Day 2
Scripture focus: Jesus claims to fulfill the Isaiah 61 prophesy (quoted by him in Luke) ... The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Luke 4:18-19
Jesus instructs his disciples prior to his betrayal ... "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works ... John 14:12 NLT
Jesus offers his disciples a challenge and a promise ... "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
And you thought you had big plans for the New Year!
Jesus has big plans for us. Imagine the audacity of his statement - "anyone who believes in me will do the same ... and even greater works ... "
Big hearts are required for this mission.
In case you've forgotten, during Jesus' brief 33 years on earth (with only three years in public ministry) he: turned water into wine, healed the sick, drove out demons, raised the dead, fed thousands out of a child's lunch box, thwarted the plans of Satan, set the captives free, restored sight to the blind, and basically turned the world upside down. He was faithful and loyal but He was betrayed by friends and foes. He was the King of Kings AND despised and rejected by men. He was the Prince of Peace AND the world went to war on his body. He was filled with compassion by the crowds of hurting and helpless people in his community AND those same crowds turned on him. He suffered AND saved. He loved the unlovely AND got enormous grief from his closest allies for his unconventional methods. He gave his disciples unmitigated access to his personal life AND they doubted his true identity. He rose from the dead but only after he suffered a cruel and torturous death.
All that living, serving, loving, dying and resurrection took a lot of heart. I don't know about you, but if I'm going to get with His program, something's gotta change. Like the Grinch, my heart needs to grow a few sizes!
Recommended reading: Genesis 3 and 4 in the morning; Matthew 2 and Psalm 2 in the evening
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
1 comment:
I've been at this a lot longer than three years with very little to show. I will keep leaning into the truth of the promises Jesus give us in this devotional.
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