Daily Devotional for Friday, September 22

They Knew Him

“But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: for they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid,” Mark 6:49, 50.

Everyone is known for something. Did you ever think about that? Especially if you live in a small community, you can assume that you are known. There is probably something people think of immediately when they think of you. That might be good or it might be bad, but people have an impression of you. People certainly knew of Jesus. We see here that even the people of a land where nobody knew Him, they still knew of Him. In their minds, Jesus was the man who was healing everybody. Hence, everybody rounded up their sick folks and came looking for Jesus.

In some ways, the miracles of Jesus were His way of engaging the world. We know He always turned the focus back to sin and forgiveness, but He was still out there, engaging those around Him with miracles and teaching. As has been covered, Jesus’ miracles were the proof that He has the power and authority to offer His true gift, which is salvation. Miracles were Jesus’ credentials, so to speak. Had Jesus been some tyrant, roaming the countryside forcing His will on people, His mission of saving the lost would not have been nearly so successful.

We are no different. We either have the credentials to speak for Jesus and lead the lost to salvation, or we do not. We either lead a life that draws people to Christ, or we show one that pushes them away. People know you, so the only question is what do they know you for? Every day you and I should lead lives known for our discipleship to Jesus, and that make others want to have what we have.

JUST A THOUGHT: When people think of you, what do they think of first? It ought to be that you love the Lord.

Wally Fry