LEARN YOUR LESSON AND DO IT!

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. —Luke 4:42-44

            Jesus was in a desolate place by Himself, but He was not going to stay there.   He was sent with a purpose and that purpose was to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God” in other towns.

            God has given us purpose as well. We are to be witnesses and make disciples “in all the world.” Right now we might feel like we are in a “desolate place.” And we are to a large degree isolated and not around many people because of this corona virus. Did we take it for granted the gift of people’s physical presence? Do you long to be in the presence of people?  

            Our Lord God Almighty works through situations like this in many ways. But the questions are— How is He working in our own life? What does He desire to teach me in and through this? Will I be different on the other side of this as I apply what He desires me to apply or will I return to the status quo with no change?  

            Jesus did not stay in the desolate place. He did not stay isolated and nor will we. This will eventually pass, but then what? For Jesus He left the desolate place to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God in other towns.” This is why He was sent and He was being faithful to that purpose. Now, when we leave the “desolate place” and are no longer isolated, will we be more fervently seeking to accomplish the purpose for which we were saved (Ephesians 2:10)? Will we be more passionate about it?

On 9-11 planes hit the World Trade Center buildings that were a wakeup call for this country, but also for the church. Did it work? Didn’t seem like it. Well, here is another wake up call for the world, nations (including the U.S.), individuals and the church. How will we respond after this passes? Will we learn the lessons our Lord would have us learn or will we just go back to “business as usual?” Be assured that our adversary, the devil, will be pushing his agenda through this and after this. Be on guard (I Peter 5:8) and be about or Father’s business.

Yes, Dear Father, may I learn what You want me to learn through this and then apply to my life what You desire me to apply. May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus my Lord. So be it!