Mark 9:47, And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell,
Desperate situations often require desperate measures. We shrink in abhorrence at the concept of deliberate mutilation. As did Jesus’ listeners. For many physical imperfections-blind, deaf, crippled-were indications of sin. A punishment. A penance.
Better, though, Jesus says to publicly acknowledge our sinfulness than to allow it interior growth. We do not hesitate to cut out a cancer or stop gangrene to save a life.
Disobedience of God’s truths lead us into a deeper death, an eternal death. And so Jesus sends His words to warn us-to alert us to the danger. “Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Blind me to pride and power and prestige Lord. Keep my sight set on Your kingdom, on Your desires. Deafen my ears to false values. Cripple my chase after empty goals.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 18:27
For you deliver a humble people,
but the haughty eyes you bring down.
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