March 20, 2019
Every day we encounter different people and are faced with different circumstances. More than we know, many times we are wrestling “not against flesh and blood” but against evil powers. And also, we encounter people—all of whom need a word from God. Some will receive God’s Word graciously, but the very same people may turn in response to His reproof and want to kill the messenger.
Luke records, in very deliberate manner, a running overview of Christ's daily encounters in order to help us see this clearly and navigate each day spiritually.
CHRIST’S ENCOUNTERS
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. (Lk. 4:1-2)
He had a full, head-on temptation encounter with Satan Himself. We encounter such entities more than we realize. If you don’t believe this, read Ephesians 6.
And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all. (vs. 14-15)
And notice their response, in a matter of hours/days.
(vs. 22) And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips
(vs. 28-30) And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, He went His way.
CHRIST’S RESPONSES
And how did Jesus, day-by-day respond to all of these things?
In the fullness of the Spirit He ...
Nothing need concern us, except to be full of God. If that is so, we will walk rightly through every day. The cumulative effect of such a Spirit-filled life will be a powerfully effective, redeeming life, just like Jesus.
April 30, 2025
And then he said with a twinkle in his eye that had seen nine decades plus, “I believe this may be the best season of my life!”
April 24, 2025
This is only possible with God’s aid. He tells us to draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us. But that approach begins with a plea for His help in this foundational task. It is our most important step of every day and throughout the day. We must be aware of God.
