In yesterday’s Bible reading, we looked at Jesus’ comments on counting the cost and that not everyone who wants to follow Him will.
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus says that God has hidden some things from some people and He has revealed some things to some people. (Luke 10:21-22)
Why would God hide things from some people? There is an element of God hiding things in order that we might seek them out. (Proverbs 25:2) But from yesterday’s reading, not all who want to follow Jesus really want to follow; they have divided loyalties. (Luke 9:59, 61)
Of course, we all
have divided loyalties. The Seventy-two Disciples whom Jesus sends out in Luke
10:1ff return amazed at their authority over demons. They were looking at the
fruits of their ministry instead of the root of their ministry, i.e., the One who
gave them the authority. (Luke 10:19-20)
God occasionally gives us a glimpse of His glory. Yesterday, we read of Jesus’ Transfiguration. Peter made the understatement of the millennium, “It is good for us to be here.” (Luke 9:33) Dr. Luke adds that in Peter’s suggestion to make shrines for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, he didn’t know what he was actually suggesting. I’m glad Dr. Luke recorded the Transfiguration and Peter’s response. I can relate to Peter; I don’t always know what I’m saying!
Application
Have you ever been shocked by God’s activity? In praying for friends, family (and strangers), have you ever been amazed at God’s power to heal? Have you ever been amazed at God’s ability to orchestrate things so perfectly, that “miraculous” is the only word that aptly fits?
Recently, someone
close to me has needed medical help. God has given her a job where she has
contacts with some of the best doctors in the country. Rather than a
multi-month wait, God orchestrated one of the best of the best doctors to see
her in a matter of weeks. If God chooses to heal her through this doctor’s
hands (as opposed to a miraculous way, which we would also welcome!), she will
have surgery next month to repair a repetitive stress injury.
I’m glad that God
has shown me a glimpse of His glory through this situation, to see His hand
move as He plays the Master Conductor bringing everything into alignment in
perfect timing. We will rejoice regardless of how God chooses to bring healing,
but we must keep our eyes on the Healer rather than the healing. We must keep
our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfected of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)
God cares for His kids more than we could think or ask (Ephesians 3:20). But more than the things He does for us, the most remarkable thing is that He adopted us in the first place. We sure didn’t deserve it! In fact we were rebels against His authority. We were strangers and enemies. But God, in His infinite wisdom — something that I cannot get my head wrapped around — saved me. I know that even a blind squirrel can occasionally find a nut, but there’s no way I could have found God unless He had revealed Himself. (John 6:44)
If you’re one of His, spend a few minutes today reveling in the remarkable, stunning reality that you were adopted, too! If you aren’t one of His, or if you aren’t sure if you’re one of His, please reach out to me today!
All that thrills my soul is Jesus He is more than life to me. And the fairest of ten thousand In my blessed Lord I see
