Imagine you were one of the women followers of Jesus during his three-year ministry on earth. What would it be like as you heard his teachings, walked by his side, and watched his ministry?
Dear sister,
I received your last letter expressing concern about my safety. Though circumstantially, the atmosphere is increasingly tense, but our Lord brings us great assurance that he is in control and we can rest in his power and love. For example, the other day, we were attempting to get away to rest, but thousands of people met us when we arrived on shore. Admittedly, I wanted them to run away to a place of rest. But Jesus saw them and said they were like sheep without a shepherd. Immediately, he began to teach them many wonderful things about the Father and the Kingdom of God.
Do you remember how whenever there was a storm, mother would read King David’s Psalm about the Lord our Shepherd. Immediately, our hearts were calmed. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”
Sister, even when everything around me is crazy, Jesus’ words bring comfort to my soul.
As I meditate on all that he teaches, my heart is once again restored. As I rest in his love, wisdom, and authority over all circumstances, I find peace. Like King David, I fear no evil for his rod and staff are there to comfort me.
Seeing Jesus’ healing power and miracles gives me assurance that nothing is impossible for him. His demonstration of compassion lets me know that behind these great acts is
deep love for all of us. I just witnessed one of his greatest miracles yet. There were 5000 men and many more women and children who came to hear him teach. As it got late, rather than send the people away, Jesus fed everyone with two fish and five loaves of bread. No, the fish were not the size of the fish that swallowed Jonah! Rather, he raised some baskets and prayed. When he then passed them out, they miraculously stayed full though thousands of people drew food from them.
Sister, I realized that he not only is the Son of Man and God, but he has the power to create things from nothing!
Could he have been a partaker with the Father in creating the earth? After all, in Moses’ first book, it says: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.” Perhaps the word “us” was referring to the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus working together to create man. Perhaps now you see why I am not fearful of anything man can try to do to me. Our Creator God is with us!
Worshiping with renewed faith,
your Big Sister
Today’s Bible Reading: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; John 6:4-15; Psalm 23
Today’s Application:
Our Creator God is with us! Yes, the One who made all things from nothing! Turning two fish and five loaves of bread into enough food to feed five thousand is nothing for God. Whatever we lack, He can fill. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want” (Psalm 23:1). The Lord says that sometimes we have not because we ask not (see Matthew 7:7-8). Perhaps we are asking but have no faith (see Matthew 17:20-21; 21:22; James 1:6). At other times, we ask with wrong motives (see James 4:3; Matthew 6:5-6). Sometimes we are impatient, but God wants us to wait on His timing and persevere in faith (see Luke 18:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 12:12). We may have sin in our lives that is blocking the Lord from “hearing” our prayers (see James 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12). It is important that we daily pray and read His Word. Seek His will for all we do. Perhaps our prayers are not according to His will (1 John 5:14-15). The Lord may have a different plan and direction to lead our lives (see Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28).
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