HARDENING OF THE ARTERIES
Mark 6:51,52 – “Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. 52For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.”
This passage and the verses leading up to it contain more nuggets than there is room on this page to comment on. It had been a full day of ministry. What was supposed to be a retreat turned into a revival and now it was time to go home. Jesus sent the disciples on their way to Bethsaida, via boat to prepare for His visit. After they left Jesus concluded services with the people and sent them home. Then Jesus went into a nearby mountain to pray. While in prayer Jesus supernaturally saw the disciples in the middle of the sea rowing hard against the wind. Jesus came to them walking on the water and verse 50 says He immediately talked with them and said, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” It is important when we are in the middle of a storm that we hear the word of God immediately to counteract anything else we might be hearing or thinking.
We may deem their response as appropriate. This passage would suggest that at some point in our relationship we should understand that this is what He does. He is unlike any other being in the universe. Our God does unearthly, supernatural, unbelievable, impossible, mind-boggling, that’s not supposed to happen…things. The disciples didn’t get it because of two conditions: 1) Their hearts were still hardened. Isn’t that amazing? It goes to show that our hearts need constant exposure to heaven’s truths and realities to soften us and condition our hearts to be receptive and believing. 2) They didn’t understand. The word “understand” in the Greek means to “put together; to mentally comprehend.” They didn’t connect the dots with the miracle they had experienced earlier in the day. Whatever you do, don’t let what God has done fade away into obscurity. There is a thread that weaves one experience into another making a beautiful quilt of God’s handiwork. And if by chance you have a spiritual hardening of the arteries, maybe it’s time to take a trip down memory lane to recall what God has done. The condition is reversible.