Daily Word - Do You Desire To Be Happy? - Luke 6:20-26

Scripture:
Luke 6:20-26 (English Standard Version)
The Beatitudes
20And(A) he lifted up his eyes on his disciples,(B) and said:

"Blessed are you who are poor, for(C) yours is the kingdom of God.
21(D) "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.

(E) "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
22"Blessed are you when(F) people hate you and when they(G) exclude you and revile you and(H) spurn your name as evil,(I) on account of the Son of Man! 23(J) Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for(K) so their fathers did to the prophets.
Jesus Pronounces Woes 24(L) "But woe to you who are rich,(M) for you(N) have received your consolation.
25"Woe to you who are full now, for(O) you shall be hungry.

"Woe to(P) you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
26"Woe to you,(Q) when all people speak well of you, for(R) so their fathers did to(S) the false prophets.
Cross references:
Luke 6:20 : John 6:5
Luke 6:20 : For Luke 6:20-23, Matt 5:3-12
Luke 6:20 : Luke 12:32
Luke 6:21 : Luke 1:53
Luke 6:21 : Isa 25:8; 57:18; Matt 5:4
Luke 6:22 : Matt 10:22
Luke 6:22 : John 9:22; 12:42; 16:2
Luke 6:22 : Heb 11:26; 1 Pet 4:14
Luke 6:22 : John 15:21
Luke 6:23 : Matt 5:12
Luke 6:23 : Matt 21:35
Luke 6:24 : Amos 6:1; James 5:1; Luke 12:21
Luke 6:24 : Luke 16:25
Luke 6:24 : Matt 6:2
Luke 6:25 : Isa 65:13
Luke 6:25 : Isa 65:14; Prov 14:13; James 4:9
Luke 6:26 : John 15:19; 17:14; James 4:4; 1 John 4:5
Luke 6:26 : Jer 5:31; Isa 30:10; Mic 2:11
Luke 6:26 : Matt 7:15

Reflection:
What is the true source of joy and happiness that so many find elusive? Jesus begins his teaching on the way of the kingdom of heaven by addressing the issue of where true happiness is found. The word beatitude literally means happiness or blessedness. Jesus' way of happiness, however, demands a transformation from within -- a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift of the Holy Spirit. How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures. Do you know the joy and happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will.

Daily Word - Be Capable - Luke 6:12-19

Scripture:
Luke 6:12-19 (English Standard Version)
The Twelve Apostles 12In these days(A) he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13And when day came,(B) he called his disciples(C) and(D) chose from them twelve, whom he named(E) apostles: 14Simon,(F) whom he named Peter, and(G) Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15and(H) Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called(I) the Zealot, 16and(J) Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Jesus Ministers to a Great Multitude 17And(K) he came down with them and stood on a level place, with(L) a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of(M) Tyre and Sidon, 18who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases.(N) And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19And all the crowd(O) sought to touch him, for(P) power came out from him and healed them all.
Cross references:
Luke 6:12 : Matt 14:23
Luke 6:13 : Luke 9:1; Matt 10:1; Mark 3:13; 6:7
Luke 6:13 : For Luke 6:13-16, Matt 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Acts 1:13
Luke 6:13 : John 13:18
Luke 6:13 : Mark 6:30
Luke 6:14 : Matt 16:18; John 1:42
Luke 6:14 : Matt 4:18, 21
Luke 6:15 : Matt 9:9
Luke 6:15 : Acts 21:20
Luke 6:16 : John 14:22
Luke 6:17 : Luke 6:12; Matt 5:1
Luke 6:17 : Matt 4:25; Mark 3:7, 8
Luke 6:17 : Matt 11:21
Luke 6:18 : Matt 4:24
Luke 6:19 : Matt 14:36; Mark 3:10; Acts 5:15
Luke 6:19 : Luke 8:46

