20/04/2019 - NEGATIVE ADMIRATION

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And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!? Mark 6:2

The return of Jesus to Nazareth – the city where He had been raised and therefore considered to be His (v.1) – did not occur as He desired.  Certainly this happened for our edification.  Many times, we trust more in our relatives than in those that the Lord has placed at our side for us to do the work together.  God is to be the One who chooses and appoints the mission to whom He desires, because it is His plan and must be carried out under His watch and care.

Jesus’ fame was spreading to all parts.  From the first miracle in Galilee when wine was missing at the wedding, He performed something phenomenal everywhere He went.  It would be good if we allowed ourselves to be led by the Holy God, to be His instruments to fulfill His desire.  We cannot mix our desires with those of the Lord, but we must submit to His plans which are far better.

When Christ started to speak in the synagogue, on that Saturday, the people were amazed because His way of teaching was everything that men need to obtain fulfillment.  They could not understand how one of their countrymen could be used in such manner.  The way that Jesus opened and read the Scriptures made their heart shine but unfortunately they were invaded by envy, and other bad feelings, and so their reaction was negative.

In the synagogue at Capernaum, they also marveled at the Savior but the reaction was positive because they noticed that he delivered His lesson with authority.  They did not know Him as a carpenter.  At that meeting, not only did He free a demon possessed person, Jesus went to Peter’s house and healed his mother-in-law.  Then most of the town came to the apostle’s house door and He healed the sick and freed those that were possessed by demons.

How many times we listen to what God says and rejoice with His works, but we allow something to happen within us and do not accept the divine plan for our lives? How many are reading this message and did similar things with what happened at Nazareth?  Many could have solved their problems, but they did not allow the Almighty to finish the work that was intended and planned for them. Mercy!

Be wise and seek only those that God places in your path.  No doubt – those that you believe to be willing and able to help because they are family or friend may not understand your mission.  They might not help you but instead they might harm you.  The word declares: Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3).  Therefore let the Third fold (Ecclesiastes 4:12)  be the link between you and who is at your side to execute the divine mission.  Obey the Lord!

The real approval comes from the heavenly Father, when He is willing and it’s according to His plans and moves.  What comes from man is not accepted by the Lord, even if it comes with great intentions.  If there is no love – an act of God – the sacrifice will be in vain. (1 Corinthians 13:3)

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares