WHEN FAITH IS STRETCHED
Luke 7:18-23
Then Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them – Luke 7:22
We can wonder why John the Baptist asked if Jesus was the Messiah after all he prophesied about Him. He was His forerunner, but John’s doubts and questions were only natural given his circumstances and the state of Israel. John expected the Messiah to come to his rescue by delivering him from prison. But Jesus sent a message back that He was still at His duty post of preaching the gospel and healing people.
Why would Jesus leave him to suffer yet demonstrate His power in the case of others? John may have wondered why Jesus wasn’t ‘concerned’ about his plight. You may have asked the same question, “God, I have served you faithfully, why am I going through this affliction? Lord, You have used me to bless others but where is my blessing?” We must understand that God’s ways are not our ways; He acts based on superior knowledge and His will. In tough times like this, you have to trust God and rely on His love for you. It is not easy, but His grace is sufficient for you. C. G. Moore says; “I know of no hours more trying to faith than those in which Jesus multiplies evidences of His power and does not use it… There is need of much grace when the messengers come back saying: “Yes, He has all the power, and is all that you have thought; but He said not a word about taking you out of prison…” No explanation; faith nourished; prison doors left closed; and then the message, “Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me” That is all!” Are you offended in God because of an issue? Ask for His grace that enables one to stay the cause when faith is being stretched.
Prayer
Father, help me not to be offended in You during difficult seasons when my faith is stretched. Amen.
TRYING TO PLEASE PEOPLE?
Luke 7:30-35
… We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep. Luke 7:32
Jesus criticized the people of His generation for not responding to God’s program for them despite the messenger and the style. The Pharisees and teachers of the law refused to submit to John’s baptism. John came as an example of austerity and self-denial; they disliked him and his style and tagged him as demon-possessed. Jesus ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners, that is, He identified Himself with those He came to bless. The Pharisees weren’t pleased; they called him a glutton and a drunk. There was always something wrong with everyone. There was always something wrong with every method employed. The problem was not in the message or the messenger; they had a heart problem that consistently found fault and opposed whatever God was doing. Joyful tones wouldn’t make them dance; sad songs wouldn’t make them weep; they just hate the truth.
People will always have reasons for hating God’s servants and rejecting the message. If it is not about the message, it is about how it was said. If it is not about how it was said, it is about when it was said. If it is not about when it was said, it is about who said it. According to J. C. Ryle, “We must give up the idea of trying to please everyone. The thing is impossible, and the attempt is mere waste of time. We must be content to walk in Christ’s steps and let the world say what it likes. Do what we will, we shall never satisfy it, or silence its ill-natured remarks. It first found fault with John the Baptist and then with his blessed Master. And it will go on cavilling and finding fault with that Master’s disciples so long as one of them is left upon earth.”
Prayer
Lord, cause me to walk in Your steps. I receive the strength to stay focused on pleasing You amid the objections of people. Amen.
LOOK UP
2 Chronicles 4:1-6
Moreover he made a bronze altar: twenty cubits was its length, twenty cubits its width, and ten cubits its height. 2 Chronicles 4:1
The altar Solomon built was twenty cubits wide and ten cubits high, larger than the one originally built for the tabernacle furnishing. God had greatly blessed His people therefore it was expedient for them to enlarge the altars so no man would have an excuse for withholding large sacrifices from the temple. God’s blessings to us are not for keeps rather they are for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Our returns should bear a certain proportion to our receiving.
The height of the altar was ten cubits high, such that everyone who worshipped in the temple could have a clear view of the sacrifice and their eyes fixed upon it. This would progressively alter the state of their hearts and cause them to repent from their sins. Today, the cross is our gaze for repentance. We must keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ who died on the cross and became the great atonement for our sins. Basins for washing were placed at strategic positions in the temple to be used by the priests for cleaning themselves and others. The blood of Jesus and His word are our cleaning agents today. Are you looking up to Jesus? Do you have a regular place of communion where you are sanctified by His word daily?
Prayer
Father, help me to continually fix my gaze on Jesus Christ and to apply the cleaning benefits of Your word. Amen
GRATITUDE FOR FORGIVENESS
Luke 7:36-48
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47
Folks who do not have an adequate appreciation of what Jesus did to save them tend to be self-righteous and ungrateful. Why should they be grateful when they assume that they weren’t really bad before encountering Jesus? Simon, the Pharisee, had asked Jesus home to eat with him. We may never know his motive, but we can safely assume that it wasn’t pure since he gave Jesus a cold reception. He did not even offer Jesus the usual courtesies, such as washing the guest’s feet, kissing His cheeks, and giving Him oil for His head.
