One of the most important questions that seems to surface at various times in everyday life is: Who is Authorized? Anyone can offer help, but are they the solution or part of the problem?
READ LUKE 4:1-30 (By clicking the version drop-down, you can choose a different language, or click the sound icon for the audio) You can also make notes of what stands out for you, then use the “Leave a Comment” box below to write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
The doorbell rang one day and a policeman notified us that a “flasher” was seen in our neighbourhood. While getting ready for the day, my mind seemed to swarm with thoughts of what I would do if he indecently exposed himself to me! The problem with all my plans and solutions, is that I’m not authorized to act upon any of it. I wouldn’t be able to take matters into my own hands. I would have to phone someone who is in charge, go through due process, then submit to the one who is authorized to act on my behalf.
Today’s chapter is about something that you may have missed in yesterday’s Breadcrumb. In the Creator God’s epic storyline, to be authorized to act on our behalf – as intermediary between the Creator and those mortal beings who have been created in His image – the one authorized would be washed, clothed, anointed, and then appointed.[a] JIn yesterday’s Breadcrumb, Jesus was washed – just as everyone in the nation were being asked to do.[b] However, what made Jesus different was that heaven opened and Jesus was covered (clothed/anointed) with the Holy Spirit. He was then authorized (appointed) by an affirming voice from heaven – by the Creator God Himself.[c]
In this context, Jesus is then put to the test in today’s chapter. [v1-14] To establish His authority, He fulfils the predictions of the ancient prophet Isaiah [d], telling us how God’s Holy Spirit has authorized Him to act. It isn’t to act as “help”, but instead to be the solution for all our problems. [v18-19] Everything that Moses accomplished for one nation in my February Breadcrumbs, Jesus is now authorized to act without restrictions for the whole world – for you, for me, and for anyone from any background. [v25-27] Read More… CLICK on “03 March – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to speak directly with the One who has provided the solution? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[e]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens and let your glory be over all the earth. For my heart, O God, is steadfast and I’ll sing and make music to You. [Psalm 57:5,7]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Pray for the government of Bangladesh[f]
Your Country: Gospel Literature Ministries
Yourself: Needs of your immediate family
Your concerns for today
Thank-you, Lord, that a cheerful heart is good medicine. You know that a crushed spirit dries up the bones. [Proverbs 17:22]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Father, help me to do everything without grumbling or arguing. I want to become blameless and pure, a “child of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation”. Then I’ll shine among them like stars in the sky. [Philippians 2:14-15]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
Thank-you, Lord, that You’re a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. [Isaiah 25:4]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
You will also notice in today’s chapter that when Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked, or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[g] So then, by following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Giving God’s Good News
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” [2 Corinthians 5:20]
[a] Leviticus 8:6-10 and Matthew 3:15
[b] Matthew 3:1
[c] Matthew 3:15-17
[d] Isaiah 61:1-2
[e] Matthew 6:5-15
[f] http://www.operationworld.org/country/bang/owtext.html
[g] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31