Thursday 28 June, 2018

12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 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.” 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

When Jesus heard that his cousin and friend John the Baptist had been put in prison – He withdrew (from Nazareth) to Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee.  I imagine He went for time out, for prayer, for removing Himself from his hometown.

However it’s here that his life crosses paths with Andrew and then his brother Simon Peter.

So often when ‘bad’ things happen in our lives or to our families or to those we love – God has a far bigger plan.  He uses all things, the good and the bad to strengthen, encourage and redirect our paths.

In this season Jesus begins to preach.  His ministry begins…..

I wonder where we are at. If something is not working for us – do we complain and try to fix it or do we ask the Lord to show us if this is a change of direction?

Lord, help us to be in tune with your Spirit, your leading and your guiding.  Show us the doors we need to open in our lives for your work to begin and flow through us.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta