Being With Jesus
No one can know another more deeply without spending quality time with them. We found out very quickly in our first year in Canada that when someone invites you home for a meal it is a big deal. More often than not it is a time of getting to know each other better. I remember once when a member of our church remarked matter-of-factly after we had shared a meal in our home “I feel like I know you now.” Have you noticed how several married couples tend to start looking alike or at least share some mannerisms after a few years together? The same can be said of friends and family. As we invest time with Jesus we ought to begin to look more like Him in character.
This was why Jesus the King of Order chose some from the multitude who followed “to be with Him.” Being with Him was more important than Kingdom building tasks such as preaching, casting out devils, and healing the sick. Do you know that oftentimes they retreated into the same house to be together and learn from Him? Retreats were common in their company. See Mark 6:31
Changed Forever
Those who were with Him did not remain the same. They were changed for the better forever! Their faith was not dry and powerless. Let us look at three areas where “Deeper With Jesus” changed their lives for God’s glory.
They Were Empowered
The first disciples of Jesus were a potpourri of interesting characters. Peter, James, and John were uneducated fishermen when they met Jesus, and others were sneaky public servants, like Matthew the tax collector and publican. Peter was often irrational, the sons of Zebedee desired superpowers to call down fire on anyone who offended them (See Luke 9:54). They did not remain the same. There was a remarkable change. To each one of them, he gave power over the devil and his minions as well as power to heal all kinds of sicknesses. This only happened after He had spent some time with them teaching them many things.
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Matthew 10:1 NKJV
When Jesus was leaving finally after accomplishing His short but historically central mission on earth one of the very last things He said about those who believe in Him was “In my name, they shall cast out devils.” It takes the power of God to cast out devils. Evil spirits respond only to legal authority in Jesus’ name and nothing else.
They Experienced Christ In Glory
Imagine watching Jesus walking calmly on the water as the waves danced threateningly towards the boat at 3.30 am. They first thought they were seeing a ghost. That in my opinion is fear multiplied by the power 10. You first are sure you will die and then to add insult to injury a ghost appears. These guys must have regretted deciding to row across the sea toward Capernaum. But then He spoke and “said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Many other examples abound where Jesus manifested His glory:
- Water turned to wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee
- The feeding of 5,000
- Raising the dead like Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter and the Widow of Nain’s son
- And several other miracles
They Became Bold Preachers
They became bold to the point where their love for Jesus swallowed their concern for their own lives and safety. They were sold out to Jesus!
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
Acts 4:13-17 NKJV
There is so much more than just these three items. But we will stop here and reflect on our lives in this generation. Do we love Him and want Him enough to go deeper and experience His glory? Is Jesus all we want?
You’re All I Want
Let Us Pray
Enjoy some worship and Host The Presence Of God
Prayer Items
Please use the verses provided below for prayer. We are following the Model Prayer Template
- Psalm 68. Give thanks to God for the completion of Day 6. Ask for continued strength to complete the fast for yourself and others embarking on this fast. Thank God for His answers in this regard.
- Ephesians 1:15-21. Praise our Father that we are already having deeper encounters with the Lord and His Holy Spirit.
- Matthew 6:9. Hallow (honor and respect greatly) His name. His Name is Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Would you call Him by those names and reflect on how He is indeed showing Himself in these names to you?
- Matthew 6:10, Hebrews 6:9, Acts 1:8. His will is that we are empowered for Kingdom assignments. Please pray that He will visit us with divine power during this extended fast.
- Matthew 6:11, Psalm 35:27. The Lord is interested in your all round prosperity. Speak progress and that we will do well as Children of God.
- Matthew 6:12. Forgive anyone who offended you and ask for His cleansing for known and unknown trespasses. Forgive your spouse, your parents, and your children for any mistakes or grievous sins against you. Let it go in Jesus name!
- Matthew 6:13b, Ephesians 6:10-12, Psalm 35:1-8. Here’s what I am confessing: “Lord thank you for the authority given to me in Jesus’ name. With that authority, I stand to declare victory over every wile of satan in Jesus Mighty Name.”
- Matthew 6:13c, Revelation 11:15. Praise Him for His Kingdom Power and dominion are forever. Glory Hallelujah!
