The presence of Jesus in the Decapolis caused the people to be “astonished beyond measure.” Was it only a result of Him making “the deaf hear and the mute speak?” Of course, this is astonishing, but could there be more to the story?
A Ripple Effect starts at the center and moves out from where it began. While Jesus was in Nain, He raised a young man from the dead. This is what we see. This is what makes His time in Nain worth telling. But where did the Ripple Effect begin? With compassion! Maybe you’re not able to bring the dead to life, but what Ripple Effect is the Lord beginning through your compassion?
On Independence Day, we celebrate the sacrifice of men and women who were willing to do whatever it takes for freedom. As a follower of Jesus, are we ready to do whatever it takes so that people can find freedom in Jesus?
At different points in our life, we will be confronted with one of two options – Start it Up or Wrap it Up. A wrap it up attitude says, “I’m too old. I’ve already done my part. I can’t risk it. We’ve never done it that way before.” On the other hand, a start it up attitude saves the best for last. Wrap it up attempts to stop or prevent moving forward but start it up is about continuing the Ripple Effect. Do you have a Wrap it Up or Start it Up attitude?
Have you ever changed schools? Changed jobs? Moved to a different state? What was the ripple effect to you and your family? One day, Jesus was in Capernaum walking by the Sea of Galilee. That day He changed to vocation of two FISHERMEN into FISHERS OF MEN. How might the Lord Jesus be working through your vocation to continue His Ripple Effect?
Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Here’s a fairly obvious and not so radical thought: How about you start at the beginning. Right where you are with what you have. In Luke’s Gospel, the public ministry of Jesus starts in a familiar town, His hometown, at the beginning. Jesus began a good work in you (Philippians 1:6). How is His ripple effect still at work?
Have you ever said to yourself, “don’t pray for patience.” We know that patience is hard and impossible apart from the Spirit. However, through the Spirit’s working patience in us, He shapes our character which produces fruit of kindness and goodness. (Pentecost Sunday)
The greatest of all fruit is Love. In fact, all other fruits of the Spirit flow from the greatest of these (1 Corinthians 13). As with Love and all Fruits OF THE SPIRIT, these are not our works but His gracious work in us which flows into the lives of our neighbor.
Hospitality should be geared toward strangers and unbelievers. Many people met Jesus at a dinner table. Are they meeting him at your dinner table?
Our use of technology can be a witness to our faith. Application Point: Does your use of technology help people learn about Jesus—or alienate them from him?