Scripture: Mark 8:32
He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
Observation:
Jesus didn’t use a parable to tell His disciples about His upcoming suffering and death. He spoke plainly so they would understand.
Application:
Some translations say that Jesus spoke freely , frankly, plainly, openly, and explicitly, making it unmistakable. We get the idea that Jesus really wants His disciples to understand — there is to be no question about His meaning on this topic!!
I have to admit that I sometimes struggle to speak plainly when I’m talking about God. There are times I don’t always feel that I know enough about what the Bible says on the subject. Other times I’m concerned about how my audience will hear what I’m saying and may judge me harshly.
More and more I’ve realized that the problem isn’t the message or my knowledge of the subject. It’s my trust in God. When I feel Him nudging me to speak up, I need to do so trusting that He will give me the words to speak His message.
Prayer:
Lord, Your name is majestic in all the earth and Your glory spreads across the heavens! (Psalm 8:1). Forgive me for those times when I have gotten in the way of Your message because of my lack of trust. I’m so thankful that you see fit to use me to spread Your Word even with all my flaws. Your trust in me is amazing and humbling when I compare it to my trust in You. God, help me to speak plainly! Build up my trust in You and humble me, Lord, so that I’m not in the way when you need to use me to speak Your truth.
