Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 14:1-9, 17-22
 Mark 8:11-21

A Lesson Too Hard to Learn?

Growing up in Switzerland, it seems hard to understand, that water can be of such importance. We use water for drinking, brushing our teeth, flushing the toilet and watering the garden. There seems to be an endless supply, all the time.

But this was not always the case and is not at all the standard in the world. Many places suffer from water shortages. Even tropical countries like Thailand don’t always have enough water for drinking, energy and irrigation. Engineers have become very creative in finding solutions by pumping water or even by producing rain.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who passed away in October 2016, was loved by his people for all he did for his country, including “providing rain.” But this kind of rain is only of short effect and the proper humidity already needs to be in the air to produce rain.

Jeremiah states the questions, “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers?” And he answers right away, “No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.” (v 22)

Jesus provides his people with living water and bread from which they will never have to go hungry or thirsty again. But there is a condition to receive it, every person will have to answer this question: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, that you need his help and that he provides for all your needs?

Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees. They want to see a sign from heaven, but there is no need for yet another sign. The sign is there in front of them, they just have to open their eyes and believe. What is holding them back?

Jesus warns the disciples about the “yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.” The Pharisees as well as Herod have their own ideas of what the Savior should be like. He has to comply with their worldview, agree with their ideas and support their position in society and politics. If he does not do so, he cannot possibly be the Savior and he can definitely not be from God.

And what about you and me as we study these words today? Who is this Jesus? Is he the man who lived a perfect life and shows us that we are imperfect and cannot possibly live a life according to the rules and expectations which God has put down in the Law? Do we accept this imperfection as impossible to overcome by our own doing? What do we do with Scripture passages we don’t like? Do we ignore them? Do we ask God to show us how to apply them even when it hurts and requires change?

Prayer: I pray that God helps us all today and every day of our lives to learn the lessons which are hard to learn and allow Jesus to challenge us, to open our eyes and to change where necessary. But also let us marvel at the amazing things he provides for us in abundance every day: his presence, his love, his grace and the assurance of eternal life with him and so much more. Amen.