Read Online
They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about
his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean
spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in
the surrounding region. Luke 4:36–37
Jesus had just encountered the wrath of many in His hometown of
Nazareth, so He left there and traveled about 30 miles to
Capernaum, a town just north of the Sea of Galilee. This was to
become His new home during His public ministry. The reaction He
received in Capernaum was much different than that which He
received in Nazareth. As He taught in the Synagogue in Capernaum, a
man with a demon came to Him, Jesus rebuked the demon and cast it
out, and the people were amazed. Word spread about Jesus quickly.
After this, Jesus performed many other miracles, and the people
continued to be in awe of Him.
What was it that impressed the people of Capernaum? In part it was
the “authority and power” with which Jesus spoke and acted. But it
was not only this, since Jesus had done so also in Nazareth where
the people failed to believe in Him. In Capernaum it wasn’t that
Jesus was different, it seems that the people were different. Jesus
won over many hearts in Capernaum because the people were open to
the gift of faith. In fact, when Jesus was preparing to leave from
Capernaum, the people begged Him to stay. Though eventually Jesus
would also encounter resistance from the people there, their
initial reaction was one of faith. Do you want Jesus to act
powerfully in your life?
Do you want Him to act upon you with authority and power? Many
people, from time to time, can feel as though their lives are
somewhat out of control. They experience weakness, confusion, a
lack of direction and the like. For that reason, true spiritual
“authority and power” is very welcome. What sort of authority and
power do you need Jesus to exert over your life today?
Think of a small child who is frightened. When this happens, the
child turns to a loving parent for comfort and security. The
embrace of a parent immediately helps to dispel the fear and worry
of the child. So it is with us. We must see Jesus as the source of
calm in our lives. He is the only one Who is capable of ordering
our lives, freeing us from the attacks of the evil one, bringing
peace and calm to our disordered emotions and clarity to our
questions and doubts. But this will only be possible if we are
open. His power never changes, but it can only enter our lives when
we change and when we recognize our weakness and our need for Him
to take control.
Reflect, today, upon the infinite spiritual authority and power of
our Lord. It is a power beyond anything else we could imagine. He
wants to exercise this authority in your life out of love. What is
hindering Him from taking greater control of your life? What sin or
temptation does Jesus want to rebuke in your life? From what
oppression does He want to set you free? Reflect upon yourself
being a member of the town of Capernaum who fully welcomes Jesus,
is amazed at Him and desires Him in your life. His working in your
life depends upon you and your response to Him. Call on Him and let
Him in.
My most powerful Lord, You and You alone are able to take
authority over my life and bring order and peace. Please remove any
doubt and stubbornness from my heart so that I can open myself to
You and Your grace. Take authority of my life, dear Lord, and lead
me into Your most holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.
Source of content:
catholic-daily-reflections.com
Copyright 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved.
Used with permission via RSS feed.
Featured image above: Christ heals a man possessed, via
Wikimedia Commons
Kommentare (0)
Melde dich an, um einen Kommentar zu schreiben.