SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:37-45
“Awe gripped the people as they saw this majestic display of God’s power.” (Luke 9:43)
OBSERVATION:
Two things strike me in this story. The first is the gripping awe that came over those who saw this dramatic event. I have become desensitized to Jesus casting out demons. But if I picture this as my son screaming, in convulsions, foaming at the mouth, hitting and injuring himself, then I get the sense of miracle when the boy is healed. The other thing is the disappointment and frustration that Jesus experiences with His disciples, and the people in general. The people – and even His disciples – just didn’t get Who He was or why He came (v.45). His words seem harsh, ‘You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you and put up with you?’ Was this impatience in the perfect Son of God, or legitimate frustration? We need to keep in mind that Jesus has been teaching for a while, and has already performed many amazing miracles, but they still didn’t know what He meant.
APPLICATION:
As I read this, I sense that I myself have lost my sense of Who Jesus is and why He came. I am not gripped by awe when I think of Him, of what He did. Does Jesus have this same frustration with me because His significance is hidden from me? I have a tamed messiah, one Who distantly meets my need for forgiveness and eternal life, but Whose significance and majesty are lost on me now. I need to pray with my imagination, and think about what it must have been like, of His glory being revealed in amazing, majestic and small ways. I need to fall on my knees again and exclaim, ‘how great You are!’
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for not paying attention to Your greatness, for not understanding and appreciating Who You are and what You have done for me. Open my eyes Lord, help me worship You! Amen.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
The people met Jesus once again. They followed His travels. He was an exceptional ‘man’ – teacher, healer, preacher, deliverer, etc. It tears parents apart to see their children suffering from sickness and all the more from evil spirits. This helpkesness is agony for the parents because satan seems to be in control. So too it pains the Lord to see His children turn from Him and do their own thing. How long does it take us to place our trust in Him? He has been with them showing and telling who He is and yet they do not believe. He has been shown and told about in my life and how strong is my faith, my belief? In my temptations, my brokeness, is my God able to be my Deliverer? I see in this passage that He is able and once again comes to the rescue of His people. Be my constant Aid Lord and Rescuer. Help me this day to see You and be your servant true. In all circumstances, you are my God, my Refuge, my Fortress.
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.