As I read the New Testament passage for today, this phrase caught my eye: “Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum…(v.13)” In writing his gospel, Matthew described the ministry of Jesus in that town by exclaiming, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light…(v.16 – emphasis mine)”
What an opportunity Capernaum had! Jesus not only travelled through there from time to time, as was the case with certain other localities, instead, he actually settled down among them for a season. The city’s inhabitants had the rare privilege of seeing Jesus every single day, of hearing Him preach again and again, of seeing miracle after miracle after miracle.
Sadly, His prolonged presence among them seems to have done them little good. In fact, Matthew later tells us that Jesus spoke strong, condemning words over the very same city and others nearby, declaring that even Sodom would fare better on judgment day than Capernaum (Matthew 11:23-24)!
All of this serves to drive home an important truth: Great opportunity brings great responsibility. To put it another way, “To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).”
When you receive this email, I encourage you to pray these words,
“Heavenly Father, Help me to take full advantage of those opportunities that you bring my way. Help me to seek you while you may be found, to call upon you while you are near. I am so thankful that you are in my life. Lead me and guide along life’s pathway. In the name of Jesus, Amen!”
Have a great day!
Pastor Mark
No comments:
Post a Comment