It's human nature: we desire most what we are not supposed to have. It doesn't matter how many good things we have; we cannot live without the one thing that is beyond our reach. The serpent, known in the ancient world for power and knowledge, tempted Eve with promises of god-like qualities. It planted doubt in her heart whether God could be trusted. She and Adam took matters into their own hands and acted apart from God. The results were disastrous, just as they are when we do the same thing! We assert our 'independence' and do things that hurt us and others, even though we know better. Far better to walk in the ways of God and not strain against the yoke or harness!

Jesus did something that appears very simple when the deaf and mute man came to him for healing. He placed his fingers in the man's ears and touched his tongue. Jesus often used touch in his healings - he did not recoil in fear or disgust from any human infirmity or illness. But it is his command that is interesting: Be opened! And opened they were. Heaven and earth obey his commands. Jesus also opens the human heart and mind, but he does not do so uninvited. Sometimes this opening brings about all sorts of healing and changes in our life.