Prayer Journal

Sunday, February 22, 2004

The last time Jesus was home, he was Mary and Joseph's son. But now, after performing miracles and preaching the kingdom of God everywhere else but Nazareth, he was coming home as the likely Messiah.

Followed by twelve men called the apostles, Jesus had become the talk of an entire nation. The people of his hometown however, didn't view him as God's Son or even a hero, but as a lowly hometown kid who had made a name for himself. It was that attitude that kept Jesus from doing much in Nazareth.

Mary's virgin birth was well known. Joseph's testimony of the angel of the Lord must have been the topic of many hours of discussion through the years. Many of Jesus' peer group must have had experience with his testimony as he grew in grace and knowledge of God. And the older folk in Nazareth must have heard the report of what was happening in Bethlehem. In fact, I imagine that not a day went by that someone didn't report the remarkable things Jesus was doing elsewhere.

It's especially interesting to me that Jesus met similar negative attitudes most places he went. Yet, according to this account in Mark, he did more miracles in places where he was a stranger than in his own hometown. That tells me that Jesus expects negative attitudes from some people, but he will not tolerate it from someone who from experience should know better.

How about you? Do you ask God to bless you anew knowing that you've failed to do anything with what he's already given you? Are you asking God to prove his love for you all over again? He's already done far more for you than you deserve, you know? It's time now to show him there's an end to your ignorance.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Lv. 13:1-59 Mk.6:1-29 Ps. 39:1-13 Pr. 10:10 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2004 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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