Matthew 4:12-17
Reflect
Jesus retreats to Galilee, the most remote region of Israel. Not a “normal” move for someone who will turn the world upside down. He’s on the frontier, a place derided as being loose on the Law and a nest for zealot revolutionary movements. This is where Jesus begins his preaching ministry! Matthew sees it as the fulfillment of a prophecy. Galilee was the first part of the nation taken into captivity, in 733 BC, and it is now the first to experience release from spiritual captivity. Jesus goes to the darkest places!
“Turn your lives around because here comes the kingdom of the heavens!” This is a literal translation of the Greek. Theologian Frederick Dale Bruner states: “When Jesus says “turn around,” he releases with that Word – even to us who hear it today – the spiritual power to turn around… Whatever Jesus says is pregnant with the power to perform it.” Notice, too, in Jesus’ words that the Kingdom is coming, whether we turn or not. It is our responsibility to respond to His call if we want to catch what God is up to.
Apply
Is there a circumstance, a wound, a sin, or a thought pattern that Christ is inviting you to turn over to Him? Is there a frontier, a place on the fringe of your community or work, where Jesus would like you to be His hands and feet, bringing His light?
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.