The demons recognize Jesus (Mk 3:11), but they don't accept Him. The demons want more of the same — to keep those whom they are oppressing from asking Jesus for freedom. The Pharisees likewise didn't accept Jesus (see Jn 1:11), although they might not have recognized Him, despite all the evidence He provided. They wanted a Messiah, but not Jesus, Who brought a "more excellent ministry" than what they expected (Heb 8:6). They weren't looking for something better; they wanted more of the same — to preserve their power, status, and wealth. The crowds trusted Jesus and accepted Him, at least at this point in His public ministry. They expected healings and miracles, and they followed Jesus with great expectations.
What do you expect from God? What do you hope for from Him? Whatever your hopes, Jesus has "more excellent" plans than you could ever ask for or imagine (Heb 8:6; Eph 3:20). Will those plans be "too much" for you? (Mk 6:3) What will you do then? Will you reject Him or dismiss Him?
Ask Jesus for the grace to accept Him. God has been pouring out His grace like a torrential downpour. Repent of any refusal or hesitation to receive His grace. "No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord,' except in the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 12:3). Repent of stifling the Spirit in any way. The grace of God is poured out through the Holy Spirit (Ti 3:4-6). Expect the Holy Spirit to do great things.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I never regard You as a weak God. Raise my expectations to be worthy of Your all-powerful and loving majesty. |
| PROMISE: | "Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry now...founded on better promises." –Heb 8:6 |
| PRAISE: | In his martyrdom, St. Vincent endured much torture rather than deny the Lord. His jailer was so moved by Vincent's peace amid torture that he repented of his sins and converted to the Faith. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College