Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Luke 5 and Psalm 21

As I read and reflect on Luke 5, I’m struck by the contrasting reactions to Jesus and His ministry.

On the one hand there are those who are awestruck by His authority, power or forgiveness. In awe of Jesus, Peter “fell at Jesus’ knees” (v.8). Knowing of Jesus and desperate for His healing power, the leprous man “fell with his face to the ground” (v.12). Likewise the paralysed man’s friends were so full of faith in Jesus that they simply laid their friend at Jesus feet (v.19). And when Jesus not only forgave this man’s sins but also healed his paralysis, the crowd “was amazed and gave praise to God … filled with awe” (v.26). Called by Jesus, Levi “got up, left everything and followed him” (v.28). These people were all so awe-struck by Jesus that they humbled themselves before Him in surrender, worship, receptivity and obedience.

Sadly, on the other hand, despite Jesus’ wondrous miracles and self-giving grace, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered about Him, complained against Him, and endlessly questioned Him and His authority (v.21, 30, 33). Rather than humbling themselves before Jesus, they exalted themselves over Him as if they had the right to assess Him and judge Him and hold Him accountable to their standard.

These grumblers received nothing from Jesus because they refused to accept Him in humble trust. But those who came to Him in humility, in awe and wonder, knowing their needs and trusting Jesus to minister to them, left with their needs met and their lives healed.

Life application: Where do you stand in relation to Jesus today? All of us have doubts and questions at times, but even then we can bring them to His feet in trust-filled awe and wonder. Will you place yourself at His feet in worship today? He certainly invites you to.