Down into the Valley
Opening Prayer
God, I may not know what is before me, but I know who goes with me. Help me to have faith in You.
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 THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Why did Jesus say these statements at this time?It is not surprising that, when God sends his Son to earth, the forces of evil are stimulated into action. The gospels record many incidents where Jesus’ appearance in a village or even a synagogue causes extreme violence and destruction (e.g., Matt. 8:28-34; Luke 4:16-30). See the evidence for this in today’s passage. The sad thing in this incident is that the disciples are not able to cope. Many of us might sympathize with them today! The shock, fear and violence of the situation would be enough to make us freeze. This is one of the occasions when Jesus seems really exasperated (41). Perhaps it was knowing that his disciples had only just witnessed the Transfiguration and should have known a lot more about how things really were. See how masterful Jesus is. There is no question that the evil spirit will obey (42); the Son of God is in complete control of this extraordinary situation. No wonder the people were all amazed.
Apply
Commit Luke 9:23-24 to memory and ask God to help you follow Jesus fully.
Closing prayer
Jesus, when You are revealing Your wonder, help me to remember the cost and that this is not my home.
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