January 27 | Luke 5:12-16

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DAILY READING

Luke 5:12-16

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REFLECTION

An Early Adopter

By Dave Mann

You have undoubtedly heard of “Early Adopters” – people who like to be among the first to

purchase newly developed products.  They are risk-takers.  After this group, there are the “Early Majority” and the “Late Majority.”  Finally, there is the " Laggards " group that doesn't like risk and waits until they are the last person on the block to own a smartphone.  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffusion_of_innovations)

Apply this concept to those who choose to follow Jesus.  Normally, when looking for the first to express faith in Jesus, we point to Peter (Matthew 16:16), Martha (John 11:27), or those who left their nets and followed him (Mark 1:18).  But why not include this leper as an early adopter?  The entire community had ostracized this man because he had what was considered a very contagious and incurable skin disease.  He was stuck in a medical and social position that presumably had no possible positive outcome. 

Yet, early in Jesus’ ministry, not too long after Jesus started preaching when the leper encountered Jesus, he proclaimed, “Lord, ... you can make me clean” (v. 12).  He didn’t wait for everyone else to try out “the product.”  He jumped in right with a public proclamation that Jesus was able to make his wretched life better.  It was not a matter of:  “Can he, or can’t he?”  He knew that Jesus was capable.  He knew that Jesus had the power.  The only issue was if Jesus, as Lord, was willing to unleash his power in his particular case and at this specific time – “Lord, if you are willing.”  This pitiable man announced for all the world to hear that Jesus was able to and that Jesus had the authority to exercise his will as he chose.

There is a lot we can learn from this leper.  Many of us (and I include myself) have settled to live in situations that we consider “unfixable.”  We rub shoulders with others who follow Jesus, and yet, we doubt that anything will change for us.  It is as though we are waiting for others to buy into what Jesus has before we risk it ourselves.  We let others be the early adopters.  We are content to be the Late Majority or among the Laggards.  Let us not be so proud that we fail to learn a lesson or two from a leper who dared to be among the Early Adopters of those who followed Jesus.

PRAYER

Almighty God, thank you that you sent Jesus to embrace the poor and marginalized with the kingdom message.  Allow me to believe that you are able and willing to have the kingdom of God break into the entirety of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.

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January 26 | Luke 5:1-11

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DAILY READING

Luke 5:1-11

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REFLECTION

Fishing Expert

By Elaine Pierce

I would think that it would be awfully hard to pay attention to Jesus' advice about where to catch fish. After all, Simon and his fellow fishermen were experienced at their trade: they knew the best waters in which to catch fish. Jesus is a Rabbi, for heaven's sake! What does he know about fishing?

But look at Simon Peter's response: "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets (v. 6)." Even though he doesn't understand - in fact, he's almost certain Jesus is wrong - he obeys him. He doesn't know what Jesus knows, but he knows enough to trust him. Now, we'll see later in Luke times when Peter and the disciples totally miss Jesus' point, and they fail to follow him, but this story, early in Jesus' ministry, offers us insight into who Jesus is. And why he is worth following.

After they catch an extraordinary amount of fish (which is almost frightening - see verse 8), they do an amazing thing: "So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him" (v. 11). They didn't just admire Jesus' fishing skills. They knew that he was different, and that he had plans for them - to catch people instead of fish! This fishing expedition changed their lives once and for all. Yes, they had moments of doubt and times of struggle, but they became Jesus followers and life would never be the same.

I'm sure most of you have read C. S. Lewis' brilliant children's book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Mr. Beaver tells the children about Aslan. They haven't met him but they are curious:

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

Aslan is the Christ figure, and like Jesus, he is not safe, not at all. But he's good, and He's the King of the Universe. And he is asking you and me to follow him and trust him. Let's make 2025 the year we trust, follow, and act in obedience to his call.

PRAYER

Lord, you ask us to follow you, and we are afraid. We trust in ourselves more than in you. Help us to give up our selfish desires and trust that you have plans far better than any we could earn on our own. We want to be your disciples today, tomorrow, and every day. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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January 25 | Luke 4:31-44

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DAILY READING

Luke 4:31-44

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REFLECTION

Power Over Demons

by Dave Thompson 

In this passage, Jesus is seen as a powerful speaker. Many believed in Him due to coming across as having a great deal of authority. (v. 32) Jesus was 100% human. He was also 100% divine. Now I know the mathematicians out there might be thinking 200%, "I don't think so." But God, who developed all physics and mathematics, through His Creation of our world, can do anything, so I accept it as truth.

So why was Jesus in Capernaum? He had moved there as it was a thriving city with many Roman and Jewish citizens. God, in His perfect plan, knew word of Jesus would be spread throughout the civilized world due to being in Capernaum.

Of course, Jesus was known for His healing of the sick and so on one Sabbath, while teaching in the synagogue, a man possessed by many demons cried out for Jesus' help. Many, including some of the disciples, shushed the man and told him to quit bothering the Lord. However, in God's plan, Jesus was to have compassion on this poor soul. He cast the demons out and while going out of the man, they were quoted as saying the following: "Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? We know who you are -- the Holy One of God!" (v. 34)

You see, Jesus commanded most demons to be quiet before they spoke, but these, the scriptures tell us, were not told by Jesus to be quiet until after they identified Him as the Holy one of God. Once again, God was working His plan. There were many people in the synagogue that day; most of them were from Jewish and Roman heritage. Now, as we know, the Jewish Pharisees were there and they were incensed as they saw Jesus' authority rising and theirs diminishing. So, they accused Him of working on the Sabbath. But again all of this was by plan as these Pharisees would one day have Jesus killed. And, in so doing, scripture would be fulfilled.

Jesus goes on to heal Peter's mother-in-law. What I found notable in this story was the scriptures state that Jesus "...bent down over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her." I found this interesting as it didn't say Jesus rebuked the demons. It leads me to conclude that not all things wrong in life are there due to demonic oppression or possession.

Finally in verse 43, Jesus was off praying when the people found Him and they tried to get Him to stay. Jesus stated, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." Why does this thrill me? It thrills me due to the implication that He wanted to include both Jews and non-Jews in His salvation plan. I'm a non-Jew, so hallelujah, I can be saved.

In closing, I want to re-emphasize that God has a plan for each of our lives. He did with Adam, Jacob, Israel, David and Jesus, and He does for all of us. Sometimes it is hard to understand His plans for each of us, but be assured that it's in full force. One of my favorite verses of assurance is Romans 8:28 that reads, "All things work together for good to them that love God..."

Prayer

God, thank you for Jesus. You are an amazing God working amazing plans for each of our lives. Help us to understand that in you plan, the answer can be "wait," "no," or us spending some time in turmoil. But I am convinced that you are in charge and all we need to do is to follow and believe. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE THOMPSON

I am the administrator of the Daily Worship Blog. My wife, Carla, and I have been attending UALC for seven years at the 9 o'clock service at Mill Run. We have two children, Catherine and Aaron. I have been a Christian for 53 years and am thankful that my Savior has given me two spiritual gifts that have carried me both spiritually and vocationally all my life: they are teaching and administration. I look forward to spending many years here at UALC to serve my Lord and Savior.

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