What barriers might prevent us from seeking Jesus with the same fervor? Running to Jesus in Mark 6:55 “and ran through that whole region and began to carry the sick on their mats to any place they heard He was.” (Mark 6:55) The villagers sprinted, hauled stretchers, and refused to let anything slow them down. Their urgency challenges us. Why don’t we always move with the same resolve? Barriers That Cool Our Fervor • Familiarity Without Awe – “Is this not the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:55–58). Growing up around Jesus, Nazareth missed Him. Repeated exposure can dull wonder if we stop treasuring His glory. • Self-Sufficiency and Pride – Laodicea said, “I am rich; I have need of nothing” (Revelation 3:17). Confidence in our own resources numbs desperation for the Savior. • Unbelief and Skepticism – In Capernaum, Jesus “could not do any miracles there, except lay His hands on a few sick people” because of unbelief (Mark 6:5-6). Doubt closes doors that faith would fling open. • Fear of People’s Opinions – The parents of the blind man feared excommunication, so they kept silent (John 9:22). Worrying about reputation can freeze our feet when we should be running to Christ. • Busyness and Distraction – Martha was “distracted with much serving” while Mary chose “the good portion” (Luke 10:40-42). Endless tasks choke spiritual appetite. • Secret or Cherished Sin – “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). Hidden sin breeds guilt and drives us from the Light rather than toward Him. • Weariness From Unanswered Cries – After four days, the mourners thought Jesus arrived too late for Lazarus (John 11:21, 32). Prolonged waiting can tempt us to stop seeking. • Misunderstanding His Heart – The leper in Matthew 8:2 asked, “Lord, if You are willing…” Misjudging His willingness or goodness dampens passion. Clearing the Obstacles • Cultivate Awe: meditate on passages that spotlight His majesty (Colossians 1:15-20). • Confess Pride: remember “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Feed Faith: “Faith comes by hearing… the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • Fear God, Not Man: “The fear of man lays a snare” (Proverbs 29:25). • Schedule Stillness: set “Mary moments” that cannot be pre-empted. • Repent Quickly: keep short accounts, walking in the light (1 John 1:7-9). • Persevere in Prayer: “always pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). • Rest in His Compassion: “Whoever comes to Me I will never drive away” (John 6:37). A Call to Run The crowds in Mark 6:55 believed Jesus was near and that He could help—so they ran. The same Savior stands ready today. Strip away every weight (Hebrews 12:1-2), fix your eyes on Him, and run with renewed fervor. |
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