February 20, 2021
Daily Focus: Our Response
And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” …And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region. Matthew 8:27, 34
Two starkly different responses to Jesus’ miracles: the disciples are amazed and marvel over his sovereign power; the villagers of a pagan city plead with him to leave. In this chapter, we also read about a centurion who without first seeing a miracle believes that Jesus is Lord and has the power to heal and of others who believe that Jesus is a great prophet and teacher but are not ready to follow him.
In honest reflection, I have responded to Christ at times like all of these characters. I have believed sight unseen, I have marveled at his work in my life, I have made excuses for not immediately following him, and I have asked him to leave in those moments when I want to be in control. Thankfully, he is patient and persistent and will complete his work in me.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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