Reflection:
What is God's call on your life? When Jesus embarked on his mission he chose twelve men to be his friends and apostles. In the choice of the twelve, we see a characteristic feature of God's work: Jesus chose very ordinary men. They were non-professionals, who had no wealth or position. They were chosen from the common people who did ordinary things, had no special education, and no social advantages. Jesus wanted ordinary men who could take an assignment and do it extraordinarily well. He chose these men, not for what they were, but for what they would be capable of becoming under his direction and power. When the Lord calls us to serve, we must not shrug back because we think that we have little or nothing to offer. The Lord takes what ordinary people, like us, can offer and uses it for greatness in his kingdom. Do you make your life an offering to the Lord and allow him to use you as he sees fit?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, fill me with gratitude and generosity for all you have done for me. Take my life and all that I have as an offering of love for you, who are my All.

Daily Word - Use It To Do Good - Luke 6:6-11

Scripture:
Luke 6:6-11 (English Standard Version)
A Man with a Withered Hand
6On another Sabbath,(A) he entered the synagogue(B) and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7And the scribes and the Pharisees(C) watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath,(D) so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8But(E) he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, "Come and stand here." And he rose and stood there. 9And Jesus said to them, "I ask you,(F) is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?" 10And(G) after looking around at them all he said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And(H) he did so, and his hand was restored. 11But they were filled with(I) fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Cross references:
Luke 6:6 : For Luke 6:6-11, Matt 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6
Luke 6:6 : Mark 6:2
Luke 6:7 : Luke 14:1; 20:20; Luke 11:54
Luke 6:7 : John 8:6
Luke 6:8 : Matt 9:4
Luke 6:9 : Luke 14:3
Luke 6:10 : Mark 3:34; 5:32; 10:23; Mark 10:21
Luke 6:10 : 1 Kgs 13:4
Luke 6:11 : 2 Tim 3:9 (Gk)

Reflection:
What is God's intention for the commandment, keep holy the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8; Deut. 5:12)? The scribes and Pharisees wanted to catch Jesus in the act of breaking the Sabbath ritual so they might accuse him of breaking God's law. In a few penetrating words Luke records that Jesus knew their thoughts. They were filled with fury and contempt for Jesus because they put their own thoughts of right and wrong above God. They were ensnared in their own legalism because they did not understand or see the purpose of God. Jesus shows their fallacy by pointing to God's intention for the Sabbath: to do good and to save life rather than to do evil or to destroy life. Christians celebrate Sunday as the Lord's Day, to commemorate God's work of redemption in Jesus Christ and the new work of creation he accomplished through Christ's death and resurrection. Taking "our sabbath rest" is a way of expressing honor to God for all that he has done for us. Such "rest" however does not exempt us from our love for our neighbor. If we truly love the Lord above all else, then the love of God will overflow to love of neighbor as well. Do you honor the Lord in the way you celebrate Sunday, the Lord's Day and in the way you treat you neighbor?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, in your victory over sin and death on the cross and in your resurrection you give us the assurance of sharing in the eternal rest of heaven. Transform my heart with your love that I may freely serve my neighbor for his good and find joy and refreshment in the celebration of Sunday as the Lord's Day.

Daily Word - Remember The Sabbath - Luke 6:1-5

Scripture:
Luke 6:1-5 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
Luke 6
1(A) On a Sabbath,[a] while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples(B) plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2But some of the Pharisees said,(C) "Why are you doing(D) what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?" 3And Jesus answered them, (E) "Have you not read(F) what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4how he entered the house of God and took and ate(G) the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?" 5And he said to them, (H) "The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath."
Footnotes:
Luke 6:1 Some manuscripts On the second first Sabbath (that is, on the second Sabbath after the first)
Cross references:
Luke 6:1 : For Luke 6:1-5, Matt 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28
Luke 6:1 : Deut 23:25
Luke 6:2 : Matt 9:11
Luke 6:2 : Exodus 20:9-11
Luke 6:3 : Matt 21:16
Luke 6:3 : 1 Sam 21:1-6
Luke 6:4 : Exodus 25:30; Lev 24:5-9
Luke 6:5 : Luke 5:24

