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Mark O'FarrellYou Missed It!

By Mark O’Farrell, College President

Over the years, I am fairly certain someone has come up to you with these words: ‘You Missed It!’    It might have been something you forgot to see.   Or, you might have been preoccupied and did not experience or realize what happened. Or, you did not think it was important so you did not plan to be present or look into the event.   Usually, for me, it was a friend, colleague, or an immediate family member reminding me that what I missed was terrific and so beneficial that I would have been blessed, enriched, and encouraged!  It was awesome!

Every time I read Mark 3:1-6, I am overwhelmed with puzzlement regarding the miraculous healing of a man’s withered hand.  The synagogue leaders were only interested if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath in order to accuse Him of not keeping the Sabbath.  Jesus heals the man’s hand and the next verse tells it all: “Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.”  Mark 3:6 NKJV

They Missed it!

They were caught up in their own agenda and perceived knowledge flowing from a corrupt and false understanding. They missed the ‘main thing’ … a miraculous supernatural healing in their very presence! And look how far they went to the other side … wanting to destroy Him!   How is that possible?

What would you have done, having seen that event right before your eyes?  How would you have reacted?  What would you have said or asked or even shouted?  How could they miss this?   And to make matters worse, as you read the miracles that Jesus performed that were recorded in the New Testament, notice how leaders and people continued to miss the main thing.  There is not the ‘overwhelming awe’ that a supernatural event has occurred in their very presence!  Instead, there are plans, meetings, and statements in total opposition of Jesus.  Incredible!  They all missed it!

How is that possible?

Allow me to share a few thoughts:

  1. Sin Blinds. They could not see and comprehend!  They could NOT appreciate what was right before them.
  2. Personal agendas of pride and authority push out the reality of the Divine. The Divine is placed on the ‘back burner’ and maybe not even be on the stove!
  3. The Enemy of the soul will deflect in any way possible the recognition and appreciation of God’s Blessing being present! He will use feelings, problems, issues, and circumstances to initiate confusion and misjudgment.  He wants us ‘out of focus.’
  4. The ‘silent working of the Almighty’ is ongoing, stays behind the scenes, and will appear suddenly. Only those ‘who are in tune’ with Him will spot it.  Others will miss it!

It revolutionizes everything!

You Missed ItMy suggestion for you so that you do not miss what God is doing for you personally: be on ‘Moment Alert.’  Pray the following: “Let me accept the newness each moment brings with awareness and gratitude.”  (Disciplines for the Inner Life by Bob Benson and Michael W. Benson.) God is working in you, around you, above you, below you, before you, and for you!  Be on the lookout for the ‘Hand of the Lord’ In your life.  Do not miss it!  It revolutionizes everything!  No rabbit trails for you!  He wants you to see it, feel it, and know what He is doing in your very presence!  It is happening!  Do not miss it! And … tell others!!!

President O’Farrell