SCRIPTURE: Luke 4:42-44
Jesus was sent to announce God’s good news, that God’s kingdom (Genesis 1:26-28) had finally commenced.
Ultimately His message was for the whole world, but His specific audience was the nation of Israel.
When people wanted to keep Jesus (and His good news) to themselves, Jesus moved on.
There is an important lesson for the church here: God’s message is not just for me, but for those around me.
When Christians think only of their own comfort and salvation, they miss the point of Jesus.
When churches fail to move on, rest assured that Jesus and His Spirit will (leaving the church behind?).
Jesus’ message was important, but it did not rule out taking time for personal renewal.
This is helpful for me, as I am on my sabbatical right now, “in a place where I can be by myself”.
This ‘me time’ needs to be a time for renewal, recharging my batteries for my own good news purpose.
God’s kingdom is here, Jesus is in charge, and the world needs to know this.
But as important as this is, we also need to keep ourselves connected to God through personal renewal.
How are you charging your batteries so you can continue to live and share the good news of God’s kingdom?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for keeping You to myself, and forgetting why I am here. Please use this time of personal renewal to recharge my spiritual batteries for living and sharing Your good news!
Observation/Application
Alone.
Alone with God.
Talking with the Father.
Wisdom. Power. Strength. Insight. Guidance. Encouragement.
Being found by ‘SonSeekers.’
Mine.
Good news not just for me.
Good news for all.
Sharing. Telling. Living. Talking.
Doing what God’s purpose in His life.
And me?
I too must do His will in
His Kingdom this day
by His power within me.
Prayer
Help me this day once again Lord to Live For Jesus. Lead me and Guide me always. Empower by Your Spirit to do Your will.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Refrain
Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Refrain
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.