Devotion
The questions we ask in our hearts and never say out loud
“But some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts: "Why does he speak like this? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Right away Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were thinking like this within themselves.”
Mark 2:6–8
They never opened their mouths. Jesus answered them anyway.
The scribes were the Bible scholars of their day, and on the theology they were exactly right: only God can forgive sins. What they missed is who was standing in front of them. Two contrasts in this room are worth sitting with. Four men tore a hole in a roof to get to Jesus; the scholars sat and critiqued Him from their seats. And while the friends were noisy and messy in their faith, the scribes were quiet and polished in their unbelief.
Practice
Name the thing you've been thinking but not saying to God. Does He really forgive that? Is He actually good, after what happened to us? Do I believe this, or just perform it? He already knows. Today, say it out loud in prayer, and then say it to one person you trust — a spouse, a group member, a pastor. Unspoken doubt hardens; spoken doubt gets pastored.
Prayer
Lord, You already know what I've been thinking and haven't said. Here it is — I'd rather bring it to You than sit on it. Keep me from being right about doctrine and cold toward You. Move me out of the critic's seat and back to the corner of a mat. Amen.
This Week’s Message
This devotion follows along with this week’s message.