“Ephphatha”

Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him.
And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue.
Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”
Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.
[Mark 7:32-35 NKJV]

Clouds open to reveal Jura covered in snow. Isle of Jura from North Kintyre.

The scripture tells us that ‘Ephphatha’ means ‘be opened’, but that description is but a part, because it also means ‘be set free’, ‘ungird’, ‘break forth’. When Jesus speaks a word of release, it is always more than mere healing; there is complete liberation.

What we see here are the three basics that the Lord taught us for healing. The first is repentance (they begged Him to put His hand on him), followed by forgiveness (“Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”), and finally deliverance (Immediately his ears were opened...).

That word, “ephphatha”, while meaning ‘be opened’, really expresses complete forgiveness. Be set free from whatever troubles you. Be set free from your old ways. Be set free to live a new life in Christ Jesus.

In the passage quoted it was being liberated to hear and gain understanding, but also to gain control over the power of speech. We do not know what the impediment really was, but Jesus’ healing brought freedom of speech; an ability to speak nought but His truth.

Jesus shows us the way to whatever healing we need. Repentance, then forgiveness brings deliverance. From personal experience, we know it works. His way brings truth and gives new life.

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“Ephphatha” - Shekinah Kayinda

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OSWALD CHAMBERS - RUN TODAY’S RACE
Sunday 7th June 2020
The pure man or woman, not the innocent, is the safeguarded man or woman. God demands that they be pure and virtuous. Innocence is the characteristic of the child; it is a blameworthy thing for a man or a woman not to be reconciled to the fact of sin.

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