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“A Word for this Week” - Pastor Bill Mugnolo
Week of August 26—September 1, 2024: “Spiritual X-Ray Vision” … Mark 7:1-13
The fictional character Superman is said to possess “powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men”. He can fly and he can bend steel in his bare hands. Then, he possesses the extraordinary ability to see through things using his “x-ray vision.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ, you might say, possessed “spiritual x-ray vision” as He could see through the hearts, minds, and souls of all people (John 2:23-25). He was able to see through the hearts of the Jewish leaders who boasted in their keeping of man-made laws and rituals. He spoke of them, using the words of Isaiah 29, as honoring God with their lips while their hearts were far from Him. He also spoke of them as making the Word of God void by the traditions of men. Jesus also accused them leading others to neglect the care of their parents for the sake of keeping such man-made traditions.
Our Lord, too, can see right into the thoughts and intentions of our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). As an x-ray machine can show us our physical skeletons, Jesus, through His spiritual x-ray vision, exposes the “skeletons in our closets”. He exposes the things we cannot see—or refuse to see. He knows how often we honor Him with our lips while our hearts, to one degree or another, are far from Him.
But thankfully, He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103: 8, 10). Through His spiritual x-ray vision, He looks to radiate His love towards us. And while the fictional Superman can bend steel in His bare hands, the all too real Savior of the world can bend our sin hardened hearts to His control. He can do this because He once held, in His bare hands, the nails that were once driven through them as, by His cross and resurrection, He showed Himself to have powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Yes, Our Lord Jesus Christ is the world’s only true Superman!
Replace today's negative thoughts with God's eternal truths
The world says: "Its impossible." God says: "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)
The world says "I'm too tired." God says: "I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30)
The world says: "Nobody really loves me." God says: "I love you." (John 3:16, 34)
The world says: "I can't go on." God says: "My grace is sufficient." (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:15)
The world says: "I can't figure things out." God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
The world says: "I can't do it." God says: "You can do all things." (Philippians 4:13)
The world says: "I'm not able." God says: "I am able." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
The world says: "It's not worth it." God says: "It will be worth it." (Roman 8:28)
The world says: "I can't forgive myself." God says: "I forgive you." (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1)
The world says: "I can't manage." God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Philippians 4:19)
The world says: "I'm afraid." God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (2 Timothy 1:7)
The world says: "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says: "Cast all your cares on Me." (1 Peter 5:7)
The world says: "I'm not smart enough." God says: "I give you wisdom." (1 Corinthians 1:30)
The world says: "I feel all alone." God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)