“A Light Has Dawned”

Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Matthew 14:13-23

It sounds funny to say we need to retreat in order to move forward. But it is true. We have to think about our future, and plan, knowing God is in charge. We have to take the time so that His plan is more important than what we might do. His plan will succeed and give Him glory, our plan may not do that. His plan has our best interests in mind, ours may do more harm than good.

Stop for awhile. Don’t wear yourself down – pressing ahead and moving forward. Take a break. Listen for the Word of God. Ponder the Bible. Pray. Only in the refreshing strength He gives us can we find the resources to move forward in our service for Him. Retreat in Jesus before moving forward.

Alone with the Father

is the only place

to find the strength to press on.

Our Daily Bread – July 5, 2010