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,
Our group traveled with Jesus back to his hometown. It seems that increasingly people are becoming aware of his ministry. I was expecting them to give him a grand welcome. Surely, they are proud that the Messiah is from their town! At first, he was well received. He went to the temple to teach and many came to hear him. People were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
What followed surprised me. It seemed that though they wanted Jesus to perform miracles, they did not truly believe he is the blessed Messiah. I was very scared at one point as it seemed they wanted to push him off a cliff. But they had no power over him and he walked right through the crowd and out of town.
Sister, I had so many emotions bubbling inside of me that day. When I feared the mob, I saw the peace of Christ and immediately confessed my lack of faith. Jesus trusts that the Father’s will cannot be thwarted. He also walks in authority over all, and thus confidently presses on no matter what persecution comes his way.
I felt very angry when the people were rejecting our Master. How dare they reject the Messiah! I wanted to yell and fight back. But Jesus calmly spoke the truth and then walked away. Sister, after this experience, I prayed that I too will not waste my time retaliating against those who reject me. But rather peacefully walk away and then pray for my enemies to change and gain understanding of God’s love. Once again, I am humbled by Jesus.
With greater faith,
your Big Sister
Today’s Bible Reading: Luke 4:16-30; 1 Peter 2:4-12
Today’s Application:
How do you respond when other’s reject you? Ask for God’s power to respond with patience, humility, and forgiveness. Say a prayer of blessing for anyone who is currently giving you a hard time in any way.
The world rejects the gospel and the Scriptures. The enemy wants us to compromise our faith and walk in disobedience. Have you given in to the pressure of the world? Is there any area in which you are not fully surrendered and obedient to God’s Word? Take a moment to confess and repent. Ask the Spirit to empower you to walk in holiness. Invite a trusted friend to hold you accountable to walk in obedience in this area.
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