Beginning of the Great Galilean Ministry
(Matt 4, 9 Mark 1-2, Luke 4-5)
I'm thankful for sharing a great weekend with almost 40 wonderful women at the Women's Retreat at Camp Spofford this past weekend. We focused on living a life of Eucharisto – giving thanks to God in all things. One of the ways we learned to do this is by changing our lenses, asking God to open the eyes of our hearts, minds, and body. By having our eyes truly opened, we are able to see God in all the little things and see His love for us everyday. Another way we can live a life of gratitude is looking thorough the lens of God's Word. When reading today I made a note in my Bible, "remembering/looking back." This is what Christ did. Jesus, who knows everything, one of the Trinity, uses the Scripture in His ministry, and to God's glory. He references the prophets we just got done reading about: Isaiah and Elijah! He remembers all the prophets who spoke the word of God and were rejected in their own towns, by their own people. He knows the journey and the life ahead of Him, but He doesn't forget to look back. The prophets went through the pain and emptiness of rejection, and Jesus went thorough the same. God is Sovereign and Wise. He allows everything to happen for a reason and for His Glory.
I also want to look at the calling of the disciples. I'm sure we have heard many sermons on these chapters, been in the Bible studies, and have heard it in Sunday School, but it is always a great reminder. These men were living their day-to-day routines. Life: work (fishing all day long), families (we see parents and families) and responsibility. Jesus entered their life one day and called them. Simon had FAITH to go back out and cast out eh nets one more time. What if he refused? What if he told this man named Jesus that he was too tired, or there were not any more fish out there? What if his own self-centeredness got in the way of Jesus working a miracle and showing His glory? He had faith. These men were normal guys. Hard working, probably rough around the edges, humble homes, and they were still called. I fit that description too. They were told to "Come" and they dropped everything and went. Just like that. They didn't know how the story would play out, how the ending would be, or what the Promise was. We do. We know what lies ahead of us by being a follower of Christ. We know what's ahead. On this earth there will be hard hard times, but we know how the story ends. We know that Christ dies for our Salvation. That eternity in heaven is soon…that a glorious Kingdom will reign forever. Yet it is still so hard to follow. I pray for Faith. I pray for TRUST. I pray that I give up on myself and follow. I sing it every Sunday…time to LIVE.
When reading I also noticed the structure of Jesus's early ministry. There are 4 main actions we see Him do: teach, call, heal, and pray. All over these chapters and the chapters ahead, we will read about Christ's purpose here on Earth. He came to teach the "good news" and he did it in the synagogues, in the towns, outside the towns, and to the people. He never had a stage, he just taught to everyone who listened. He called: he called his disciples and followers. He asked them to join and follow him. No applications, no secret handshakes…just a calling. He healed. So many people in need. So much pain. So many people that needed Jesus to heal their physical hurts and needs. He did so much more. He healed their hearts and their souls. He is Jehovah Rapha – our healer. Finally, he prays. I have no doubt that Jesus was in CONSTANT prayer. Continually, without ceasing. He was one with God and The Spirit was with him, but he visibly prayed. He sought solitude and precious time to pray. I'm challenged to do a Jesus prayer. To rise early, in the dark, and to pray. I honestly do not do this...pretty much ever. We need to be in prayer. I need to be in prayer. By being a follower of prayer, I will have thanksgiving, and honor my God.
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