Open Heavens August 14, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Kgs 7-10

THE TARE OF FAMILIARITY


MEMORIZE: "And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them" (Mark 6:5)

READ: Mark 6:1-6

The Longman’s Dictionary of Contemporary English defines a tare as the weight of wrapping material with which goods are packed. Tares are also unwanted plants growing in fields of grain, e.g. weed. It says a weed is a wild plant growing where it is not wanted, and therefore prevents crops or garden flowers from growing properly. In spiritual parlance, a tare is a hindrance or anything capable of limiting you. It could take any form - spiritual, physical, financial, intellectual, social, etc. Whatever creates obstruction to progress in your life is a tare. Whatever hinders the move of God in your life or situation is a tare. In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus went with His disciples to His home town - Nazareth . He had done several mighty works in other towns and villages, and decided to extend the same gesture to His town folks.
 

The Nazarenes were about to record the greatest divine visitation they ever had. That visitation would have brought healing at no cost to all their sick folks. All the sinners in the town were about to be saved. Sorrow was about to be replaced with widespread joy and celebration. Nazareth was about to be Heaven on earth because the Person of Heaven was physically there. But these were not to be! The tares of unbelief and over familiarity hindered these great plans of God for them. Jesus marvelled at the negative power of unbelief in stopping God’s plan. Only a few who refused to have the tare of unbelief got away with minor miracles.
 
Any time you become too familiar with God, you introduce tares. His power becomes inadequate in bringing your expected change. Taking any meeting for granted-particular one like the Monthly Host Ghost Service, Convention or Congress, robs you of the essence of such a programme. It introduces tares. Never underestimate what God can do through your pastors. Never take anything for granted because you do not know Heaven’s time-table. You cannot tell your day of visitation; Do not allow unbelief to prevent your divine appointment for change. What should endear Jesus to His folks in Nazareth repelled them. They took offense at the presentation of the Carpenter as the solution to their problem. They wondered how the baby who grew under their noses could be the Saviour of the world. Are you taking any matter of the Kingdom for granted? It will bring hindrance to progress. Are you taking God’s Word for granted? If read as a mere routine, it loses its message and power, and leaves you with letters - just letters. Change your attitude today if you sincerely desire a beneficial outcome. Never look down on your pastor because of any limitation in his life.

ACTIONPOINT: According to Proverbs 20:20, dishonoring one's biological or spiritual parents is a major cause for lack of vision. Honor your parents through respect, obedience, providing and caring for them.