Scripture is full of so many things God has promised through the Messiah. Is it wrong to expect God to do BIG things since he has told us to ask? After all, we serve a BIG God who delights when we take him at his Word. What do you expect from Jesus?
Lately, I have had one expectation; that he be with me every single day and, through the Spirit, help me to discern and accomplish the things that are necessary before me. The Good News of the Gospel is “God with Us!” I desperately need God—my Helper—and to fellowship in his love.
In our passage today, Jesus goes to the synagogue—one that he grew up attending and he is handed a scroll of Scripture to read. He reads with great authority and clarity which unsettles people, because he is reading about himself and his commission from the Father. He is filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ ministry has begun: to set people free from addictions, cleansing them from sin, opening spiritual eyes to experience the Father, liberating people from their own self-restricting prisons, and providing doors of opportunities for people who cannot find their way.
The people listening know Jesus as Joseph and Mary’s son, but they know nothing about Jesus as Messiah and they are resistant to learn. They do not expect great things; just the usual readings and rituals. Jesus continues his conversation with the people, by reminding them about Elijah and the Woman of Zarephath—a Gentile who believed God and received abundance in the midst of unfathomable odds.
Jesus is God and he is passionate about saving his world. If we really know Jesus, we will understand how much he loves the world and does not want anyone to perish without receiving his salvation. In Christ’s words and actions we find the Truth that sets us free. So, when someone begins to tell you their problems, please tell them you serve a BIG God who can do all things and introduce them to Jesus!
Luke 4:16-30 NLT
16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19
and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”
20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”
22 Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”
23 Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’—meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’ 24 But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.
25 “Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner—a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. 27 And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”
28 When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. 29 Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, 30 but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for always going above and beyond my expectations. You take such great care of your children; always ready to lend your strength and grace. Help us to abide and stay in a place of oneness with you, so we may enjoy the fellowship you desire with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.