Re: Verse reading–Matthew 4:12-22 (day one). “When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee.” (vs 12) “From that time he began to preach.” (vs 17) It must have seemed like a strange choice. To begin ministry in Galilee, the most secular part of the Jewish nation, the people most impacted by the Assyrian conquest generations earlier, the area furthest removed from Jewish orthodoxy and influence, was not what anyone would have recommended. “Galilee of the Gentiles” was what “proper” Jews called it. They thought Galileans were worthless and disinterested prodigals. But light always shines in the darkness. This will not be the only time that Christ reaches into the darkness to rescue people for whom others have lost hope. Jesus does not see with unbelieving eyes. Not places, not people. He sees potential. He sees the infinite possibilities of God. May He give us eyes to see and courage to shine, even to people who look like unlikely candidates for the grace of God.
Pastor Don,
Thank you for your sermon yesterday. I have been trying to find God’s will for my life and your words helped me tremendously. I liked what you said too about how God will change us instead of the people and circumstances around us. Just last week I realized that God changes my heart to love those in my life and that makes all the difference.
Amen! Please Lord…give us eyes to see and courage to shine for You alone!!
How amazing that we have a Savior who can sympathize with/lead us because He has “been there.”
Ps 143:8-11
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies;
I take refuge in You.
Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me.
Amen.