon your soul by thus setting you aside.
Years ago a man who operated an icehouse lost a good watch in the sawdust on the floor. He offered a reward, and although many went through the wood-sawings with rakes, they were unable to find the lost treasure. When they left the building for lunch, a small boy entered and came out a few moments later with the treasured timepiece. They asked him how he had found it and he replied, "I just lay down in the sawdust and quietly waited until I heard the watch ticking!" Many of us have lost much more than a watch. If we will just be still and listen quietly, the Lord will speak to us and show us where we lost our power and testimony.
Let us "study to be quiet" when God takes us aside, for only thus will we know the miracle of His grace, and the peace of His blessing. Listen like Elijah for the "still small voice."
"Bread For Each Day"
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