Reflection:
What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom: In their hunger, David and his men ate of the holy bread offered in the Temple. Jesus also quoted of the Sabbath work involved in worship in the Temple. This kind of work was usually double the work of worship on weekdays. Do you honor the Lord in the way you treat your neighbor and celebrate the Lord's Day?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, may I honor you in my work and in my rest and treat my neighbor with respect and kindness. Keep me free from a critical and intolerant spirit that I may seek the good of my neighbor in all situations.

Daily Word - To Fast Or Not To Fast - Luke 5:33-39

Scripture:
Luke 5:33-39 (English Standard Version)
A Question About Fasting 33And they said to him,(A) "The disciples of John(B) fast often and(C) offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink." 34And Jesus said to them, (D) "Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35(E) The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and(F) then they will fast in those days." 36He also told them a parable: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37And no one puts new wine into old(G) wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, 'The old is good.'"[a]
Footnotes:
Luke 5:39 Some manuscripts better
Cross references:
Luke 5:33 : Luke 11:1; Matt 11:2; 14:12; John 1:35; 3:25; 4:1; Acts 18:25; 19:3
Luke 5:33 : Luke 2:37
Luke 5:33 : Luke 18:12
Luke 5:34 : John 3:29
Luke 5:35 : Luke 17:22
Luke 5:35 : John 16:20
Luke 5:37 : Josh 9:4

Reflection:
Which comes first, fasting or feasting? The disciples of John the Baptist were upset with Jesus' disciples because they did not fast. Fasting was one of the three most important religious duties, along with prayer and almsgiving. Jesus gave a simple explanation. There's a time for fasting and a time for feasting (or celebrating). To walk as a disciple with Jesus is to experience a whole new joy of relationship akin to the joy of the wedding party in celebrating with the groom and bride their wedding bliss. But there also comes a time when the Lord's disciples must bear the cross of affliction and purification. For the disciple there is both a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating his goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility and fasting and for mourning over sin. Do you take joy in the Lord's presence with you and do you express sorrow and contrition for your sins? Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. Jesus used an image familiar to his audience — new and old wineskins. In Jesus' times, wine was stored in wineskins, not bottles. New wine poured into skins was still fermenting. The gases exerted gave pressure. New wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins easily burst because they were hard. What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new? Just as there is a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting, so there is a right place for the old as well as the new. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old (Matthew 13:52). How impoverished we would be if we only had the Old Testament or the New Testament, rather than both. The Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like the new wine skins — open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Help me to seek you earnestly in prayer and fasting that I may turn away from sin and wilfulness and conform my life more fully to your will. May I always find joy in knowing, loving, and serving you.

Daily Word - A Tax Collector? Seriously? - Luke 5:27-32

Scripture:
Luke 5:27-32 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Calls Levi
27(A) After this he went out and saw(B) a tax collector named(C) Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, "Follow me." 28And(D) leaving everything, he rose and followed him.
29And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company(E) of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30And the Pharisees and(F) their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying,(G) "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" 31And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32(H) I have not come to call the righteous(I) but sinners(J) to repentance."
Cross references:
Luke 5:27 : For Luke 5:27-38, Matt 9:9-17; Mark 2:14-22
Luke 5:27 : Matt 11:19; Matt 5:46
Luke 5:27 : Matt 9:9
Luke 5:28 : Luke 5:11
Luke 5:29 : Luke 15:1, 2
Luke 5:30 : Acts 4:5; 23:9
Luke 5:30 : Luke 15:2; Matt 11:19
Luke 5:32 : Luke 15:7; John 9:39
Luke 5:32 : 1 Tim 1:15
Luke 5:32 : Luke 13:3, 5; 15:10; 24:47; Matt 4:17; 11:20; Mark 1:15; Acts 5:31

