The Bible talks about things that were done for this person and that person. Why am I still in the shape I’m in? That’s what the people asked Jesus when he went home to Nazareth. They said “you’ve done miracles in Capernaum; why not here?” Is this your question? If so, you’re not all that unusual. If Jesus worked for others all up and down Galilee as said by the reports they were getting, then why didn’t he in Nazareth? Have you said “Jesus, where’s my miracle?” You’re in the same frame of mind that the people of Nazareth were. You’re asking why has he not heard your prayer?
Luke 4: 20 “And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. 22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son? 23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. 24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; 26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.”
Jesus went to the synagogue where he grew up in Nazareth. They asked him why he didn’t do the miracles in his own hometown that he did in other places. Do you wonder why Jesus may not always give you what you ask? Consider the situation. Jesus has a purpose for all things. He had a purpose for not saving himself from the cross. It was you and me. Trust him to do what is best in his time. He will work if we trust while we wait. We must have a faith in God that’s solid. We need to wait on the Lord and have faith he’ll do what is best for us.
No one in Nazareth had come forth and asked for anything because no one considered him for who he really was. They thought him just the son of Joseph, the boy next door. Before he works, we must regard him for who he is. That’s what was wrong. Verse 24 says “no prophet is accepted in his own country.” They couldn’t and wouldn’t see him for anything else more than their neighbor. Thank God he is our neighbor and closer than one.
No one had asked for Jesus to help them because they only saw their neighbor down the road. “You grew up around here. Why should we think you’re anything special? If you are, why don’t you do here what you’re doing other places?” They just didn’t ask. With that frame of mind, why would they?
Jesus thinks we’re all special, and he wants to take care of us. He is everything and all in all and through all. But we may not truly honor and know him. Some may not even believe who he is. Jesus takes care of his children. He loves us. He forgives us beyond what we can see and feel. Jesus is the great physician. He has total power; we just need to trust and believe who he is.
Think back at all the writing in the Bible. Jesus never turned anyone away. He is ready to work for you if you will let him be your Lord. Of all the widows, there was only one widow who recognized God and let Elijah stay with her. She sacrificed her own life and let God be God. There were many lepers but only Naaman was healed. He balked at the instructions. He was too good for that, but he had to do it God’s way and dip in the Jordon River. Many people that should have been turned away were not. He received them all.
Jesus came to us. Have you come to him? Let him in. You must have Jesus his way, not your way. Whatever the burden is, take it to the Lord in prayer. Let go and let God. The choice is yours. Look at your situation and how you feel about things. It just may be that you need to recognize God for who he is. Let him be your all in all just as you were his. Then wait on him and trust him to do what is best for you.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 