Jesus ~ the BEST Example

June 4, 2010
Matthew 4: 12-25

Inspired thots:
1) Jesus is obedient to God’s word and will. He knows God’s plan and actively does it… knowing the right time for His actions. Moving from Nazareth to Capernaum, Jesus set off to minister to those who were in darkness. Interestingly, Capernaum is in the ‘land of the shadow of death’ (v16).
a. Reminds of me Ps 23:4 ~ there is no need to fear evil as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, for Jesus is with me. My God is SO great!
b. People are living in the ‘shadow of death’… so close to danger; oblivious or without choice, I wonder? The world is in turmoil today; with the uproar of unrest in many countries, and the wrath of God through destructive typhoons and earthquakes, people are living in difficulty. Will we heed the signs and turn back to God quickly?
c. I must pray more for these people … they need to ‘see’ God in their circumstances. People suffering through natural disasters circumstance, disrupted peaceful living caused by fellow humans (riots and protests) and worldwide health issues (H1N1). God, we need You.

2) It amazes me, every time I read this passage on the response of the calling of the first disciples, (v18-22) how immediate the disciples’ response was to Jesus’ calling. Wow, why am I not like them? Yeah, pride and self-centeredness again. It is too inconvenient for me to move out of my comfort zone. I need to make ‘changes my comfort zone’ as the saying goes, ‘the only thing constant in life is change’

3) Jesus is really focused. He gives and gives tirelessly as He does the will of God. Thank you Lord.