I was reminded today how hard it is to start and continue a good habit. I feel for those who try to make changes in their lives, because, darn it, it is hard to get the ball rolling and to keep it rolling. I felt like that today when I got up to do my reading for the Community Bible Experience; reading the whole New Testament in the first two weeks of the New Year.
My body said to me, “Can’t I just sleep in a little bit longer?” To which I replied, “No, we got stuff to do today and the first is to read God’s word!” How noble of me! Truth be told, it was still very hard. I hope you found the energy and expectation of seeing something exciting leap from God’s word as motivation enough for you to join with me and my church in this wonderful challenge for the New Year. If not, it is still not too late.
Here are my thoughts regarding the reading for today.
As Jesus begins His ministry in Nazareth, Galilee and the region of Judea, He presents Himself as one with authority and power. Speaking with power in the face of those who knew Him was shocking, but clearly Jesus was someone different. He knows the word of God. He speaks it with clarity, yet in parables. He speaks to the hearts of people, not to tickle their ears, but to move them at their very core.
Jesus heals with power. His power is beyond the people’s imaginations. No one does this kind of stuff in the world. The “authorities” can’t handle it. Although He speaks and performs wonders in their sight, they cannot receive the good that He is doing. He is upsetting the way things are, yet the delight of the people is clear. Surely He cannot be the one they are all waiting for? Even John the Baptist asks that question. And Jesus’ reply is for John to see what what He is doing. His authoritative words, actions and results are speaking loud and clear.
Jesus has the power and authority to change the world! This is His message to the region, to the authorities and to God’s forerunner, John the Baptist. May we not be like the disciples and, specifically like Peter at the transfiguration, missing the big point. Jesus has all the power and all the authority to go eventually to the cross and pay our penalty, that we might be saved from our sin and be with Him forever.
I hope you will continue on with me and my church in seeing what God has for each and every one of us in His Son, Jesus, through this Bible reading experience. Blessings.
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