Mk 6:4-6, And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household." And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
I was reading this passage a few days ago when I noted something. We usually tend to blame unbelief for the fact that Jesus could not perform miracles in Nazareth. However, the LORD mentioned the lack of honour first, before marvelling at the Nazarenes’ unbelief. These people could see nothing other than a carpenter and would not open themselves up; they would not make room in their hearts to welcome things which were obviously beyond the competence of a carpenter. Jesus said that whoever receives a prophet as such, would receive the reward of a prophet. In other words, if you receive a prophet as if he is a plumber, you cannot receive the reward of the prophet because your eyes are looking in another direction. It will be done to you according to your faith…
In verses 6 to 13, we read that the LORD sent the disciples in the villages, two by two, and empowered them to cast demons and heal the sick – which they did with great success. But these towns had to welcome them in order to experience the miracles. Indeed, Jesus had warned the disciples saying: if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.
Your attitude when you go to church is important. What do you really expect from GOD? Do you go to church by routine or to meet with the King of kings, LORD of lords and GOD Almighty? Are you 100% there during the songs, the message, or any other aspect of the service? Are you truly in the presence of GOD – i.e. are you totally absorbed by HIM?
To all who did receive him, He gave the right and power to become… something; to become whatever they have wished to become in 2014 (see Jn 1:12).
To all who did receive him... There is no way you can become something else if you do not first receive. The LORD will sent you words/messages which are spirit and life to help you become what you have aspired to be in 2014; but you must receive them. This reception goes far beyond the ‘Amen’ that we may shout in church. It goes beyond rising when the pastor or the bishop walks in. It is an attitude of the heart which even precedes our arrival to church. It is running, in your heart and mind, towards GOD. It is anticipating the meeting highly. It is being certain that this encounter will change you and it is being determined to do whatever will be required of you there. And it is doing this every time we go to church, every time we pray, every time we read our Bible, every time we listen to a godly advice, read a Christian material or watch a Christian TV broadcast. The best analogy to this is that of two lovers as they prepare for their first dates. This will be the only thing in their minds for hours (or even days) before the actual event. Besides, you don’t argue with your maths teacher. You listen, you receive and then, you apply. Why should it be any different with GOD? Whoever draws near to HIM must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek him (Heb 11:6).
Depth calls for depth. If you earnestly wait for GOD, you will certainly witness miracles. If your thirst for the Word, which can deliver what you hope for in 2014 into your hands, is great; and if you prepare a large place into your heart to receive it, you shall be satisfied. Indeed, He fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty (Lk 1:53).
Beware of routine in 2014. Have the 2014 attitude. Go to church differently. Listen to the Word differently and receive it, receive Jesus, welcome GOD differently. Do this and 2014 will bring you your heart’s desires.
Have a great week and GOD bless!
PS : Even though it is written that Jesus did not do any miracle in Nazareth, it is also written that he laid His hands on a few people and healed them (vs. 5). This will eventually be, GOD willing, the topic for another day…
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