All's Well that Ends Well?
Opening Prayer
Thank God for all the things he has done this week in answer to your prayers and the prayers of others.
Read LUKE 9:37-45
[37] The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. [38] A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. [39] A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. [40] I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” [41] “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” [42] Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. [43] And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, [44] “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” [45] But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was the reaction to the boy's healing?Henry Ford said, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” In their busy training regime (37), the disciples don’t succeed every time (40). People seemed to be learning that Jesus needed to be there for God’s healing to happen (41b). Conscious that his physical presence in this team was limited, do you wonder what Jesus must have been thinking? Was he saying, “Just because amazing things have happened doesn’t mean that the story has an entirely happy ending’? Or was he a bit frustrated, making him say, “Come on you guys—you know what to do—get on with it! I won’t always be here to help” (44).
What’s your approach to failure? Do you give up and walk away? Or do you think, reflect, pray and put what you’re learning into practice? The disciples were part of a team. Who are your team members and supporters? How can you “get on” together with the work that Jesus has called you to do in the world?
Apply
Ask God to encourage those who are isolated in their faith, perhaps in countries where there are few Christians.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I’m glad I’m on Your team. Help me to put into practice what I’ve learned about living for You.
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