Does My Life Perplex Anyone?

Daily Reading: Luke 9

Scripture Focus: Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed. (Luke 9.7)

Devotional Thought: Herod’s perplexity came right after the disciples completed their first evangelistic tour of Galilee. It was not only Jesus’ ministry that had Herod befuddled, but also the apostles’ work of healing and casting out demons.

Those who were perplexed by Jesus and his disciples had varying explanations as to what was happening…

• Some said John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. The disciples had a "take-no-prisoners" attitude about the truth. This reminded them of John the Baptist, who eventually lost his life due to his insistence on the truth. That was puzzling to many people in that day. Do I have firm convictions, or do I compromise in order to be socially acceptable?

• Others said that Elijah had appeared. In the Old Testament, Elijah had been taken up into heaven in a chariot of fire. He did not experience death. As I thought about that, I realized that Elijah’s experience gave hope. The message did not and would not die. God’s grace will never die! Is my life of such a consistency that people see the unfailing nature of the gospel?

• Still others said that Jesus was a reincarnation of one of the old prophets. It is one thing to escape death as did Elijah. It is quite another to have a resurrection after death! The resurrection of one of those prophets would be a reminder that God never changes, that he is faithful across years of disappointment and discouragement. The very worst that life can throw at us – death itself – must bow at the feet of Jesus who is the resurrection and the life! Is my faith in God able to withstand the worst of circumstances?

Is your life perplexing anybody?

Prayer: Lord, I must confess that my life often has little impact on those around me. Help me to live with such great faith that those around me will be perplexed - all to the glory of God! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 17 to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; 18 and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; 19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever; 20 and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever; 21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever; 22 a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever. 23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; 24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; 25 he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalms 136:17-26)