Eye Witnesses of His Majesty

Prepare: "We ourselves heard His voice.. when we were with Him on the sacred mountain." (2 Peter 1:18)
Read: Luke 9:28-45

Peter could vividly remember the unique experience at the Mount of transfiguration when he wrote to the church years later. (2 Peter 1:16-18). john too, confidently said, "We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only..." (John 1:14)

Splendour of His glory: Jesus chose to reveal His glory to the chosen three. They saw Moses, representing the Law and Elijah, representing the prophets, talking to Jesus about His impending suffering and death. They heard the Father's voice: 'This is My Son, listen to Him.' Jesus was the Messiah who came as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Peter would later affirm that Jesus is the chosen and precious corner stone of the church (1 Peter 2:6).

In a country where Jesus is easily added on to a list of gods or looked upon as a great teacher, how do we make people understand the uniqueness of Jesus?

Sorrowful cry of man: The scene in the valley was a real jolt to those who were still elated with the mountain-top experience. Jesus calmly took command of the situation and healed the boy. Jesus' struggle was not with the demons, but with the unbelief of the disciples. How quickly they let go of the authority they exercised when Jesus sent them on a mission (9:1-6).

We need times of retreat and renewal, to strengthen ourselves to battle with evil, which is a difficult and ongoing struggle.

Respond: Help me, Lord, to be filled with Your Word and with Your Spirit.

The Secret of Success

Prepare: Is suffering part of God's plan of salvation?
Read: Luke 9: 18-27

Today's passage challenges us to take a stand for Jesus and to follow in His footsteps.

A clear understanding: Even the ones who were closest to Jesus could not understand why He had to go through suffering. The preaching of the Cross was a stumbling block and sometimes foolishness (1 Cor 1:23) to them as they expected the Messiah to be a conquering king. To them death meant defeat. Jesus taught them clearly as to what was going to happen to Him so that they would understand His mission after the coming of the Holy Spirit and would carry the gospel to the nations (Acts 2).

Our understanding of Jesus deepens as we spend more time with His Word and commune with Him frequently.

A clarion call: As followers of the Lord, we are called to deny our selfish desire to use our time, talents and money as we like and choose our own way. We should take up our cross to do God's will, even if it means risking our health, life and comforts; and to follow our Master daily. We need to follow in His footsteps, being faithful even unto death. 'To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow in His steps.' (1 Peter 2:21)

'He is no fool who loses what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose' - Jim Elliott

Respond: Thank you, Lord that my sufferings in this world are nothing compared to the eternal glory that awaits me.

Privilege and Responsibility

Prepare: "Go, make disciples, baptize, teach... I am with you." (Matt 28:19, 20)
Read: Luke 9:1-17

Being in the Lord's ministry is the highest privilege a person can ever have; it also carries with it a great responsibility.

Model Leader: Before sending out the disciples on a mission, Jesus equipped and empowered them. He gave them wisdom to preach the good news and authority to drive away demons and to heal sickness. He gave specific instructions on how they should conduct themselves. He also held them accountable by receiving their report on their return, which they did with joy and excitement.

We have a responsibility to share the good news and also to care for the physical needs of those who listen to us. Secondly, we need to give generously towards the needs to God's servants. How cheerful are we in our giving?

Compassionate provider: Jesus took the disciple aside for rest and reflection, but people would not leave them alone. Jesus, however, welcomed the crowd and ministered to their needs. The disciples wanted to 'send them away', but Jesus told them, 'you give them to eat'. Jesus taught them to realize that it was not what they had, but Who they had with them.

We tend to see an easy way out of our responsibility when we focus on what we do not have. What a difference it will make when we really believe that God will do His part when we fulfill ours!

Respond: Thank you, Lord, that Your unlimited power is available to me when I obey You implicitly.

Faith Breaks Through Barriers

Prepare: "..with God all things are possible." (Matt 19:26)
Read: Luke 8:40-56

The woman whose prolonged disease could not be healed medically and a young girl who lost her life to sickness were given new life by Jesus.

Twelve year old disease: The woman became poor by paying the doctors and her only hope was to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. She desperately moved into the crowd and achieved what she wanted. However, she was commanded to confess her healing openly. Jesus quickly pointed out that it was not His garment, but her faith that healed her.