Reflection:
People in Palestine were divided into roughly two groups: the orthodox Jews who rigidly kept the law and all its petty regulations, and the rest who didn't keep all the minute regulations. The orthodox treated the latter like second class citizens. They scrupulously avoided their company, refused to do business with them, refused to give or receive anything from them, refused to intermarry, and avoided any form of entertainment with them, including table fellowship. Jesus' association with the latter, especially with tax collectors and sinners, shocked the sensibilities of these orthodox Jews. In calling Matthew to be one of his disciples, Jesus picked one of the unlikeliest of men -- a tax collector who by profession was despised by the Jewish people. When the Pharisees challenged his unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus' defence was quite simple. A doctor doesn't need to visit healthy people; instead he goes to those who are sick. Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need. A true physician seeks healing of the whole person -- body, mind, and spirit. Jesus came as the divine physician and good shepherd to care for his people and to restore them to wholeness of life. The orthodox were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion that they neglected to help the very people who needed the greatest care. Their religion was selfish because they didn't want to have anything to do with people not like themselves. Jesus stated his mission in unequivocal terms: I came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners. Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those they despised. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom show them mercy and kindness?

Prayer For The Day:
"Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself." (Prayer of Augustine, 354-430)

Daily Word - The Chains - Luke 5:17-26

Scripture:
Luke 5:17-26 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
17On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and(A) teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And(B) the power of the Lord was with him to heal.[a] 18(C) And behold, some men were bringing(D) on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on(E) the roof and let him down with his bed(F) through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20And(G) when he saw their faith, he said, "Man,(H) your sins are forgiven you." 21And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, "Who is this who speaks(I) blasphemies?(J) Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 22When Jesus(K) perceived their thoughts, he answered them, "Why do you question in your hearts? 23Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? 24But that you may know that(L) the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the man who was paralyzed—"I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home." 25And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home,(M) glorifying God. 26And amazement seized them all, and they(N) glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, "We have seen extraordinary things today."
Footnotes:
Luke 5:17 Some manuscripts was present to heal them
Cross references:
Luke 5:17 : Luke 2:46; Acts 5:34; 1 Tim 1:7 (Gk); Matt 22:35
Luke 5:17 : Luke 8:46
Luke 5:18 : For Luke 5:18-26, Matt 9:2-8; Mark 2:3-12
Luke 5:18 : Mark 6:55
Luke 5:19 : Deut 22:8; 1 Sam 9:25; Neh 8:16; Matt 10:27; 24:17; Acts 10:9
Luke 5:19 : Mark 2:4
Luke 5:20 : Luke 7:9, 50; 17:19; 18:42; Matt 8:10, 13; 9:22, 29; 15:28; Mark 10:52; Acts 3:16; 14:9; James 5:15
Luke 5:20 : Luke 7:48; John 5:14
Luke 5:21 : Matt 26:65; John 10:36
Luke 5:21 : Psalm 32:5; Isa 43:25
Luke 5:22 : John 2:25
Luke 5:24 : Luke 6:5
Luke 5:25 : Luke 7:16

Reflection:
What cripples the mind and heart and stiffles the healing power of love? Sin and unforgiveness for certain! Sin cripples us more than any physical ailment can. Sin is the work of the kingdom of darkness and it holds us in eternal bondage. There is only one solution and that is the healing, cleansing power of Jesus' forgiveness. Jesus' treatment of sinners upset the religious teachers of the day. When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes regarded this as blasphemy because they understood that only God had authority to forgive sins and to unbind a man or woman from their burden of guilt. Jesus claimed an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God's redeeming love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This man had been crippled not only physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus freed him from his burden of guilt and restored his body as well. The Lord is every ready to bring us healing of body, mind, and soul. His grace brings us freedom from the power of sin and from bondage to harmful desires and addictions. Do you allow anything to keep you from Jesus' healing power?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. May your healing power and love touch every area of my life -- my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my offences and transform me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in your truth and righteousness.