Simon, the Pharisee was self-sufficient by his own estimation and so didn’t need or value a Saviour. He went further to criticize a sinner who poured affection on the Master. The one who was described as a sinner, and who was grateful that her many sins were forgiven, loved on Jesus while the religious leader despised Him. Her worship and sacrifice revealed her conviction that there was nothing too good for Jesus. Dr. H. C Woodring noted; “When God cannot get religious leaders to appreciate Him, He will get harlots to do so.” How grateful are you for the sacrifice of Christ? Or do you downplay the impact of His love due to self-righteousness? Do you have a sense of gratitude that leads to honour and service to the Lord?
Prayer
Lord, grant me a sufficient sense of the extent of Your love that saved me from sin. I am grateful and devoted to You. Amen.
THE MESSAGE AND THE MESSENGER
Luke 8:5-15
I planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6
The farmer scatters seeds across the fields without concern for where they land, focusing instead on spreading them abundantly. Ultimately, only the seeds that fall on fertile soil produce a fruitful harvest. This parable illustrates the vital interplay between the message (the word of God) and the messenger. Often, believers may feel disheartened when their efforts seemingly yield no results, prompting some to abandon their God-given calling.
It is crucial to remember that our responsibility lies in faithfully disseminating the message, not in determining its reception. We must utilize all available means to spread the gospel, trusting God with the outcome. The effectiveness of the message hinges not only on our efforts but also on the condition of the hearts receiving it and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore remain steadfast in our calling, persevering in spreading God’s Word despite setbacks or apparent lack of results. Instead of focusing on outcomes, let us entrust the growth and fruition of our labour to God, who ultimately brings about an increase.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I entrust to you the fruitfulness of my endeavours. Grant me the perseverance to faithfully sow the seeds of Your word, trusting in Your provision for increase. Amen.
FAITH OVER FEAR
Luke 8:40-42, 49-56
But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well. Luke 8:50
Fear can unsettle the strongest of men and make them cower at the slightest threat or problem. The word of God speaks faith to God’s people to overcome fear and walk in the assurances of God’s love and power. Faith is the only antidote to fear. When we live in the consciousness that God is for us, we become faith-filled and courageous to take on any challenge.
Jairus had every reason to be afraid because his only daughter was dying. He was faced with the possibility of losing his only daughter. He came to Jesus looking for a solution to this difficult problem. The Lord Jesus spoke faith words to assure Jairus. This was after he was told that his daughter was dead and he should not bother Jesus again. Finally, his daughter was brought back to life. When we are confronted with the problems of life, we have two choices; fear or faith. Always choose faith found in God’s word. “Do not be afraid” is God delivering you from satan’s main weapon. “Only believe” is God pointing you in the right direction. Choose faith over fear today and enjoy the victory through faith.
Prayer
I choose faith over fear today. I will believe God and experience victory in my life. Amen.
ATTRACTING GOD’S POWER
Luke 8:43-48
And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace. Luke 8:48.
Many people were pressing on Jesus and touching Him but only one person was touched by His power. The others had proximity but the woman with the twelve years blood discharge had faith that drew power upon contact. Faith is the spiritual magnet that attracts God’s power upon a life or a situation. In calling on God to intervene in our case, we must do it in faith and be fully persuaded that God is able and willing to fulfil His words.
As we reflect today, let us examine ourselves and be sure that we are not found wanting on the scales of faith. You can be in church, but without faith, God’s power will not be activated in your life. You can be close to an anointed servant of God without enjoying the benefits of the anointing because of a lack of faith. Proximity does not draw God’s power, faith does. There was expectation behind the woman’s touch. Others were pulling and touching without expectation but she had a clear expectation. Expectations will focus your faith and provide clarity for your miracle. Are you always expectant when fellowshipping with God? Do you face your challenges with faith knowing that God’s power is at your disposal?
Prayer
I believe God always and approach His throne with clear expectations of the miraculous
DIVINE PROVISION FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Luke 9:1-6
And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing. Luke 22:35
Jesus sent out His disciples into the towns and villages to practice all they had seen Him do and heard Him teach. This was a call to practice faith with specific instructions: preach the kingdom of God, heal the sick, take nothing for the journey, and stay where welcomed. If a house did not receive them, they were to shake off the dust and move on. The disciples obeyed without question.
This was the disciples’ first solo mission, but they were not burdened with carrying provisions. What is stopping you from fulfilling your God-given assignment? Why haven’t you responded to the call? Why are you questioning the One who called you? The disciples didn’t worry about provisions because they had faith in the One who sent them. Do you have a call on your life but fear going beyond your comfort zone? Have faith in God’s promises and His ability to provide all that you need for your assignment. God is committed to providing for those who obey His call and go out on His mission. Rise today and step out in faith. Decide today to stop procrastinating and questioning, but to arise and fulfill your assignment.
Prayer
Father, grant me the grace to step out in faith today in fulfilment of my calling. I receive Your divine provision. Amen.
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