PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 13:53-58
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” (Matthew 13:58)
The word here translated ‘miracles’ is ‘dunamis’ (where we get dynamite and dynamic).
But when Jesus came to His hometown, there was no dynamite, no powerful signs.
It wasn’t that Jesus lacked power here, but that the people didn’t show up.
He was there, and God was ready to back Him up with Spirit power.
Most people lacked confidence in Him, so they didn’t come for healing.
They held back, and as a result they didn’t experience God’s power.
I do believe that the Lord always responds to our prayers with His power.
(Though I also believe it may not be the ‘miracle’ I was asking for).
Am I holding back, am I not asking, because I am not confident He will respond?
Just because He does not do what I ask Him to, doesn’t mean He didn’t do something.
This passage challenges and encourages me to show up, to ask, to expect something.
It may not be what I ask for, but the Lord’s Spirit is always doing something.
Whether hidden, subtle or dramatic, God’s dynamic is always at work when we show up.
But am I showing up, am I asking Him, am I expecting great things from Him?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to trust that Your power is always working, whether I see it or not. May this motivate me to ask more, and to expect more.
Lord help me show up.
Jesus’ own community and even some family members could not accept that Jesus was more than what they saw – what they remember. I am certain Jesus must have been unusual and insightful as a child – and they did invite him to teach – but they did not accept his teaching -thinking that what he said was impossible and they did not accept its authority – rejecting because of the source – the Jesus that grew up among them and not the Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus was a genuine human being and this scripture affirms that – but it takes a step of faith to go beyond human to son of God. Seeing Jesus as son of man and son of God is important to our salvation – by believing I am healed – and empowered!
What may I be missing in Jesus’ teachings because I have been a follower so long? Am I indifferent in any way? Lord Jesus, open my spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear Your messages anew.