Daily Word - His Compassion - Luke 5:12-16

Scripture:
Luke 5:12-16 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
12While he was in one of the cities,(A) there came a man full of leprosy.[a] And when he saw Jesus, he(B) fell on his face and begged him, "Lord,(C) if you will, you can make me clean." 13And Jesus[b] stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him. 14And he charged him(D) to tell no one, but "go and show(E) yourself to the priest, and(F) make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded,(G) for a proof to them." 15(H) But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16But(I) he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Footnotes:
Luke 5:12 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
Luke 5:13 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 5:12 : For Luke 5:12-14, Matt 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-44
Luke 5:12 : Luke 17:16
Luke 5:12 : Matt 9:28; Mark 9:22, 23
Luke 5:14 : Matt 9:30; 17:9; Mark 1:34; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26; Matt 12:16
Luke 5:14 : Luke 17:14
Luke 5:14 : Lev 14:2-32
Luke 5:14 : Luke 9:5; Mark 6:11; James 5:3
Luke 5:15 : Mark 1:45
Luke 5:16 : Mark 1:35; Matt 14:23

Reflection:
What can keep us from God's love and his power to heal and cleanse us from sickness of body, mind, and spirit? The Jewish law forbade anyone from touching or approaching a leper, lest ritual defilement occur. The leper who met Jesus did something quite remarkable. He approached Jesus confidently and humbly, expecting that Jesus could and would heal him. Normally a leper would be stoned or at least warded off if he tried to come near a rabbi. Jesus not only grants the man his request, but he demonstrates the personal love, compassion, and tenderness of God in his physical touch. The medical knowledge of his day would have regarded such contact as grave risk for incurring infection. Jesus met the man's misery with compassion and tender kindness. He communicated the love and mercy of God in a sign that spoke more eloquently than words. He touched the man and made him clean – not only physically but spiritually as well.
Some eleven centuries later, another man, named Francis, met a leper on the road as he journeyed towards Assisi. "Though the leper caused him no small disgust and horror, he nonetheless, got off the horse and prepared to kiss the leper. But when the leper put out his hand as though to receive something, he received money along with a kiss" (from the Life of St. Francis by Thomas of Celano). Francis did what seemed humanly impossible because he was filled with the love and compassion of Christ. The Holy Spirit inflames our hearts with the love of Christ that we may reach out to others with compassionate care, especially to those who have been rejected and mistreated. The love of God impels us to do as Jesus did – to love the unlovable, to touch the untouchable, and to forgive the unforgiveable. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with the love and compassion of Christ for others?

Prayer For The Day:
May the power of your love, Lord Christ, fiery and sweet as honey, so absorb our hearts as to withdraw them from all that is under heaven. Grant that we may be ready to die for love of your love, as you died for love of our love." (Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 13th century)

Daily Word - The Disciples - Luke 5:1-11

Scripture:
Luke 5:1-11 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
Luke 5
1On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by(A) the lake of Gennesaret, 2(B) and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were(C) washing their nets. 3Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And(D) he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, (E) "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5And Simon answered, "Master,(F) we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." 6And when they had done this,(G) they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them.(H) And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying,(I) "Depart from me, for(J) I am a sinful man, O Lord." 9For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." 11And when they had brought their boats to land,(K) they left everything and followed him.
Cross references:
Luke 5:1 : Num 34:11; Deut 3:17; Josh 12:3; John 6:1; Matt 14:34
Luke 5:2 : For Luke 5:2-11, Matt 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; John 1:40-42
Luke 5:2 : Mark 1:19
Luke 5:3 : Matt 5:1
Luke 5:4 : John 21:6
Luke 5:5 : John 21:3
Luke 5:6 : John 21:11
Luke 5:7 : John 21:4-8
Luke 5:8 : Matt 8:34
Luke 5:8 : Isa 6:5
Luke 5:11 : Luke 18:28; Matt 19:27; Luke 5:28

