05/08/2023 - CRUCIAL POINTS

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Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. Mathew 4.12

After being in the wilderness for 40 days, being tempted by the devil, Jesus heard that John, His forerunner, was arrested by King Herod. So, He decided to return to Galilee, where He had been raised. It is always good to go back to the roots to look at the important things that we learned, when we were in a certain place for a period of time. No doubt God used people and situations, good or bad, in order to prepare us for holy ministry.

Perhaps someone will say that Jesus was afraid of being arrested as well. After all, the Jews and the others who did not accept Him as He presented Himself, claiming that God was His Father, would certainly ask the authorities to take Him out of the circuit. Now, this is foolish speculation, because nothing happens without divine permission. In fact, the plan of the Most High will be done, whether man wants it or not (Job 42:1,2). The Savior was arrested and killed at the appointed time (John 2:24; 12:27).

God’s Son would never be afraid, for as the apostle Paul said, God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1.7). Whoever trusts in Jesus is not dominated by that which has not been given to him. So, never accept fear, because fear and faith are based on the same concept: believing in something that cannot be seen. Fear comes when you give credit to the devil, and faith comes when you believe in God.

In the book of Proverbs, it is written: There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel – that will stand (Proverbs 19:21). Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6.33). Don’t be worried about persecutions, or even arrests because of God’s will! Absolutely nothing will shake you (Matthew 10.28-33). Being in communion with the Lord is the secret!

The Jews tried to kill Jesus and almost succeeded at one time. He let them take Him to a cliff in Nazareth. However, when He arrived there, the Messiah used the power of God and delivered Himself from them: And they rose up and thrust Him out of the city, and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way (Luke 4:29,30).  Stay alert and believe!

The Lord will keep us from every snare, but if we face any evil, it will be a blessing for us, as it is written: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8.28). Agree with the will of the Most High, even without knowing the reason for it. He says: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55.9). Trust and live!

It was time for Christ to begin His ministry, so He went through the desert in prayer and under every form of temptation. Our Savior came out ready to show why He came into the world and He did it masterfully. Get ready to be used by the Most High as He planned and you will find that it will be a blessing not to be missed. The Almighty is your God, your Reward, and your Friend!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares