Scripture: Luke 4:14
Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside.
Thought for the Day: Yesterday I had to get some things done in the yard. Weeds were going crazy, and so I raked, mowed and put down some weed stuff. It has been a while since I really worked in the yard, and I must confess, my hands are hurting. I’m always amazed at how by mid-summer, I don’t notice the grip on the mower or using the weed-eater for 30 minutes. My body has gotten into the groove, but once the routine stops, it only takes a few short weeks before the hands soften and certain muscles return to jelly.
Luke tells us that Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. The simple word ‘in’ basically means in, but I was reminded of my Greek in undergraduate (which I was never very good at) and how the Greek word en could be translated a number of ways, including in, within, in the condition of or by means of. Jesus has gotten into the Spirit and the Spirit into him by all he has encountered in his short ministry, and he is in tip-top spiritual shape. This is good news for everyone, for Jesus will continue to be challenged by those who are not pleased with his message or the means by which he communicates the message. I encounter so many people who have hit a crisis in life, and the first reaction is to call out for God to give them strength. So many who cry out are in pitiful spiritual shape. It’s like an athlete hitting the court for the first time after nine months of sitting on the couch, eating Twinkies and drinking beer. It is going to be rough. Jesus is spiritually prepared for whatever will come, including death. Are we doing the spiritual exercises necessary to ready us for whatever will come, including death?
Prayer: I know there is work to be done, O Spirit of God. Not only the work of revealing and building your Kingdom here on earth, but making sure I am in the proper condition to do the necessary work. May Jesus be my mentor, model and coach as I continue to build my spiritual strength. Amen.
CHAPTER TWO THIS WEEK