Reflection:
Why did Jesus perform the miracle of the great catch of fish? No doubt the great crowd of people who had pressed upon Jesus had something to do with this miracle. They were very hungry for God and were eager to hear his word. Jesus wanted to use this occasion to teach his disciples an important lesson. Although Simon was wearied from a night of fruitless toil, he nonetheless pressed upon Jesus for his word of command: At your word I will let down the nets. When you meet disappointment and failure, do you press upon the Lord, like Simon, to hear his word and to receive his command? This incident tells us an important truth about how God works in and through us for his glory. God expects of us greater things than we can do by ourselves. When we cooperate in his works, we accomplish far beyond what we can do on our own. Therese of Lisieux, A Carmelite nun who died of tuberculosis at the age of twenty-four, wrote to a friend: "..Jesus has so incomprehensible a love for us that he wills that we have a share with him in the salvation of souls. He wills to do nothing without us. The Creator of the universe awaits the prayer of a poor little soul to save other souls redeemed like it at the price of all his Blood." When God's word is spoken his kingdom is revealed and his power is released. When people respond to God's word with faith and obedience they are changed and made "a new creation" in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). God chooses ordinary people, like you and me, as his ambassadors and he uses the ordinary circumstances of our daily lives and work situations to draw others into his kingdom. Jesus speaks the same message to us today: we will "catch people" for the kingdom of God if we allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through us. God wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and witness the joy of the gospel. Paul the Apostles says, But thanks be to God, who in Christ Jesus always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 Cor. 2:15). Do you witness to those around you the joy of the gospel and do you pray for your neighbors, co-workers, and relatives that they may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in the knowledge of his love?

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Lord, fill my heart with love and compassion for those who do not know you or follow you. May I be a good witness of your truth and salvation to my family, friends, and co-workers.

Daily Word - Where Do You Take Your Troubles - Luke 4:38-44

Scripture:
Luke 4:38-44 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Heals Many
38(A) And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now(B) Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39And he stood over her and(C) rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
40Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and(D) he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41(E) And demons also came out of many,(F) crying, "You are(G) the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and(H) would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
Jesus Preaches in Synagogues 42(I) And when it was day, he departed and went(J) into a desolate place. And(K) the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43but he said to them, (L) "I must(M) preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose." 44And he was preaching(N) in the synagogues of Judea.[a]
Footnotes:
Luke 4:44 Some manuscripts Galilee
Cross references:
Luke 4:38 : For Luke 4:38-41, Matt 8:14-16; Mark 1:29-34
Luke 4:38 : 1 Cor 9:5
Luke 4:39 : Luke 8:24; 9:42; Matt 8:26; 17:18; Mark 4:39; 9:25
Luke 4:40 : Mark 5:23
Luke 4:41 : Mark 3:11, 12; Acts 16:17, 18
Luke 4:41 : Luke 4:33
Luke 4:41 : Matt 14:33
Luke 4:41 : Matt 1:17
Luke 4:42 : For Luke 4:42, 43, Mark 1:35-38
Luke 4:42 : Luke 5:16
Luke 4:42 : Mark 1:36
Luke 4:43 : Luke 13:33
Luke 4:43 : Luke 8:1; 16:16; Matt 4:23; 24:14; Acts 8:12
Luke 4:44 : Mark 1:39

Reflection:
Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus' disciples freely brought their troubles to him because they found him ready and able to deal with any difficulty, affliction, or sickness which they encountered. When Simon brought Jesus to his home, his mother-in-law was instantly healed because Jesus heard Simon's prayer. Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and Healer in your life, family, and community? Approach him with expectant faith. God's healing power restores us not only to health but to active service and care of others. There is no trouble he does not want to help us with and there is no bondage he can't set us free from. Do you take your troubles to him with expectant faith that he will help you?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus Christ, you have all power to heal and to deliver. There is no trouble nor bondage you cannot overcome. Set me free to serve you joyfully and to love and serve others generously. May nothing hinder me from giving myself wholly to you and to your service.

