several times, we see Jesus interacting with people, and we get a hint at His omniscience. While speaking to a crowd, or to an individual, some others nearby are thinking something that is askew, and Jesus calls them out for it. in His Spirit, He knew what they were thinking in their hearts.

my question is: is there a difference in thinking in your heart and thinking in your mind? one, the heart, would be more visceral, the mind, on the other hand would be more of your logical, rational, planning side. now obviously, there is no thought that takes place in the muscles of your heart. but there is a difference in planning out a to do list, and dealing with a stressful situation in a relationship. we will not think in the same way, other factors come into play, and we see thins differently with our minds than we will with our hearts.

so, when Jesus sees into their hearts, i’m going to assume (considering what is going on) that their core, their gut feelings are driving them, and so Jesus is making a point of mentioning this, so that we can try (with His help) to keep those heart matters in check.

Jesus asks them “why are you thinking these things?” He knows that their basic thoughts are flawed. He knows that deep inside (or maybe not so deep) that there is a fundamental part of them that has gone bad. (thanks a lot, sin nature.)  these guys do not approach life, or God for that matter, with a sense of wonder but, rather with skepticism. they do not look at what God has for them as being of any value. they want a system of rules and regulations that they can be in control of, and govern, and dupe themselves into thinking that they have any say in what is going on…

instead of saying ‘this can’t be…’ we should have a different response in these situations when God works outside of our understanding.  do we live in expectation that God will work, that He will move in, through and around us in a way that defies our own expectations? or do we try to kep Him bounded in, so that we can be comfortable where we are…basking in mediocrity and sin.

we need to be ready to be amazed. we need to expect God, and ask Him, to work beyond our understanding every moment of every day. we cannot think in our hearts, or minds, that our expectations for God are expectations that we would have for ourselves. we cannot expect Him to work within the boundaries of our own limitations. He is GOD after all…and we are not (thankfully.)

so, if you want to think with your heart, then by all means, go right ahead, but expect God to work outside of your heart’s expectations. and if you want to think about God in a more rational sense, then again, by all means, go ahead…but expect to be confused a lot.

Father, please forgive us for dreaming small. please forgive us for trusting more in ourselves, rather than in You. please give us the courage to wonder in You again, like we used to…help us to move beyond our own limitations, and into the realm of your glorious movements and will.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Spirit, have mercy.

amen.