TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Luke 9:11
Read: Luke 9:10-11
Listen: Luke 9
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The apostles return from the mission Jesus sent them on. They report they have done all Jesus commanded them. They declare the kingdom of God has arrived and call people to turn away from their sins and toward God in repentance. The apostles heal the sick and drive out demons with Jesus’s power and authority. Though Jesus came to restore and sent his disciples to do the same, suffering remains. Jesus didn’t heal all the sick nor drive out all the darkness. His healing ministry previews what life will be like when God’s kingdom comes in its fullness.
Even when life is pleasant, we can wonder if this is all there is. We sense something is missing. And on the most challenging days, we hope something better will come. The good news is that through Jesus, there is so much more to come. One day, he will make all things new (Revelation 21:5). As we follow him, we begin to experience a preview of the complete restoration yet to come. Through our good works, we partner with Jesus to provide a preview of the kingdom to those around us.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Listen to the Ada Bible Worship Team sing “Stronger.” Join in praising Jesus that, “You are stronger. Sin is broken. You have saved me.” Praise him as your hope and defense who has risen and is Lord of all. Thank him for the preview of all that is yet to come in his kingdom.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
November is BIBLE MEDITATION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
