Moving Beyond the Crib

 

~~~ John 3: 22-4:6 ~~~ Psalm 2 ~~~ Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 ~~~

 

As much as we may want to linger at the crib

 the readings quickly move us forward.

It is soothing and comfortable to be in the presence of an infant,

but God sent Jesus here to redeem us.

It would take more than his cooing back at us from his bed of straw.

 

We have seen Jesus choosing his 'staff' if you will,

 and now we see him responding to a need to move away from home.

 

'When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,
he withdrew to Galilee.
He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea...'

 

Jesus came to Galilee bringing his light

and in fulfillment of the Isaiah prophecy.

He brought with himself...in himself the true spirit of God.

 

'...the people who sit in darkness
have seen a great light,
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death
light has arisen...'

 

Jesus began to rapidly spread the word of the Father.

He preached repentance.

Went about the countryside healing all who were brought to him.

He healed them in mind, body, and spirit.

This was his signature, his trademark.

His healing was deeper than the eye could see.

 

 

I sometimes wonder, if Jesus had not performed miracles of healing

everywhere he went, would his preaching had been

as effective.

His actions often spoke volumes more than his words.

Those who were confused by his words could

plainly see what he was able to do

for the afflicted.

 

And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea,
and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

 

Today I think we rely much more on the words

preserved for us in the scriptures

than we do on miracles of healing.

Although we are always on the look out for those special

miracles of healing.

We do believe Jesus still heals.

Miracles will always be possible  with God.

 

'...every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh
belongs to God...'

 

We belong to God...

and all things are possible through him.

Accept his blessings in your life today.