Today’s Gospel:  Luke 4:38-44

REFLECTION
“Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with diverse diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them, suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was the Christ (Luke 4:40–41).”

Jewish days began and ended with sunset, and since the carrying of any body was considered to be necessary work on the sabbath (John 5:10) the population therefore waited until the sabbath ended. Then they came to Jesus in crowds and with afflictions, hoping to get relief from the Lord. Once again the difference is seen between the sick in body, and those possessed with demons. Yet Jesus was equal to every demand made upon Him for He healed them all. Sickness was removed, and demons were expelled when the benediction of God came from heaven. For reasons best known to Himself, the Lord commanded the demons to refrain from public acknowledgment of His greatness. Soon his enemies would say He was in league with Beelzebub, and perhaps had demons been permitted to acclaim His greatness, their testimony would have been used by the priests as evidence in support of their charge.

“And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogue of Galilee (vv. 42–44).”

It was not possible for Jesus to maintain the high quality of His daily ministry without communion with His Father. Therefore because each and every day was filled with important acts of ministry, the Lord deliberately rose early to pray. Thus He found the strength with which to offset Satan’s attacks, and to heal the needy who came seeking help. Praying is far more important than preaching; without intercession, healing is impossible. No man can heal bodies when his own soul is sick. Jesus never sought opportunities to preach; they came naturally; however it was necessary to make time to pray. We do well to consider this fact. If Jesus needed spiritual refreshment in the quiet place, so do we.

Today’s Reading:  1 Cor 3:1-9

PRAYER
Lord, sometimes we’re too busy working for the Kingdom, we forget about the King.  In whatever we do, remind us to find the time to commune with you.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.