Gospel devotion - Just like Jesus - Luke 9:11b

Today’s Bible readings can be found at these links: Psalm 69:13-24 and Luke 9:10-17.

Luke 9:11b                Jesus welcomed them and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

            It’s just typical of Jesus. He has had a busy morning debriefing the disciples about their winter ministry exploits in other villages. In order to help them to de-stress, He decides to take them on a quiet retreat to Bethsaida. But things don’t go according to plan because the country folk get to hear of His location, and end up coming in their thousands to hear Him preach or see a miracle.

            No doubt the disciples were peeved for they wanted some quality time to be with Jesus. Christ could also have refused to meet the expectations of the crowd because He had something more important to do. But this is Jesus, so typically He gets among the people, speaking to them about the Kingdom of God, and healing those who needed healing.

            In theological terms, it’s called Incarnation ministry. Jesus is in the midst of His people, preaching to them about God’s ways, and showing those ways to be true by mercifully healing the sick. It’s the image of the compassionate and gentle Shepherd that most of us see in our minds when we think about Him. It’s also the way in which we hope that He will welcome us, talk to us, and heal us of all our sicknesses, whether they be physical or emotional, spiritual or cultural, personal or filial.

            Today, I need that typical Jesus to walk beside me, to show me the Kingdom of God, and to heal my hurts and disappointments, my anxieties and fears, as well as my sickness and sadness. Only He can do that for me; only Jesus can bind up my wounds, release me from my fears, and restore me to health. Perhaps, you are feeling or experiencing something similar. My prayer for you would be that Christ can do the same.

Question:      What is currently troubling me? Am I willing to let Jesus reach me and heal me?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, You are the Savior of the World and the Healer of broken souls. Welcome us into Your heart today and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest Snowbird drawing called “Winter Woodpecker.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Woodpecker.

Short devotion: Difficult Days - Psalm 61 v 2

Psalm 61:2    From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

            We all have times when Life seems overwhelming and our problems unsolvable. We get through each day with difficulty and hold on to our sanity by our fingertips. Trying and painful experiences affect us emotionally, whether they come through sickness or grief, insult or injury. In other words, there are times in all of our lives when everything just sucks.

            The Psalms are full of similar moments which is why, when we read them, we connect very quickly to what the writer felt, even though it all happened 3000 years ago. It seems that there is nothing new under the sun after all, so if we turn to the Psalms for guidance and assurance, comfort and grace, we will soon find a verse that fits our present emotional and spiritual needs.

            When King David wrote Psalm 61, he was in distress. He had work problems, family problems, people problems, health problems, and spiritual problems. Even though he was a powerful king, he still felt vulnerable and lonely, isolated and weak. He needed to know that God was with him and looking after him. He needed to experience the closeness of God in a way that would restore his faith, renew his hope, and reaffirm God’s love. As he worked through his dilemma by writing the words of the psalm, David eventually trusted in the Lord - his Rock, Strength, and Salvation.

            Whatever we are facing today, no matter how many or how large our issues and problems may be, we can also look to God through Christ for help and healing, salvation and love. Just as God watched over King David thousands of years ago, He still watches over us today. He is our Rock from on high; He is the source of all our strength.

            Question:      What issues or problems am I presently experiencing? Am I willing to seek God’s guidance and comfort to overcome them?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, we call You our Savior because You rescue us from so many different things, but especially our sinful and selfish ways. You understand us completely and know all of our present problems. Grant us the strength we need and the guidance we require to endure and overcome our chief concerns. In Your Holy Name, we faithfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask a question, make a comment or suggestion about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest winter drawing called “A Winter’s Night.” If you would like to view a larger version, click on this link: Winter.