How is our faith in desperate situations? The Scriptures encourage us to go to the Throne of Grace with confidence. (I John 5:14, 15, Hebrews 4:16 and Phil 4:6)

Twelve year old girl: Imagine Jairus' reaction over the delay caused by the woman who took Jesus' time! Added to it was the news of the death of his daughter.

Are we frustrated over delays in our prayers being answered? Let us remember that delays cannot thwart the purpose of God. Jesus' mission was to heal Jairus' daughter and death cannot stand in the way. When circumstances seemingly go beyond our control, we need to 'just believe'. Jesus said: whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours. Mk. 11:24

In both the above incidents, God's unlimited power and human faith go hand in hand to make things happen.

Respond: Help me, Lord, to focus not on problems and situations, but on You.

Power Encounter

Prepare: "I have give you authority to overcome all the powers of the enemy" (Luke 10:19)
Read: Luke 8:26-39

When we are intimidated by the power of the enemy, let us remember that no power in the whole universe can withstand Jesus our Lord.

Power of Satan: Having lost control of his mind, body and actions, the man was hurting himself and others. He was wandering without rest for his soul or body. The demons had control of him. A legion was the largest unit in the Roman army having 6000 soldiers.

Those who allow themselves to be prisoners of the pleasures of this world hurt themselves by bad habits, love of money and luxury, false values, exploitation, etc. The god of this world has blinded their mind to their own needs and those of others whom they exploit. These people have no deliverance apart from Christ. (Col 1:13)

Power of God: When Jesus drove away the demons, the man was transformed-mentally, physically and emotionally. He sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him. Jesus commanded him to 'go and tell' what God has done to him. The loss of the herd of swine stood in the way of the villagers appreciating the wholesome recovery of the demon possessed man.

A man can lose the whole world, but not his soul (Luke 9:25). It is the transforming power of the gospel that can deliver people from their bondage.

Respond: Lord, I yield myself to reflect Your light to show the way to those who grope in darkness.

The Servant of God

Prepare: "Let your... lights be burning" (Luke 12:35)
Read: Luke 8:16-25

Many stumble along life's pathway led by wrong beliefs, values and leadership. What is my responsibility as one whose life is illumined by the Word of God?

That all may see Christ in me: Our devotion to the Lord should compel us to tell about Him to those who do not know Him. (2 Cor 5:14-15). We need to show Christ through our life, word and deed. We cannot hide the light and allow people to grope in darkness, but we must blaze a trail for others to follow.

That all may be one in the family of God: Jesus saw beyond His human relationships to those who obeyed His Word and His will. We cannot be bound by biological or geographical relationships, or the churches and missions we belong to. Anyone who is born into the Kingdom of God is our kinsman and we are all one big family of God, irrespective of colour, race, language or social status.

That all may experience the power of God: Many around us go through storms of life diseases, poverty, prolonged mental and physical suffering, handicaps, etc. They cry out without hope, not realizing or accepting that God controls the circumstances in human life and the world's history. In order that they experience the power of God in their life, let us be channels of His peace, power and healing.

Respond: Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that have broken will vibrate once more. (Fanny Crosby)

Secret of God's Kingdom

Prepare: "He who has ears to hear let him hear."
Read: Luke 8:1-15

The seed: God's word has the power to regenerate; to multiply into a hundredfold in the life of the one who responds and allows growth. Jesus sees the people as a land with a potential to blossom and bear fruit. However, it is the choice of the individual that makes the difference. Jesus divides people into four different groups.

The indifferent: People who do not heed what they hear or read. Like the religious leaders in Jesus' time, they do not stop to ponder and respond. They are content with what life in this world offers and refuses the message.

The fickle minded: This group receives the Word, but are easily turned away by opposition and temptations. Similar to the great crowd that followed Jesus, they would look for what they can receive from God. Their faith is shallow and fades away soon.

The double minded: They are easily overcome by the cares and pleasures of the world. They want the best of both worlds and often the world overtakes them. They do not allow the rule of God in their lives.

The strong: They respond to the Word, obey the truth and apply it in their life. They begin to reflect the nature of God in their life, drawing others to God. The Word of God is the measuring rod for their life. They do not bend or bow when adversity strikes or prosperity blows their way. Their lives will produce a good harvest for God.

Respond: Let me be like the tree planted by the water that.. Never fails to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:8)