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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Jesus said, “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10). How wonderful to worship the Messiah, the Son of Man to whom you have given “dominion and glory and a kingdom.” He is the Son of God and the Son of Man, the God-man whose “dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away” (Dan 7:13–14). Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Jesus’ healing and exorcism ministry in the region of Galilee. Jesus was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases” (Matt 8:17; Isa 53:4a). This teaches me that certain aspects of Jesus’ earthly ministry were unique to his role as the Servant spoken of by Isaiah (Isa 42:1–4; 49:1–6; 50:4–9; 52:13–53:12). As Jesus’ disciple, I’m not called to have a healing and exorcism ministry like he did. Instead, I’m called to follow the leadership of your Spirit and do the work you have for me to do. When Jesus cast out demons, he refused to let them speak because they knew who he was. He did this because the Servant was not to go about proclaiming his identity. Rather, he was to be restrained and humble (cf. Isa 42:2–3; Matt 12:15–21). Satan and his demons knew this, and they sought to undermine Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy by shouting out his true identity. This shows me that the enemy tries to use even the truth to thwart your plans and purposes. I was struck by Jesus’ commitment to personal devotions. In the middle of a successful ministry in Capernaum, he left early in the morning, while it was still dark, and went away to a secluded place where he could pray (Mark 1:35). He did this regularly (Luke 5:16), and his example is something I should follow. As a disciple, it’s imperative that I listen to your Word each day and respond to what you have said. This is how I can have a vibrant, healthy relationship with you. Jesus didn’t allow his success at Capernaum to keep him from preaching the gospel in other places. He told his disciples: “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose” (Luke 4:43). Jesus knew his mission, and he stayed focused on fulfilling that mission. This teaches me to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt 6:33). I love the faith shown by the leper. He said, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean” (Luke 5:12). True faith is certain of your ability, yet submissive to your will. After healing him, Jesus told the man to keep the law of Moses and tell no one but the priests what had happened. This shows that Jesus honored the Mosaic law and followed its commands. After all, he had not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matt 5:17). The leper didn’t obey Jesus’ command to keep the healing a secret, and as a result, Jesus’ ministry was hindered to such a point that he was forced to stay out in desolate places. This teaches me to do what I’m told even if it doesn’t make sense. Far better for me to be puzzled, than for me to hinder your work in other’s lives. Reflection When the Pharisees grumbled about Jesus eating with tax collectors, he said, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Am I working to win the lost for you? Request Father, Jesus left me an example so that I could follow in his steps (1 Pet 2:21). Help me pattern my life after his and enable me to accomplish the work that you have for me to do. Thanksgiving Thank you for the mercy and compassion you show to sinners, for without your love, I would still be lost in sin! Truly, you “desire mercy, and not sacrifice” (Matt 9:13). Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Leaving All to Follow Jesus” — Ida M. Budd. Meditation Verse: Luke 5:28. |