If churchgoers can be convinced there’s something shameful and unchristian in bringing their values to the democratic process, first, it will blunt their influence on the culture. Second, they will be distracted from noticing the secular left’s long and well-documented history of infiltrating churches and buying influence among church leaders—a history that still marches on today. Megan Basham
Scripture
“For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Observation
Jesus returns to his own town Capernaum. Some people bring a paralysed man to him. Jesus encourages the man and says his sins are forgiven.
Some of the teachers of the religious law think that this is blasphemy. To prove that He has authority to forgive sins, Jesus tells the man to get up and walk. The man leaps to his feet, to the amazement of the people.
Jesus passes a tax collector called Matthew. He calls him to come and follow Him, which he does.
Matthew invites Jesus and the disciples to his home, along with tax collectors and other disreputable people. The Pharisees are offended by. Jesus tells them that it is sick people who need the doctor, not those who are healthy. He came to save the people who know they are sinners, not those who think they are righteous.
Application
The hardest people to share the gospel with are the “good people”. They think they are OK with God. They aren’t murderers or paedophiles, so why would they need saving?
Those who know their lives are a mess are much easier to convince. They have seen that running their own show has, brought devastation, broken relationships, addictions
Everybody needs a saviour. We just cannot see that until until we come to the end of ourselves.
The the good news is that Jesus died for sinners. Everybody can receive His salvation.
All we need to do is lay down our self-righteousness and self-sufficiency.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for saving me. Please help me to remember that it is the poor in spirit who receive your Kingdom. Amen.
I will not be disheartened or weakened in my spirit because the completed healings haven’t happened yet. In fact, I resolve to believe and decree even that much more! Rachel Shafer
Ordinary things became extraordinary in God’s presence. Don’t let go of His presence. Rachel Shafer
Singing and praising is not some kind of magic potion that makes our troubles disappear. Praise and worship helps to shift our perspective. Adoring Jesus, thanking Him, and speaking the truth of His character brings the peace that passes all understanding. My cry could have continued to be a cry of lament, but I chose to make it a cry of praise. Rachel Shafer
Biblical hope is looking forward to something with absolute confidence, expecting fulfilment. Rachel Shafer
Biblical hope is looking forward to something with absolute confidence, expecting fulfilment. Rachel Shafer
Scripture
This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”
Observation
Jesus goes to Peter’s house where Peter’s mother-in-law is sick in bed. He touches her, and she is healed instantly. She gets up and prepares a meal.
Many demon possessed people are brought to Jesus. He casts out the demons with a word and heals the sick.
One of the teachers of the law says to Jesus that he will follow Him. Jesus says that birds have nests, but He has no home.
Another follower wants to go home to bury his father. Jesus replies that he must come now and leave the dead to bury their own dead.
Application
Jesus healed then and He heals now. These miraculous healings were a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would take all of our sicknesses and remove our diseases.
Healing was never an issue for Jesus because he had a complete relationship with His heavenly Father.
If I have a complete and unblocked relationship with the Father, I will find that I also have no problem with seeing people healed.
Sin is an issue.
Prayerlessness is an issue.
As I grow in holiness and connection with the Holy Spirit, I will see the sick healed.
Jesus has taken away all of our sicknesses and diseases. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Lord, Jesus. I thank you that you have taken away our sicknesses and diseases. Please help me to walk in the grace of healing and wholeness. Amen.
If you are in the will of God, no matter how dark your situation may be, remember this: God has a plan, God has a purpose, and God will make everything beautiful in His time. Rachel Shafer
