The Might of God

Today’s Gospel Text:  And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read; 17 and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." 20 And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." 22 And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" Luke 4:14-22

Reflection: There are something’s in scripture that beats logic and as a result there are two thing one could do about it if not three.

Either rationalize the word by putting some cogent arguments and meaning into it or believe in the great possibilities of God, if not then the third option is to harden your heart forever.

Take for example this text: “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country.”

How could a report concerning Jesus go through all the surrounding country when it seems that he has just started his ministry beginning with Galilee?

There could be two possibilities and both are tenable when it comes to God.

The first possible reason could be the great possibility of the Holy Spirit who makes all things possible and, in ways best known to him, could spread abroad the fragrance of Christ who is the anointed one of God.

On the other hand it seems that Jesus had already started his ministry even before Galilee and Luke wants to put the starting point of his ministry as Galilee, so too the other evangelists.

Could this be on account of the special place of Galilee in the prophetic word: “But there will be no gloom for her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zeb'ulun and the land of Naph'tali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.”  Is. 9:1

Since Galilee was away from the seat of religion, i.e. Jerusalem, it often found itself neglected and cut off with Samaria with its semi-pagan practices geographically cutting it off from Jerusalem

Even otherwise God begins his work with what is least best and thus makes every life that is like a desert to bloom, if only one allows him room in their lives.

Prayer:  Lord we believe in your power and might, increase our faith that you may work in us freely and without any hindrance.

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