Just Do It!

Today’s Journal Reading
Genesis 9-11
Luke 4

Luke 4:42-22
At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Observation:
This chapter picks up after Jesus was baptized by John, and documents the start of Jesus’ ministry. Before starting his ministry, Jesus fasts for 40 days. It is during this time (when he is weakest) that the devil tempts him. Jesus only responds to the Devil with God’s Word. He then returns to the city he grew up in and begins teaching and preaching, but it was difficult for people to accept him because – wasn’t this just Joseph’s son? He moves on to another city because he is not accepted in his own town. He performs miracles every where he goes and many are healed and freed from demon possessions. The people wanted him to stay, but he had a job to do and kept moving.
Some points I observed:

• Jesus was filled with Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit was with Him. Jesus’ actions were lead by the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus prepared for his ministry by fasting for 40 days. He also spent time alone, in a solitary place first thing in the morning – preparing for his day.
• Jesus was tempted by the Devil, and could have commanded many things to happen to him, but instead, followed the plan God designed. He reminded the Devil of what God’s Word said and only responded to him with Scripture.
• Jesus returned to his home town first to begin his ministry. He shared with his family and friends, but when they did not readily accept him in this “new” role, he didn’t beg, plead or try to convince them of who he was. He moved on. (I wonder if that was hard for him to do – these were his family and friends he grew up with!)
• Everywhere he went he healed people, cast demons out of them and shared the love of God with them. He was in demand all the time, but still took time to find a solitary place before he started his day.
• It didn’t matter if he was ran out of his hometown or was begged and pleaded to stay in with the people he healed and cast demons out of, it didn’t distract him from continuing with his purpose and being obedient.
• Jesus established boundaried to keep him on track to fulfill the purposes God had for him.

Application:
Jesus knew what his purpose was and obediently did it. He didn’t allow anything to influence the direction he was given by God. How much do I allow outside influences to affect me when I know what God wants me to do? In the last few weeks, God has revealed to me many areas in my life that I allow people, events, and circumstances to influence me in ways that do not line up with His purpose and direction in my life. It is hard for me not to “give in” to these influences because I don’t want to disappoint anyone, I don’t want anyone mad at me and I’m not comfortable setting boundaries. But, I’m learning to, and with continued practice and obedience on my part, it will become easier and natural for me. I won’t be pulled in different directions, get myself in situations with people that are not what God wants for me. I want to make everyone happy, and help everyone get along, so I try to be everything to everybody. If Jesus didn’t do this (and He could) why do I think I can get away with it? God has revealed to me the areas I need to be obedient in, and like Jesus, I need to just do it!

Lord, thank you for revealing to me the wrong patterns of behavior, wrong ways of thinking and wrong attitudes that I have clung to for many years as truth. Forgive me for not establishing healthy boundaries in my relationships with family, friends, acquaintances and strangers. You have made it very clear what I need to change and what I need to do to fulfill the purpose you have for me, and 2008 is year that I am committing to living for eternal purposes. Every time I write 2008 or see 2008 I will physically or mentally kick the 8 over on its side, so it will be the mathematical symbol for infinity (eternity); and it will be a visual reminder of what this year is to be about - eternity. In Jesus Name Amen.