privilege or problem?
“No prophet gains acceptance in his native place.” —Luke 4:24
When Jesus comes to town, He comes not to do what we want but what He wants. He comes not to take orders from us but to give orders to us. He will do things beyond our understanding (see Is 55:8-9). He will expect us to trust Him as Lord.
When Jesus came to His hometown as Lord, He was not accepted. As He began His public ministry, the people of Nazareth threatened to murder Him by throwing Him over a cliff (Lk 4:28-30). This was a preview of the end of Jesus’ public ministry when He was betrayed, denied, rejected, abandoned, and crucified.
What is your response to the lordship of Jesus? Will you bend your knee in humility and proclaim with your lips that Jesus is Lord? (Phil 2:11; Rm 10:9) Or will you insist on Jesus fitting into your life on your terms? In other words, will you insist on being your own lord and god?
If we deny ourselves, lose our lives (see Lk 9:23-24), and totally give our lives to the Lord, we are not doing the Lord a favor. The Lord is extremely merciful in giving us the privilege of giving our lives to Him. Therefore, let us accept the Lord on His terms today and invite many other people to accept the same amazing privilege.
Prayer: Lord, may I trust You more deeply when You do more than I can ever ask for or imagine (see Eph 3:20).
Promise: “Your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God.” —1 Cor 2:5
Praise: Warren shared his faith in Jesus with a woman who had been abused. His faith touched her heart and she converted to the Catholic faith.
Reference: (The Lord has a special blessing for those who have lost a spouse at our annual Widows & Widowers retreat Sept. 18-20. See www.presentationministries.com or email retreats@presentationministries.com or call 937-587-5464 for more information.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, through September 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 1, 2019"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.