April 18, 2023 - Luke 4:42-44

“Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea.” Luke 4:42-44 NLT

Lord, there are a couple of things in the passage that really challenge me. First, even though the crowd had need of you, you got up early and snuck away to an isolated place to spend time with your Father. You put your relationship with him over your work for him. I sometimes find that so hard. The needs around me and the demand of my time can be so great. It can be easy to get so busy working for you that I neglect you. I must make you my highest priority. If I don’t spend time in your presence, then I have nothing of real value to give. I will just minister from my own power and strength. Not only will my strength quickly run out, but I don’t have the power within myself to transform lives. I must spend time in your presence so that I am full of you. Then I will have something transformational to give to others. Help me make it a priority to put you first. Help me make time for you even in the craziness of life and the needs around me.

The second thing that stands out is that you walked in obedience to what God was calling you to even when you could have easily justified staying. The people there needed you and were begging you to stay. How often do we justify not following our calling by saying that there is a need where we are? But Jesus, you were not called to meet the need there any longer, and even with the pressure to stay, you obeyed and left. Help us to always walk in obedience and not justify our disobedience because of the needs where we are.

In Jesus name, amen.