Day 274 - Pressing In: When Faith Meets Obedience (Luke 5, Mark 1, Matthew 8, Mark 2, Matthew 9) Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

• Luke 5:1 - 11, Mark 1:40 - 45, Matthew 8:1 - 4, Luke 5:12 - 16, Mark 2:1 -12, Matthew 9: 1 - 8, Luke 5:17 - 26, Mark 2:13 -17, Matthew 9:9 - 13, Luke 5:27 - 32, Mark 2:18 - 22, Matthew 9:14 - 17, Luke 5:33 - 39

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Press

In today’s readings, we witness moments of faith, healing, and the calling of disciples, all intertwined with Jesus’ early ministry. From the shores of the Sea of Galilee to the rooftops of crowded homes, we see the power of pressing in—pressing into faith, into obedience, and into the presence of Jesus.

By the Lake of Gennesaret, Jesus teaches the crowd from Simon Peter’s boat. Afterward, He tells Peter to go deeper and let down the nets. Peter, exhausted from a fruitless night of fishing, initially questions the command but chooses to obey, addressing Jesus as “Master,” showing his willingness to take orders from Him.

And with that one act of obedience, their nets fill with fish. Peter, awestruck, falls to his knees in humility, recognizing his unworthiness. But Jesus reassures him, saying, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will fish for people.” Simon Peter, James, and John leave everything to follow Him.

A man full of leprosy falls at Jesus' feet, begging to be cleansed. Jesus, moved with compassion, touches the man—breaking cultural norms—and heals him. He instructs the man to fulfill the Law of Moses by showing himself to the priest.

In a packed house where Jesus is teaching, four friends, desperate to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, can’t get through the crowd. So, they lower him through the roof! Jesus sees their faith and forgives the man’s sins. This statement sparks outrage among the religious leaders.

These stories emphasize obedience, healing, and Jesus’ divine authority. But most of all, they reveal the power of pressing in.

When was the last time you pressed in on God to really listen to His word? Are you pressing in, exerting the effort to stay close to God and truly hear His voice? It’s easy to go through the motions—reading Scripture like a checklist item—but pressing in requires more. It requires focus, intention, and continuous effort.

When I think of the word press, I think of pressing on. Remember, we’re still at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He’s laying a foundation for what’s to come, and He invited Peter, James, and John to join Him for a reason.

I’m amazed by Peter’s obedience. These men were exhausted. They were done for the day. Yet, Peter didn’t argue, didn’t rely on his expertise as a fisherman. When they were tired and “done,” they listened to Jesus and obeyed.

And let’s not miss how they called for help and shared their abundance with others—a beautiful reminder that we are meant to share the blessings God gives us.

Pressing in requires effort, perseverance, and sometimes asking for help. We live in a world where self-sufficiency and independence are prized, but Jesus calls us to community and dependence on Him.

As you reflect on these passages, think about your own life. Are you pressing in? Are you listening to God’s direction, even when it seems inconvenient or challenging? And are you willing to share the blessings you receive with others, inviting them to experience the bounty of God’s goodness?

Let’s commit to pressing in, moving closer to God, and trusting that His Word is enough.

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