Jesus: The Light Dawns in Galilee Week 5 - Matthew 4:12-25 Day 5: Reflect, Connect, Respond Mike Stewart, author This week we have seen the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, the selection of his first disciples and the effect of his preaching. Spend some time thinking about how you too can be a reflection of his light to those in your immediate orbit of influence. Jesus healed many. We too can be used by God to be a healing presence to those hurting in various ways. Reflect We read about the undistinguished background of Jesus’ first disciples. If he can “make” them into fishers of men, think about what he can do in your life. As you look at the condition of the world today, think about the joy to come in the kingdom of heaven. Connect John the Baptist heralded the kingdom, but put emphasis on the need to prepare for God’s rule rather than on the good news of its arrival. His preaching called men to repent of their sins before the coming of the King (3:1–10). He focused on sin and judgment. His was the bad news that pointed up to the graciousness of the good news about to come. But Jesus’ first proclamation was of good news, God’s marvelous offer to rescue “us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13–14). The gospel is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, the good news that God’s kingdom (the sphere of God’s rule by the grace of salvation) is open to anyone who puts their trust in Jesus. When Jesus preached and taught, he was announcing that he was the Messiah who had come to bring God’s promised rule. And he demonstrated that power to rule by healing many of diseases and demons. Once again, the rule of God is approaching with Jesus’ return. As we anticipate its coming, let us reflect peace and joy to a world in conflict and chaos. We may be the only good news they have. Respond What is your next step? What difference should the fact that the rule of God is coming make in your life? What do you need to repent of? As you relate to those in your circles of influence, does your life reflect your knowledge of the good news to them? What changes could you make to be a better fisher of people, to let people know the rule of God has arrived in Jesus Christ?
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:41:10 +0000
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