Daily Word - God Spoke - Luke 4:31-37

Scripture:
Luke 4:31-37 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Demon 31(A) And he(B) went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And(C) he was teaching them(D) on the Sabbath, 32and(E) they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33And(F) in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34"Ha What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?(H) I know who you are—(I) the Holy One of God." 35But Jesus(J) rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36And(K) they were all amazed and said to one another, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!" 37And(L) reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.
Footnotes:
Luke 4:34 Or Leave us alone
Cross references:
Luke 4:31 : For Luke 4:31-37, Mark 1:21-28
Luke 4:31 : Matt 4:13
Luke 4:31 : Luke 4:15, 16; Matt 4:23
Luke 4:31 : Mark 6:2
Luke 4:32 : Luke 4:36; Matt 7:28, 29
Luke 4:33 : Luke 4:31
Luke 4:34 : Matt 8:29
Luke 4:34 : Acts 19:15; James 2:19
Luke 4:34 : John 6:69; Acts 3:14; Rev 3:7; Luke 1:35; Heb 7:26; 1 John 2:20
Luke 4:35 : Luke 4:41; Matt 12:16
Luke 4:36 : Luke 4:32; Matt 8:27
Luke 4:37 : Luke 4:14

Reflection:
How do you respond to the word of God? Do you hear it with selective submission or with the full assent of faith and obedience? When Jesus taught he spoke with authority. He spoke the word of God as no one had spoken it before. When the Rabbis taught they supported their statements with quotes from other authorities. The prophets spoke with delegated authority -- Thus says the Lord. When Jesus spoke he needed no authorities to back his statements. He was authority incarnate -- the Word of God made flesh. When he spoke, God spoke. When he commanded even the demons obeyed. If demons, the fallen angels, have faith in the Son of God, how much more should we believe the gospel with the full assent of our minds and hearts and entrust our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ? If we approach God's word submissively, with an eagerness to do everything the Lord desires, we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you eager to be taught by the Lord and to conform your life according to his word?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your saving love and mercy, and the power of your word to bring healing, restoration, and freedom from sin and affliction.

Daily Word - Rejected By His Own - Luke 4:23-30

Scripture:
Luke 4:23-30 (English Standard Version)
23And he said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb,(A) 'Physician, heal yourself.' What we have heard you did(B) at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well." 24And he said, "Truly, I say to you,(C) no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when(D) the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26and Elijah was sent to none of them(E) but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27And(F) there were many lepers[a] in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed,(G) but only Naaman the Syrian." 28When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29And they rose up and(H) drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30But(I) passing through their midst, he went away.
Footnotes:
Luke 4:27 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
Cross references:
Luke 4:23 : Luke 23:39; Matt 27:42
Luke 4:23 : Matt 11:23; Mark 2:1-12; John 4:46-53
Luke 4:24 : Matt 13:57
Luke 4:25 : 1 Kgs 17:1; 18:1; James 5:17; Rev 11:6
Luke 4:26 : 1 Kgs 17:9
Luke 4:27 : 2 Kgs 7:3
Luke 4:27 : 2 Kgs 5:1-14
Luke 4:29 : Num 15:35; Acts 7:58
Luke 4:30 : John 8:59; 10:39

