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About-Him.Com Devotional 02-14-2004
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
The people in our segment below had been miraculously fed by Jesus from just a few loaves and fishes. They had seen the miracles that He had performed. They were excited and and desired to be near him and to just touch the hem of His garment.
When they did, they were healed of whatever ailed them. Sounds like major revival, doesn't it? Sadly no. As Jesus began to stress that His kingdom was spiritual rather than political, they all turned and forsook Him.
What is my conception of His kingdom? Why do I follow Him? What do I expect of Him? Do I just follow for the loaves and fishes, or will I continue on with Him as He makes His way to the cross?
By His enabling grace, I intend to go all the way with Him, and I'm sure that you do also.
***** The Life of Christ - From His Baptism to His Ascendsion - Following the Harmony of the Gospels
1 23: Many Miracles Performed: Mt. 14:34-36; Mk. 6:53-56
Matthew 14:34 ¶ And when they had crossed over, they came to the land, unto Gennesaret.
35 And when the men of that place knew him, they sent into all that region round about, and brought unto him all that were sick,
36 and they besought him that they might only touch the border of his garment: and as many as touched were made whole.
When the sea calmed, the boat landed in the area of Gennesaret, which was somewhat south of Capernaum, which may have been the intended destination. Many of the people of this area had been present when Jesus fed the five thousand. They had returned home by land while the twelve were trapped in the storm.
When word spread that Jesus was present, the people brought all of their sick and lame to Jesus. Perhaps, borrowing from the woman of their region who had been healed by touching the Master’s garment, they asked permission to do likewise. All who touched his garment were healed.
Conclusion and application:
Jesus had compassion on people that He knew would soon desert Him. They had received the natural bread that He had miraculously provided. They had come to Him for healing of their natural bodies. However, when Jesus made it clear that His kingdom was spiritual rather than natural, many of these same people would turn their back and follow Him no more.
One Liner
When God ordains, He sustains.
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Humor
A builder was being paid weekly for a project that would last for several months. He approached the owner of the property and held up the check he'd been given." This is $200 dollars less than we agreed on," he said.
"That's right," the owner said, "And last week I overpaid you $200 ... Funny, but you never complained then."
"Well, I don't mind an occasional mistake," the contractor said. "But when it gets to be a habit, I feel I have to call it to your attention."
Keep Looking Up!
Don & Marie Spooner
About Him! Ministries
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