He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. (Mark 7:34-35)34
The world of Jesus’ day was multilingual, much as many of our world’s communities are. Jesus himself may well have spoken more than one language. In the healing of the deaf and mute man in Mark 7, we have one utterance of Christ in Aramaic – likely the most common spoken language in Israel at the time – and then the translation for us. “Ephphathah,” meaning “be opened.”
There are a few times when Aramaic words were recorded in the New Testament. Here it may remind us of the power of Jesus’ actual words.
I am currently reading a book in which the author points out one of the main differences between . . . . the Christian faith and general “spirituality” in this way: in our Christian faith our God speaks! Communication is always the key to any relationship, and our relationship with God is no exception. In “spirituality” there is no communication. Just some vague and changing ideas and impressions.
We note Jesus’ compassion in taking the man aside and communicating to him in a way he could understand what would soon happen. Not being able to hear, this small act of kindness would have been especially meaningful.
Although the true power came about when he spoke. “Be opened!” The man’s ears were opened and his tongue loosed. He could talk and hear.
Our God speaks, and things happen. Amazing and supernatural things.
“Let there be light” (Gen 1:3). The beginning of creation. … faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ (Romans 10:17). Faith Jesus as our Savior is created. So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).
All is carried out according to God’s plan.
God’s speaking is power for our good! Rejoice that God speaks to you, and listen to his words in faith.