Reflection:
How would you react if Jesus spoke this message from the pulpit on Sunday? It was customary for Jesus to go weekly to the synagogue to worship and on occasion to read the scriptures and comment on them to the people. His hometown folks listened with rapt attention on this occasion because they had heard about the miracles he had performed in other towns. What sign would he do in his hometown? Jesus startled them with a seeming rebuke that no prophet or servant of God can receive honor among his own people. He then angered them when he complimented the gentiles who seemed to have shown more faith in God than the "chosen ones" of Israel. They regarded gentiles as "fuel for the fires of hell". Jesus' praise for "outsiders" caused them offence because they were blind-sighted to God's mercy and plan of redemption for all nations. The word "gospel" literally means "good news". Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those oppressed by sin and evil (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free from the worst tyranny possible -- the tyranny of slavery to sin and the fear of death, and the destruction of both body and soul. God's power alone can save us from emptiness and poverty of spirit, from confusion and error, and from the fear of death and hopelessness. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for us today. Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings us grace, truth, life, and freedom. Fill me with the joy of the gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal for you and for your will

Daily Word - The Good News - Luke 4:14-22

Scripture:
Luke 4:14-22 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Begins His Ministry
14(A) And Jesus returned(B) in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and(C) a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15And(D) he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth 16(E) And he came to(F) Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And(G) as was his custom,(H) he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up(I) to read. 17And(J) the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18(K) "The Spirit of the Lord(L) is upon me, because he has anointed me to(M) proclaim good news to the poor.(N) He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and(O) recovering of sight to the blind, (P) to set at liberty those who are oppressed,19(Q) to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
20And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and(R) sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were(S) fixed on him. 21And he began to say to them, "Today(T) this Scripture(U) has been fulfilled in your hearing." 22And all spoke well of him and marveled at(V) the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said,(W) "Is not this(X) Joseph’s son?"
Cross references:
Luke 4:14 : Matt 4:12
Luke 4:14 : Luke 4:1; Acts 1:8
Luke 4:14 : Luke 4:37
Luke 4:15 : Matt 4:23
Luke 4:16 : For Luke 4:16-30, Matt 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6
Luke 4:16 : Luke 2:39, 51
Luke 4:16 : Acts 17:2
Luke 4:16 : Luke 4:31; Mark 6:2
Luke 4:16 : Acts 13:15, 27; 15:21
Luke 4:17 : Luke 3:4; Acts 8:28
Luke 4:18 : Isa 61:1, 2
Luke 4:18 : Luke 4:1; Acts 1:2
Luke 4:18 : Matt 11:5; Luke 6:20
Luke 4:18 : Psalm 146:7, 8
Luke 4:18 : Isa 42:7; John 9:39; Acts 26:18
Luke 4:18 : Isa 58:6
Luke 4:19 : Lev 25:10; Isa 49:8; 2 Cor 6:2
Luke 4:20 : Matt 26:55; John 8:2; Matt 5:1; 13:2
Luke 4:20 : Acts 3:4; Luke 19:48
Luke 4:21 : Mark 12:10; Acts 8:35
Luke 4:21 : Matt 1:22
Luke 4:22 : Psalm 45:2
Luke 4:22 : Matt 13:55; John 6:42
Luke 4:22 : Luke 3:23

Reflection:
In Jesus we see the grace of God in action. His gracious words brought hope, joy, and favor to those who were ready to receive him. Where did Jesus began his public ministry? In his own land of Galilee where he was reared. His proclamation of the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah brought wonder to his kin and townsfolk. Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those oppressed by sin and evil (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus awakened their hope in the promises of God. They, in turn, received his words favorably and wondered what would become of "Joseph's son". Their hearts were hungry for the word of life and they looked to Jesus with anticipation and wonder. Do you look to Jesus with confidence and hope in the fulfillment of all God's promises? What did Jesus come to do for us? He came to set us free from the worst tyranny possible -- slavery to sin and the fear of death, and the eternal destruction of both body and soul. God's power alone can save us from emptiness and poverty of spirit, from confusion and error, and from hopelessness and the fear of annihilation. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for us today. Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and dreams. Through the gift of your Holy Spirit you bring us grace, truth, life, and freedom. Fill me with the joy of the gospel and and inflame my heart with love and zeal for you and your will