Monday, November 26, 2012

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Monday, November 26, 2012       I Met a Man with True Faith        

Page 100-101         Matthew 8:1, 5-13; Luke 7:1-10

Jesus’ comments to the people in Capernaum may be quite chilling to people in our culture. We live in an age where everyone is a winner, everyone gets a trophy, no one is left out. But Jesus is very clear that not every person will be included in God’s Kingdom. This exclusion is every bit a measure of God’s grace and love, as it is by God’s grace alone that people can be included in His Kingdom. God honors the choices we make. We can choose to live by faith that Jesus is God’s Messiah, or not. Choosing the faith of the Centurion will take the chill off of Jesus’ warning.

Capernaum was Peter’s hometown and is on the western side of the Sea of Galilee, just a short distance north of Tiberias. Jesus spent most of his ministry in this region, and the Roman officer in today’s reading, through his close friendship with the people, had heard of Jesus’ teachings and the miracles associated with his ministry. The Centurion had concluded that the God of Israel was the God of creation, the one, true living God. He also concluded that this God was present in Jesus. As one very familiar with the chain of command, the Centurion expresses simple faith: if Jesus says someone will be healed, they will be healed! The Centurion’s faith was completely centered in Jesus, not on whether he deserved God’s favor because of the good works he had done for the people. The Centurion simply believed that Jesus was the Lord over all creation, and in humility asked Jesus for help.

Jesus is the Lord of the universe.

If, by faith, I really believe that Jesus is the Lord of the universe, then how do my prayers change?

If, by faith, I really believe that Jesus is the Lord of the universe, then how will I live my life differently?

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

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The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Tuesday, November 27, 2012      I Raise a Child from the Dead     

Page 101      Luke 7:11-17