But the man [who had been cured of leprosy] went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.
Key Thought
Many times, we think we know what is best. Unfortunately, some of those times we actually disobey the clear teaching of the LORD because we think we know a better way. Invariably, our attempts at doing good by disobeying the LORD end up hindering his will. Certainly, God can overcome our misguided attempts at helping his cause for he is God who is sovereign and all-powerful. That’s not the point. We need to obey him even when we don’t understand the reasons behind the command, and when we think we may know a better way to help and honor the LORD. The man who had leprosy disobeyed Jesus and told those around him about what Jesus had done. Instead of being able to fulfill God’s purpose for him by going to the cities and villages and proclaiming the word there, [1] Jesus had to stay in secluded places. People came to him, but he was cut off from going to them. The man’s disobedience, though well-intentioned, interfered with Jesus’ desire to fulfill his mission. In the same way, our disobedience of the LORD today often interferes with the LORD’s desire to accomplish his mission in us!
Today’s Prayer
Father, forgive me when I do not obey you. I know my disobedience hinders my own growth and can also interfere with your work in building the Kingdom and reaching the lost. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
1 Samuel 15:2-3, 10-15, 19-23Matthew 7:21John 15:14Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.