The Reason Emmanuel has come to dwell With Us: Monday after Epiphany

Breakfast With the Word Monday After Epiphany

 

 

Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

 

 

 

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He went to settle down in Capernaum. From that time on Jesus began to proclaim his message, “Change your ways: the kingdom of heaven is near” Jesus went around all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, and curing all kinds of sickness and disease among the people.

 

The people brought the sick to Him and all those who suffered: the possessed, the deranged, the paralyzed, and he healed them all.

 

This summarizes his mission statement in Luke 4:18. :  “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. Therefore, this is the reason the New Born Child is here.

 

Read more

 

New Year Breakfast With the Word: Make Everything New.

 

Epiphany of the Lord: The Manifestation of the Child Jesus

 

 

 

The Reason He has come.

 

Jesus has come to teach and bring us closer to the kingdom. He has come to deliver us from the bondage of sin and infirmity. He is light that shines in the midst of darkness.

 

So His presence brings light. His presence in Capernaum as Matthew writes fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-2, that the people that lived in darkness have now seen a great light. In essence, His words bring light for a life darkened by sin, and consolation for a life darkened by depressions and suffering.

 

Emmanuel has to come to dwell with us to bring healing, salvation and deliverance. Today, Capernaum experienced healing, deliverance, miracles and total salvation. This is the reason Jesus has come to dwell among us. His coming brings light that no darkness can overcome. Therefore, to receive Him is to receive light. When we become light, we can as well shine in the world and become living witnesses and instruments of touching souls for God.

 

What Jesus expects 

 

When Jesus went to Capernaum, there was a positive response from them. They immediately rushed to hear Him. He expects the same from us. When we hear that a prominent figure visited a particular place in our vicinity, many would rush just to have a glimpse of him.

 

We even know how it looks when people hear that a popular musician is attending a program. The crowd that will rush just to see him could be enormous. But when it comes to the things of God, weakness begins to invade our bones. We begin to give excuses on why we cannot kneel and have even one minute encounter with God.

 

Emmanuel has come to dwell with us. Those who rushed to Jesus today experienced His divine and healing power. In essence, no one can encounter Him and remain the same. When Jesus truly possesses your heart, there is always a total transformation.

Emmanuel has come to dwell with us. When Jesus comes to dwell, there is always peace of mind, healing of mind and body, healing of past hurts and healing of broken homes. He is here now with us.

 

So, what Jesus expects from us now is to accept Him and allow Him to truly dwell. He expects from us obedience and listening ear. Hence, He expects from us a total change of heart that will come from this obedience. Our positive response to this Divine Presence is needed for our own healing, salvation and revival.

Let us approach Him now in faith and total obedience.

 

May God bless you, dearest, heal us and deliver us from any bondage, as we continue to approach Him in faith. Amen