Holy Spirit theme continues:
Verse 1 - "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit...was led by the Spirit in the desert."
Verse 14 - "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit."
Fasting - Jesus ate nothing for 40 days. Heidi Baker says that when she fasts she is not trying to obtain favour with God or change his mind but is simply becoming more hungry for God. Why do we fast?
Temptation - There is much we can learn from the temptation of Jesus. How do we respond in our own lives when we are tempted?
Jesus' ministry - Jesus was anointed to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom, open the eyes of the blind... so many parallels again with the ministry of the Baker's in Mozambique. What does this mean for us??
Healing and deliverance - Jesus demonstrates his authority over the demonic realm and over sickness. As people brought those who had various kinds of sickness to Jesus he "laid his hands on each one and healed them."
This chapter raises a lot of issues for me about how we are to follow Jesus in Perth today. I will look forward to your comments and insights.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
6 comments:
I was struck [again] by what Jesus said when teaching in Nazareth - "No prophet is accepted in his home town".
What a BLOCK this can be.
The Bakers miles from 'home' in Africa - with a marvellous ministry accompanied by so many signs and wonders.
An African preacher that preached powerfully, daily at the central bus terminus in Darmstadt, Germany.
We have truths and Jesus words to share - but for me it would be easier to speak them out to strangers in a foreign land than the next door neighbour!
Am I the only one?
Just because we 'can' do something, does not necc. mean it is always in the best interest of the 'big picture' to do so!
eg. 4:3 and 4:9
In response to Rosaleen's comment ... I am sure you are not the only one. Preaching to strangers in a foreign land presents less risk as it keeps the relative 'safety' of our comfort zones intact.
Some parallels can be drawn with the 'antics' many get up to when on holiday ... taking risks and doing things they would never do on their home turf.
All good points although I would also have to say that the majority of the ministry being done in Mozambique (although initiated by the Bakers) is being done by locals.
The 40 days of fasting in the desert has always fascinated me. The temptations were also interesting, especially when satan offered all the kingdoms of the world - which he claimed was his. I've heard a few arguments about satans ownership stakes on earth - interestingly Jesus didn't refute it, rather focused on the transaction, that being submission or worship.
Satan finally retreated, but only temporarily - sore loser!
The next verse spoke of Jesus returning to Galilee, "powerful in the spirit". Was it the fasting, the isolation from people and closeness to God, the victory over the flesh or over satan? Maybe a bit of all. The real things of God engage with and through the spirit - we can't help but be filled - shame we leak.
Another interesting thing that comes up in the end of chapter 4 when Jesus "heals all" of the afflicted in Galilee.
"One by one he placed his hands on them and healed them all". Clearly Jesus could heal with a word, a glance, even spit. But this time he chose to get close and personal and made individual contact - one my one. Time, effort, personal investment.
Thanks for your comments Garry. I also found myself pondering why Jesus returned from the desert in the power of the Spirit. I reckon it was a combination of all the things you mentioned.
Post a Comment