Every Day with Jesus

Jeremiah has been called – but he believes he’s not up to it! He thinks he’s too young to do what God is asking. God replies that he shouldn’t say that; after all, the Lord Himself has called the young man, and so Jeremiah must obey, and not be afraid (v8)! God is with him, and will look after him. 

What an extraordinary person Caleb is! He is strong, even at eighty-five years of age (v10), describing himself as ‘just as vigorous’ (v11) as when he was younger! 

Moses was ‘eighty years old’ when he began his work for God! At a time when most people would be thinking of taking it easy and contemplating doing very little, Moses was stepping into his life’s calling. He’d seen the oppression of his captive people when he was young, but in his own strength could do nothing to help.

Moses had been so keen to help his people, the Hebrews, that he had murdered one of their oppressors (Exod. 2:11–14), and had to flee from his adopted home in Egypt. Living in the wilderness then seems to dull his ambitions, because when the time comes for him to do what God has called him to do, in God’s own power rather than his own, he seems very reluctant.

Jonathan was the son of Israel’s first king, Saul, and a real man of God. He had great faith, which is in evidence in today’s passage; he also became a good friend and support for David, the second king of Israel.

Here, Jesus is speaking about His followers being salt and light in this world. He Himself is the ‘light of the world’ who gives us the ‘light of life’ (John 8:12). John 1:9 tells us that when Jesus came into this world, He was ‘The true light that gives light to everyone’, and we, as His followers, must also reflect His light.

When being questioned over the issue of bread, Jesus gives people an answer they don’t expect. It seems the people are hoping He will perform another miracle for them, following the feeding of the thousands of people. But the conversation takes an unexpected turn!

In this story of delays and faith, Jesus is about to perform a great miracle. On hearing Lazarus is ill, He doesn’t go to help his friend straight away. When He does arrive at his home, Lazarus is dead and his sisters are deep in grief. And yet, all is not lost. Jesus tells the grieving Martha, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.

In this poignant yet powerful story, Jesus hears of a friend’s illness, but delays going to help. By the time He gets there, Lazarus is dead and buried. How disappointed Lazarus’ sisters are that Jesus didn’t arrive in time to save their brother!

Peter makes so many mistakes, but it seems that he is the only disciple in the boat to want to take the risk and walk on water when invited to do so! Many of us can probably relate to this hot-headed disciple; he makes extreme statements, such as the one found in Matthew 26:33 where he swears he will never fail Jesus.