"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FAITHFULNESS OF JESUS CHRIST"
Luke 4:42 Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them;
Luke 4:43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
Luke 4:45And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.
A few explanatory thoughts, some application and a prayer:
1. Jesus got up early one morning and went out into the wilderness. We don't know what He was doing there, but from other accounts, He would often go out to private places where He would alone with God, and pray, and become refreshed for what lay ahead. You might even say, Jesus had early morning devotions.
An excellent practice for you as a christian. We need to be re-filled day by day as it were, yesterday's blessing are yesterdays. Today is a new day, and God will fill us for what lays ahead. Like your car, you fill it up, drive it, and then need to fill it up again, God will do this for you also. Just ask Him to do it.
2. The crowds Jesus had been ministering to were looking everywhere for Him, and when they finally found him, they begged Him to to stay with them, and not to leave Him. Why do you suppose they did that? It's because of what He had done for them.
See Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.
Luke 4:41a And demons also came out of many,
3. But, here's the part where we see the faithfulness of Jesus. Faithfulness, means, reliability, true, sure, one who keeps to his task, someone who can be relied on, one not easily persuaded away from what He is to do.
Notice please what Jesus said in response to the crowds request to remain with them. Luke 4:43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
I want to draw your attention please to the word "Must" for a moment. It means, that which is necessary, ought, the right and proper thing to do . But the main way of understanding this word is necessary. And, then, please look at this other word "sent"
Sent means, to go to a place or do a task that is appointed for you. In this case, it means an official and authoritative sending by God in Jesus's life. In other words, Jesus had a God given task to do, and He was committed to doing it.
4. Now fast forward just a little and notice this Luke 8:1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
Jesus was doing what God had called Him to do, what He knew He must do. He was being faithful to the call of God upon His life.
As God Jesus is faithful. See 1 Cor 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus was faithfully doing what God had called Him to do. Two other quick things that are a blessing. He was making disciples and He was preaching the good news.
These are two things that Jesus is still doing today, and seeking to do through His body the church. Telling people of the good news that they can be saved if they will believe in Him, and then making disciples. Teaching people about Christ, and showing them how to follow and live for Him.
5. Now here's something to consider and enjoy. If God is faithful to do what He says He will do, and He is. And, if God does not change, which He does not. And, if God it truth, which He is. And, if God cannot lie, which He cannot. Then, isn't it wonderful to consider that each and every promise that God has made He will do and He fulfill, because He is faithful and reliable. By the way, no one can prevent Him from doing what He intends to do.
6. Lastly, and here's where this applies to you in a slightly different manner. Actually, it's a few things. God has a plan for You, and He wants You to be like Jesus and be a person who is compelled to say, "I must" You see God has sent you also, and He wants You to faithfully carry out His plans for Your life. Question, are You being faithful to God at this time in Your life?. If you are, then let's thank God, but if Your not, here's good news, You can repent today, and start this day by doing what God has sent You to do.
Be faithful to Your faithful Lord. It's the best way to live your life.
A prayer:
Our Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your Son to die for our sins. And Jesus, thank You for faithfully doing what God sent You do to. And, thank You Jesus for setting and example for us to be faithful just like You were, and are even today. Lord, if we have failed to be faithful, then thank You that we can repent, and be cleansed by You, and restored and get right back into what You have called us to do. You are our great and faithful God. We love You. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
