Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
FRIDAY, September 24
Luke 4:31-37. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority.
This passage upsets many popular ideas about religion. Anyone who devoutly awaits the coming of God had better be prepared for trouble. You may discover that with God’s coming you will drop everything, leaving your work, your family, and your possessions.
Then, in this passage, we find Jesus teaching with more power than the official teachers. There is nothing more disturbing to a professional than to be outdone by an amateur. And then, with a power not to be denied, Jesus proves his authority over the minds of people by commanding the unclean spirits.
In all such events, no one would offer the slightest objection if God were doing it. But here was a man (as they thought), untrained in divinity (as they thought), speaking and acting as if he had a right to heavenly authority. “Have you come to destroy us?” asked the man in the synagogue. Perhaps Jesus had. Perhaps he had come to destroy many things that had usurped a place not their own.
“Have you come to destroy us?” It was a natural question. It might well be our question, too. (1962)
PRAY for the Dioceses of Ibadan North and Ibadan South (Province of Ibadan, Nigeria)
Ps 88 * 91, 92; Esther 8:1-8, 15-17 or Judith 13:1-20; Acts 19:21-41
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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