Sorting

Matthew 4: 12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali

 

Bad news can put a hard spin on life.  Each of us has places to go and things to do.  Jesus is no different. 

 

John was Jesus’ cousin.  He was the first recorded to rejoice at the coming King.  He leapt in his mother’s womb when Mary approached for a visit.  No one knew Jesus was coming.  John knew.  That is an early praise.

 

John prepared people for the coming of Jesus.  He was ahead of Him getting the people ready.

 

News about John in prison was not good for Jesus.  Scripture doesn’t say why he went to Galilee.  Knowing the affinity Jesus had for John and the respect He had for him, it seems he needed time away to sort it out.  He went where it was quiet and familiar.  He went away.  He did not despair.  He did not become discouraged.  He met the news with an action plan.  He kept His confidence and went to people He knew.

 

This scripture came up in my daily study some years back on an interesting day.  All week I had been taking in bad news in multiple areas.  Family, friends, work, community, and other areas have been full of hard bad news.  At the same time, the coming week, I had a business trip planned many months before.  It took me to the ocean.  It was timely to go sort out the news and make plans.  God is faithful.  He gives us space.

 

ACT!  Bad news?  How did you respond?  Did you respond with faith and joy in Christ?  Do you need time to sort out the next steps?  Let Him give you a respite.  He is faithful.  It may only be a few minutes or a few hours, but He is faithful.  He will not push you beyond His ability in you.

 

PRAY!  Father, it is comforting to know You care so much for me.  In the middle of the tempest, You cover.  In the face of bad news, You allow a breath to come to take it in.  How can I thank You enough?  Help me to face every bad news with joy and confidence in Your provision.  Help me to absorb the punches of life with joy and family and friends.